The day after Christmas, my girlfriend and I packed up our winter gear and headed to Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, for a five-day skiing holiday. She brought her snowboard, while I stuck to my trusty skis. Having spent years racing, skiing feels like second nature to me, but for her, it was a return to snowboarding after a three-year break. To say I was proud of her is an understatement – she picked it up so quickly and handled the slopes like a natural.
We arrived at Glemm by Avenida, a beautiful hotel nestled in the heart of the Alps. Check-in was seamless, and when we walked into our room, we were greeted by the sight of snow-covered peaks right outside our window. The room felt warm and inviting – the perfect retreat after a day in the cold. That evening, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant before cozying up in bed to watch a film, a lovely way to wind down.
Each morning, we started our day with an impressive buffet breakfast. The spread was a feast for the eyes and stomach, filled with everything from fresh pastries to hearty, mountain-ready meals. Energized, we made our way to the ski lifts, where gondolas whisked us up into a winter wonderland.
Our first day on the slopes was magical. The sky was a perfect blue, with the sun shining brightly and not a single cloud in sight. Around midday, we took a well-deserved break for an Aperol Spritz and a slice of Austrian apple strudel at one of the charming mountain huts. Since it was our first day, we decided not to push ourselves too hard, wrapping up early to explore the village. Wandering through the streets, we soaked in the festive atmosphere and snowy charm of our surroundings.
Midway through our trip, we treated ourselves to a day of pure relaxation. Instead of skiing, we spent the day at the hotel, indulging in the spa and wellness facilities. The highlight was the heated outdoor pool, where we floated under the crisp winter sky, the warmth of the water contrasting beautifully with the icy air around us. It was pure bliss.
The rest of the days were a perfect balance of skiing and indulging in local delicacies. The mountain huts dotted along the slopes became our lunchtime havens. My personal favorite was Käsnocken, a hearty Tyrolean dish, while my girlfriend couldn’t resist the classic Viennese schnitzel. In the evenings, we discovered Xandl Stadl, a cozy restaurant that quickly became our go-to spot for dinner.
On the final days, we explored the picturesque mountain roads in our car, taking in the breathtaking alpine views. Each twist and turn revealed another postcard-perfect scene, making even the simplest drives feel like an adventure.
Our stay in Saalbach-Hinterglemm was everything we’d hoped for and more. It was a trip filled with laughter, adventure, and relaxation – the perfect way to spend the holiday season. We’re already looking forward to returning next year, eager to carve new memories into the snowy slopes of Austria.