While relatively small as ski areas go, Alpbachtal ski resort is very popular with families due to its extensive beginner (25 per cent) and intermediate (65 per cent) level runs, although there are some challenging courses for experienced skiers, particularly when there is powder on the slopes. Snowboard riders are well catered for, as are cross-country skiers and winter hikers.
Alpbach village is set in a stunningly beautiful location, with plenty of charming traditional Alpine buildings, quaint restaurants and lively nightlife. It is convenient to other ski areas, as well as to the famous crystal centre of Rattenberg, the majestic beauty of the Hintertux Glacier, and the cultural charms of Innsbruck.
The family-friendly Alpbachtal ski area has 45kms of runs and 19 lifts. Lift capacity is 20,000 skiers per hour, and there are two gondolas, seven chairs and 11 surface lifts. Most of the skiing is on the Wiedersberger Horn, a huge ice cream cone that is nearly 2,100 metres high, where skiers can find a 1,100m vertical drop.
Snowboarding is available, with one snowboard terrain park and two snowboard half-pipes. Cross-county skiers have 32kms of track in the valley and winter wanderers on foot have 160kms. Other snow activities on offer at Alpbachtal ski resort include: tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, sledding and Alpine curling.
Located on the ski slopes are dozens of excellent eateries and cafés, perfect for relaxing between runs. Alpbach village is famous for its lively Tyrolean nightlife, and there are plenty of exciting bars and discotheques to choose from. During the day, for a break from the slopes, sample the alternative recreational options such as ice-skating, indoor swimming and sauna bathing, and paragliding.
The ski season at Alpbachtal runs from December to April. Skiing is best during February and early March, while the best bargains can be had at the beginning and end of the season.
Alpbachtal can be easily reached by air or train. Although Innsbruck is closer, most visitors arriving by air use Munich, which is two hours away by autobahn. The best train option is via Paris, Mulhouse and Zürich to Innsbruck and Worgl.
