Winter holidays on the Wilder Kaiser – skiing and more
The Wilder Kaiser region is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts, and indeed for those who want to enjoy the snowy mountain landscape at a more leisurely pace. The Sölllandl area is particularly atmospheric in the Advent period, when the aroma of mulled wine hangs in the air at the numerous Christmas markets.
Skiwelt
With 90 ski lifts and 284 kilometres of piste, the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is Austria’s largest interconnected ski area. Thanks to ski runs with a range of difficulty levels, it has plenty to offer for families and ambitious skiers and snowboarders. There are more than 70 cosy, family-run mountain huts in the area, where you can make a stop and get some refreshments. With four fun parks, several ski movie runs and a number of speed measurement runs, this is a ski resort with real variety.
Wochenbrunn
A wonderful winter hiking trail leads up to the Wochenbrunner Alm, which is located on the Wilder Kaiser at an altitude of 1,085 meters. The 4.5-km Wochenbrunn Trail leads from Ellmau, past farmhouses and through woodland, to this stunning viewpoint, where you can refuel for the descent with a hearty platter of meat and cheese. This moderate winter hike, which is also suitable for families, involves just over three hours of walking.
Skiing and snowboarding
Skiers and snowboarders who come to Ellmau will appreciate the direct access to SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental. From Ellmau, a modern, family-friendly 10-seater cable car takes you up the Hartkaiser mountain. Then, you can get carving on the sunny piste, go for a full-on adrenalin rush on the steep “Black East” run, or make sweeping arcs in the deep snow of the “White Kögl”. Snowboarders can take on challenging obstacles in the Kaiserpark. A free ski-bus goes every 15 minutes, and the bus stop is right outside your apartment.
Tobogganing – by day or night
The Astberg Toboggan Run promises high-speed fun for the whole family. To reach the start of the run at the Brenner Alm, it’s an hour’s uphill walking or a short ride on the chairlift. The descent of the 4.5-km route, which is floodlit until midnight each day, takes around 25 minutes. You can rent toboggans at the bottom station of the Astberg lift.
Horse-drawn sleigh ride
A horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy winter landscape at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser is an unforgettable romantic experience. While the horses snort, the bells ring and the carriage slides along over the crunching snow, you – wrapped warm in thick blankets – enjoy the magnificent view and listen to the local driver telling village stories. Evening tours by moonlight are particularly special.
Christmas markets
A number of traditional Christmas markets are held in the Wilder Kaiser area during the Advent period. At these markets you’ll find beautiful crafts from the region and you can enjoy Tyrolese delicacies, while the aroma of lebkuchen (gingerbread) and glühwein (mulled wine) wafts in the air around you. The Christmas market in Going and the Advent Z'sammkemma in Söll are particularly atmospheric. Held at an altitude of 1,555 metres, Ellmi’s Bergadvent is Europe’s highest Christmas market.
Night skiing
Söll boasts Austria’s biggest night skiing area. The pistes at the Hochsöll, Hexen6er and Hans im Glück lifts are freshly prepared after daytime skiing. As dusk falls, you can enjoy perfect skiing conditions under the floodlights. Hurtling down the mountain while the landscape around you is bathed in darkness is a very special experience. You can then go straight from the valley exit to explore the various après-ski options.
Winter hiking
In the winter months, a 125-km network of well-maintained winter hiking routes extends around the Wilder Kaiser municipalities of Ellmau, Söll, Going and Scheffau. These lead through sunny valleys and over the gentle foothills of the mountain range. The guided Bergdoktor winter hikes that visit the filming locations of the well-known TV series are especially popular.
Cross-country skiing
A 65-km snowsure cross-country trail leads over sunny plains at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser. Be it skating or traditional cross-country skiing, beginners and passionate cross-country skiers will find what they’re looking for here. There is a floodlit night trail in Scheffau for winter sports enthusiasts who want to make the most of every minute in the snow. Haselsberger Apartments guests can join the trail right from our front door.
Snowshoe hiking
Snowshoe hiking is a great way to explore Tyrol’s snowy landscape, away from the prepared pistes and trails. Follow game passes, and discover native forests and the Alpine environment. Depending on the pace and level of difficulty, snowshoe hiking can be an experience for the whole family or sweat-inducing sport. Guided snowshoe hikes are also on offer in the Kaiser municipalities of Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll.
Ski touring
Calm tranquillity and outstanding vistas await you on ski tours in the unspoiled winter landscape of the Wilder Kaiser. After a strenuous ascent, you are rewarded with an adrenalin-inducing descent over powdery or firn snow. Guided tours are available for beginners in the Kaiser municipalities. Even if familiar with the area, some routes are best undertaken with a local state-certified mountain and skiing guide. You can also take part in on-piste night skiing tours in the Sölllandl region.
