Europe’s Most Beautiful Village!

Westendorf epitomises the quaint Austrian ski village. This pretty winter ski resort is set on a sunny plateau in the Brixental Valley in the Tyrol province, it is intimate, friendly, informal and reasonably priced.

With everything in the village within walking distance, it is perfect for families and those of us who may be directionally challenged and still want to get to ski school on time!

Ski Season:	Mid December - Early April (Subject to snow conditions each year.)
Village Altitude:	783m
Ski Area:	SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental ski area connects the villages of Brixen im Thale, Ellmau, Going, Hopfgarten, Itter, Kelchsau, Scheffau, Söll and Westendorf.
Ski Range:	620m to 1867m
Accessibility:	Depending on snow conditions, some hotels in the village may be Ski-In. However, most often visitors will have a short walk or free ski bus ride to the nearest lift station.
Pistes (prepared slopes):	284km of prepared slopes	Blue (Easy): 122km Red (Intermediate): 129km Black (Advanced): 33km
Cross Country:	196.5 kms of beautifully groomed trails Highlight: The 2.2 km long high-altitude cross-country track at SkiWelt Brixen
Lift Pass:	SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental
Lift Types:	90 in the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental	16 Gondolas 35 Chairlifts 18 Drag/T-bar or button lifts 21 Rope tow for beginners 15 Sunkids moving carpets
Highest Lift:	1867m
Snow & Fun Parks:	Numerous snowparks in the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski area: The BIG Playground on the Gampenkogel in Westendorf, and a beginners’ park in the valley. Söll also has two snowparks and one ski/boarder-cross course. In Ellmau, there is a medium-size Funpark and a Funslope.
Ski Rental:	A variety of skis, snowboards , boots (for ski or board) and poles for all levels of skier are available to rent at rental outlets in the village. So too are helmets and avalanche transponders. All skiers/boarders are advised to wear helmets on the slopes. These items are included in travel packages.
Ski Schools:	Group lessons twice a day, morning & afternoon, from Monday to Friday (5 days). Classes for beginner, intermediate & advanced skiers and boarders with no more than 12 people per instructor. Arranged by Gail & Team and included in your holiday package for all guests ≥12yrs.
Other Village Highlights:	Second largest ski area in Austria after the Ski Arlberg area. Beautiful little Tyrolian village with oodles of charm. Some of the best value for money in Europe! World Snow Awards: SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental - Ecological Resort of the Year 2017

Our recommended accommodation in Westendorf is more varied than other resorts we feature which is, in part, a reason for the great value for money in this little village. Travellers have a choice of three accommodation types:

Pensions - Pensions are like large B&B’s or guesthouses. In Austria, pensions are generally family run establishments with a wonderful homely atmosphere. They offer comfortable en suite rooms with hearty homemade breakfasts before you start the day. Dinners can also be arranged with a little advanced warning.
Apartments - The big advantage of staying in apartments is the great value and the extra space, which generally consists of bedroom/s, bathroom/s, and open plan sitting, dinning and kitchen area. These establishments are typically self-catering and ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together.
Hotels - There are only a few hotels in Westendorf but like most other establishments in the village, many are family owned and run, which once again makes for a cosy, homely atmosphere and great service.

These are some of our recommended options but there are many others to choose from - please talk to us about your ideal holiday and we will help you find the best options:

Pension Sporer Owned and run by Christl and Hans, this lovely pension is one of our favourites. It is located within an easy 2 to 3 minute walk of the nursery slopes, ski school and the centre of town. All rooms - single, double and family rooms - are equipped with free wifi, bathroom with shower, radio, flat screen TV, hairdryer and balcony. The family rooms consist of two bedrooms with an adjoining sitting area and can accommodate 5 people
Apartments Ruetz In Westendorf our recommended apartments are as close to the slopes as you can get! The 8 superbly appointed apartments are located above and next to our preferred ski rental shop and right on the nursery slopes. They are also a short walk from the Schneeberg Lift Station (the main gondola out of town), restaurants, supermarkets, bars and frequent public transport. All apartments have a living room, dining area and a kitchen with refrigerator, hob, oven, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker and toaster, etc. Apartments have modern amenities e.g. flat-screen cable TV with DVD player and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Vital Landhotel Schermer This 4 Star Superior hotel has been in the Schermer family for three generations and is very much a landmark in the village. The hotel is located just 350m from the Alpenrosenbahn, the main gondola station from the village to the top of the mountain, and a few minutes' walk to the centre of the village. The hotel has a variety of room types from single rooms for solo skiers to spacious family suites. All rooms are well appointed with a balcony, full bathroom with shower, fridge, telephone, cable-SAT-TV, radio and safe. We love the spa, which is a great place to relax and unwind after a good day on the slopes.

Address

6363 Westendorf, Tirol, Austria

Visas

South Africa passport holders will require a Schengen Visa for Austria.

Your visa should be obtained through the country where you will be spending most time during your stay (i.e. it could be different from your country of entry). If you would like someone to help you with your visa application we have had great experience with Visas Unlimited (website, enquiries@visasunlimited.co.za or 011 452 4646)

Transfers

Transfers are arranged from Munich Airport (160km, about 1 hour 45mins drive time)

Check in /Check out

Check-in varies from hotel to hotel but typically after 2 pm and before 8 pm.
Guests arriving early may be able to have lunch at the Resort, at extra cost, subject to availability
Rooms to be vacated by 10 am on last day, for departure at 3 pm (breakfast and lunch included)