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Ask our expert: late spring ski-ing
A reader gets advice from our ski expert on late spring ski-ing in Austria
Kate Whittaker answers your questions...
Ski-ing in powder snow
I have a wedding on Saturday 30th March 2008 in Lake Bled, Slovenia. The week prior to this (from Sat 23rd March) my boyfriend and I would like to go skiing somewhere nearby. However, having skied in Slovenia in March this year, I know the resorts are not very high, and am worried about snow quality. It was getting distinctively slushy by then!
Can you recommend a resort from which it is relatively easy to get to Lake Bled for two intemediate skiers (and also recommend transfer options by plane, train or automobile) We intend to fly to the region. I know that Austria and Italy are options...Helen Willcock by email
A response from Times Online ski expert, Kate Whittaker:The good news is that Lake Bled is just 45km from the national borders of Austria which has a good choice of resorts in the south east corner of the country. Take a cheap flight to Salzburg and head to either Schladming or Obertauern in this region. Both are easily reached by train from Salzburg or hire a car from the airport and drive there. The following Saturday, just drive for an easy two hours (177km) down to Lake Bled or take the train (four hours) to the local station, Lesce-Bled.
Schladming has extensive north-facing slopes and a wealth of snowmaking equipment, meaning that its many red and blue runs are kept well-covered even in snow-sparse times. And although the nightlife isn’t as jumping as other Austrian resorts, the après-ski and choice of restaurants should keep you busy for a week. Iif you have a car, you can also easily visit the neighbouring resorts. More information from http://en.skiamade.com
For a livelier atmosphere and higher slopes than Schladming, head to Obertauern. A functional resort with not much alpine charm, this modern resort excels in having snow sure skiing, interesting mountain restaurants, a jumping après-ski scene and a good selection of hotels and lodgings. The resort also runs a shuttle service from Salzburg.
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Helen,
I think John is right; thus if you go skiing to Kanin (2200m high), you have a chance to ski in three countries (Austria, Italy and Slovenia), because the slopes there are connected. If you buy one week ticket for Kanin you are also allowed to ski on foreign slopes where you can choose what suits you more.
Congratulations!
Let your stay in Slovenia be pleasant.
Igor, Bovec, Slovenia
Helen,
The two highest skiing resorts in Slovenia are both very close to Bled. Vogel (http://www.slovenia.info/?smucanje=130), by lake Bohinj is half an hour away and has a solid amount of pistes. Kanin (http://www.slovenia.info/?smucanje=65), in Bovec, is also quite near (there is a car-train that connects Bohing and Most na Soci, about 50 kilometres from Bovec), and my personal favourite ski centre in Slovenia (at 2300 metres, there is usually plenty of snow through June...). Kanin, however, has only a few (but long) pistes. Hope this helps... Congratulations and enjoy your trip.
John, Bled, Slovenia