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The
skiing in depth...
The big draw here as far as
skiers are concerned is the Stubai glacier at the end of the valley. The
glacier is, of course, ski able the year round, a fact which is a great
source of comfort to both skiing visitors and to businesses that rely on
winter sports tourism for their living.
The Stubai Valley consists of
the villages of Neustift, Fulpmes, Telfes, Meiders and Schönberg. These
are separate and individual ski areas and separate and unique villages.
Neustift and Fulpmes have individual ski schools and ski areas, and each
has an individual lift pass allowing skiers access only to the slopes
immediately above the town. Each village also has a pass which permits
one to ski on the Stubai glacier, which is far and away the best draw in
the valley.
As glaciers go, the Stubai entry
is bigger and better than many. Its skiing will be a source of pleasure
to all but the absolute beginner, and will even not bore the undies off
those who claim to be real humdingers.
This particular slab of snow-covered
ice though comes into its own when caressing the talents of the relatively
experienced intermediate recreational skier. As well as guaranteed snow, the
glacier has some fantastic views, all of which add tremendously to its
popularity.
If you happen to visit the area in
summer the drive to the glacier is especially rewarding, as the blooming
flowers, rivers, wild life and mountains are indeed memorable.
The glacier is not the only game in
town though. Many skiers are perfectly content to spend their holidays on the
ski areas directly above the villages. These in fact are excellent places to
enjoy a carefree day on the slopes, and to improve your skills under the
tutelage of the local ski schools. Less you think these slopes are for beginners
only, you should know there is some moderately aggressive terrain to be found
and one could do a lot worse than staying close to home base.
Aggressive marketing, resulting in
increased awareness of the year round sports and vacation possibilities in the
Stubaital has led to the area's increased popularity as a stunning year round
active lifestyle destination.
The resorts in the Stubaital are
neither super sophisticated nor expensive. Good value might be the best
descriptive phrase here, both hotel and aprés ski wise. The latter tends to
be of the typical Austrian variety offerings of Tyrolean style "knees up"
evening which folks do so tend to enjoy.
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