Adrenaline pumping, heart racing, and heavy-breathing are just some of the sensations that I was experiencing as I sped down a slope on the Austrian Alps with my snowboard. These feelings grew more and more intense the deeper I focused on keeping my balance, dodging obstacles, and not busting my ass. It was at this moment that I decided I was way over my head and stopped. What was to come after this action was eye-opening.
As I sat down to calm myself, I looked up and witnessed a view that I will never forget(picture above). I was on this random trail I stumbled on some part of the mountain that I had no idea about. I just happened to be here and happened to be witnessing this view. Jagged mountains high up in the sky and villages situating at the bottom. Even though I was completely lost in the present moment of happiness while riding. There was still even more beauty to be found in that moment. All I had to do was take the time to look around for it. That is what the Austrian Alps offers to those who are looking.
Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matre
Grossglockner is the highest mountain in Austria and Kals-Matre is a ski resort that lays on a small part of that mountain. Snowboarding down the slopes of the Austrian Alps is what made me fall so in love with snowboarding. It also made me begin appreciating the winter season a lot more.
Right away when you enter the Tyrol state in Austria, you are greeted by insanely intimidating mountains. Grossglockner Resort in the Kals-Matrei is the largest skiing area in East Tyrol and one of the most beautiful in the Austrian Alps. The views here reveal how incredible the wintery alpine world can be. Aside from the beauty, this resort guarantees the best snow conditions for both beginners and pros. Just because the slopes are high up in elevation doesn’t mean that they are meant only for pros. There are many beginner hills and bunny slopes that still display spectacular views and provide enjoyable rides.
It is within easy reach from Virgen(the village we stayed in). It’s around a 10-minute drive to the lift which is at the base of the mountain. Depending on how long you’re staying here, you have an option of multiple lift ticket rates.
- 1-day pass – €47 ($55).
- 2-day pass – €93 ($107)
- 6-day pass – €243($281).
In my opinion, these prices are very good considering how incredibly beautiful this mountain is and how much it offers you to see. So I highly recommend getting the 6-day pass in order to fully experience the mountain and all of its trails.
The Slopes of Grossglockner
Here you can enjoy skiing/snowboarding on 37 km of slopes. From the moment you get on the lift, you’ll experience some impressive views of the alps. There are restaurants built on certain parts of the mountain. So as you’re riding down a trail, you can just pull off into a restaurant for some warm food and hot wine or Gluhwein as pronounced in Austria.
Honestly, it takes around 20-30 minutes to ride down the mountain from the top. I found it so amazing how many different variations there were to get to the bottom. Each trail unlocking its own unique view of the alps. For a whole day, you probably won’t be able to experience each individual trail. Maybe you can go down each one, but I would definitely advise you to take advantage of all the benches laid out within the trails which allow you to take in the views. At some point, while you’re going down, you even ride through roads where cars pass through and have stop signs. This is an example of how much land these slops cover on this mountain.
It’s crazy how enormous this mountain is to begin with. Once you get off the first lift, you’re not even close to the highest point of the mountain. You would have to ride down a specific trail that takes you to another lift that brings you to the highest and final location of the resort. Reaching this point will make any doubt you had about this trip completely go away. From every direction you look to there are snow-covered mountain peaks and you’re soaring above them all. As great as the view is there’s something truly amazing that also awaits at this spot!
Adler Lounge
After getting off from the highest point of the mountain that a lift can drop you off. There is a restaurant lounge built up on top of Grossglockner Mountain at 8,600ft(2621m)! I was so shocked to find out about this because I had no idea this existed. I mean its a restaurant only accessible by cable car. Here you can sit down, relax, have some food/beer, and enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Alps. It’s a stunning panorama over the surrounding mountains and peaks. There’s also sunbathing chairs outside, hot tea, and wi-fi at this lounge.
Whenever you feel like it, you can just put your gear back on and from the entrance of the lounge begin riding down the slopes to the bottom of the mountain. Since you’re at the highest location as far as slopes go, there are so many different paths to choose from. But be careful here as the slopes are all black diamond or blue.
Where to Stay – Virgen, Tyrol, Austria
We stayed in a very small, yet beautiful village called Virgen. What makes this village so charming is that it’s completely surrounded by mountains. It is situated in between Grossglockner(3,800m) and Grossvenediger mountains(3,674m). Because of its location, this area has a unique climate. The two mountains wrapping around the village keep away cold winds and bring in lots of sun. Fun fact about this place is that it was voted Europe’s most beautiful flower village in 2006.
This isn’t a place where you can find a hostel to stay in. The best and cheapest option here is to find a room through Airbnb. I found a farm stay called Habererhof. It is run by a really nice family that have a range of farm animals throughout the property. They produce their own milk, butter, and cheese which they offered me for breakfast every morning. There was nothing better than a home cooked meal and coffee with very fresh ingredients.
Lienz, Austria
Virgen is also only a 45-minute drive to the medieval town of Lienz. This charmingly small city has around 12,000 inhabitants, where at every turn the past and the lively present meet. The main square is reserved for pedestrians, in order for you to be able to better enjoy the city. So stroll across the shops to witness the craftsmanship work of the locals. There’s the Bruck Castle as well as the Tammerburg Castle which are interesting to explore. As for those who enjoy hiking and nature, there are numerous hiking paths that lead you to Hohe Tauern National Park.
