| Active Summer & Winter Holidays in the Austrian Tirol |
|
|
|
|
||
| Frequently Asked Questions - Summer | ||
|
Recent summers have experienced temperatures well into the 30s with glorious sunshine (hence the abundance of open air swimming pools) The whole region though, is mountainous and hence the weather is changeable. There can be spectacular storms that are a distant memory an hour later! Rainfall can be torrential but is generally short lived and followed by days of sunshine. Often the rain is welcome as it clears the air and brings out the fragrance of the Austrian countryside. Being well south of "Old Blighty", the sun is much higher in the sky and high factor sun cream is as important as if you were on the French Riviera. Sunset in the mountains can provide photographers with their most beautiful shots.
|
|
|
There are advantages to having a car available to you, especially if you are a family and bus fares would all be four-fold. However, it is not necessary and there is an excellent infrastructure in the whole area. Car hire is fairly good value and if you are having to pay for taxi transfers to and from the airport, you might consider the extra cost worthwhile and have a vehicle available all week. If you are planning to visit sites further a field, there are daily coach trips from the tourist office. However, again, if you are a family of 4 then car hire would prove more cost effective and give you the flexibility to visit places when you want (ie on the occasional rainy day!)
|
|
|
This really is down to personal choice. Flying is quick and nowadays fairly painless. Prices for flights vary considerably. The drive to Austria takes around 12 hours from Calais. We have done this journey regularly and using German motorways it is an easy trip with two drivers. You then have your car available for the holiday. If you do choose to drive, check with your insurance company, you may still require a green card. Once in Austria, a "vignette" is required for motorway driving which is available from all motorway service stations (but who wants to drive on the motorways anyway - the minor roads are far more beautiful!) Remember, diesel is much cheaper on the continent. There is ample parking at Chalet Heidi. A more expensive, but more comfortable journey, by car is by taking the overnight ferry from Hull to Rotterdam. Chalet Heidi is only 10 hours driving from Rotterdam and the overall journey (if you live in the Midlands or North) is greatly reduced.
|
|
|
The SkiWelt region in the summer has won awards for its efforts to become one of Austria's best "child orientated" resorts. There are numerous activity areas within the SkiWelt hills dedicated to children and the swimming pools either side of Scheffau cater exceptionally well for children. At Chalet Heidi, we provide a television/games room where children can play safely. Children are welcome in the bar in the evenings, as will be the case at other local bars and restaurants. Guests are welcome to use our BBQ facilities on the rear patio for a small fee!
|
|
|
There is an abundance of restaurants in the whole area with nine in Scheffau alone. Whilst walking in the hills or mountains, eating and drinking establishments will appear in the most bizarre and beautiful locations. Generally, costs are far cheaper than similar establishments in the UK. Beer (lager) costs around £1.80 per pint and you can easily eat out for less than £7 a head. Booking is not necessary at most restaurants, but should you be looking to have an extra special meal out at one of Scheffau's finer establishments, it may be advisable. Ski Haus Holidays would be happy to help in this.
|
|
|
For cycling and walking no special equipment is needed, but a firm pair of walking shoes/boots is advisable. Cycle helmets can be provided. Remember, it is a mountainous region and, on some days, carrying a light waterproof would be advisable. Those brave souls, risking some of the more dangerous activities, will find specialist equipment is provided. For low level walking and cycling, a normal holiday insurance policy would suffice. Again, anyone risking some of the more dangerous activities, should ensure their policy covers those activities.
|
|
|
Although a small quiet village, Scheffau has most amenities required for daily survival. These include: a supermarket, two banks with cash points, a post office, a church, a tourist information office, a bus service, equipment and clothing shops, several bars/restaurants, and a taxi service.
|
|
|
Information is best obtained from the tourist information office (3 minutes from Chalet Heidi) although there will be a wealth of information in Chalet Heidi's reception and staff will be around to help and advise guests. Although only guests on the "Summer Activities Package" will benefit from accompanied walking and cycling, there will be walks and cycle routes available to all guests.
|