Austria Martinerhof Winter
Situated in the charming village of St Martin just 30 miles from the beautiful city of Salzburg, the 4* Martinerhof makes a wonderful venue for a winter riding and skiing holiday. The hotel is owned by the Rettenbacher family and is decorated in a traditional Austrian style with original artwork by Manfred Rettenbacher (cook, artist, musician). Manfred also offers an inspirational range of riding and horse-whispering courses for children and adults. Rides out are available all winter on 130k of the idyllic Lammer Valley bridle paths. Skiing in the Salzburger Sportsworld Amada and the family ski area Dachstein-West. Snowshoe-walking, ice-curling and -skating, tobogganing, snow-tubing and winter-walking are also all available. Combine your holiday with a visit to the famous city of Salzburg: This enchanting medieval walled city is the birthplace of Mozart and the host of one of Europe's most romantic Christmas Markets. Also of course, famous for the setting of the movie The Sound of Music (tours and shows available).
The hotel
50 rooms; twins, singles, doubles, suites and family rooms available. Apartments and more simply-furnished rooms available in the adjacent Haus Anna. Heated indoor pool with fantastic views down the St. Martin valley. Heated outdoor pool.
• Family-friendly atmosphere • Spacious wellness- and recreation area: heated indoor-pool of 29°C, finnish sauna, turkish steam bath, relaxing crystal caves, infrared cabin • Rich breakfast buffet, lunch snack (noon till 4.30 p.m.), soup buffet plus various bread rolls and spreads. • Alpine wellness kitchen based on wholefood, 3 four-course menus to choose from, romantic candle-light dinner once a week, Austrian Buffet once a week • Traditional Austrian night in an alpine hut • Free soft-drinks for kids up to 14 years of age during the day until dinner • New indoor-playground, Table-tennis, organic farm (kids can help out), Pool-billiards (charge) • New and modern gym • Massages on request next door (charge) • Facial treatments available next door (charge) • Direct access from the Hotel to the Wurzer ski lift • Free of charge bus shuttle into the Ski Region Dachstein West • Free of charge cross-country taster session
Spa: There is a fitness-area with solarium, sauna and steambath and a spa providing a relaxing atmosphere for beauty treatments and massages. Crystal Cave with heated handmade tiles to sit on, dimmed light, herbal essences, soft music. Lovely spa treatments: try out the famous LaStone-Therapy - a treatment with hot and cold lava-stones. Brand new - Pantai Luar - an Asian massage with hot herbal essences and precious oils. Relaxing for body and soul, supporting cell-regeneration and activating the self-curing energies...
Three Restaurants - "Zirbenstube", "Kaminzimmer", Garden-Lounge, (non-smoking areas). The wintergarden room is perfect for a tea- or coffee break with homemade cake and tarts or a nice glass of wine while playing cards. The Martinerhof is an organic farm and home-grown produce is used where possible.
The sociable bar is open all day long and offers all kinds of refreshments - and of course numerous non-alcoholic drinks.
Horse Riding:
Manfred Rettenbacher is an Austrian horse-whisperer. He offers courses in horse-whispering to children and adults to develop a better understanding between horse and rider. Rides out are also offered in the wonderful surrounding countryside (gentle rolling hills, forests and farmland) from one hour to all day rides (with picnic or snack lunch). The Martinerhof has a variety of coloured horses and offers free pony rides for the little ones (led by parents in the outdoor sandschool). 130 k of bridle paths available in the Lammertal Valley. The hotel is planning to build an indoor sandschool but currently has an outdoor school (44x22m) and a round pen. Open year round.
Panoramic riding-facilities next to the Hotel (42 m x 22 m riding arena) . 8 coloured horses and ponies.
1 hr riding out £13, ½ hour lunge lesson £13, 10 lessons: £110. Hacks: 1 hr hack £23, Oberstein trail £45 (3hrs with breaks), Rettenbach trail £62 (4hrs with breaks), Lammertal trail £70 (6hrs with breaks). Free pony rides for young children.
Sleigh rides: a variety of sleigh rides are offered each day from an hour's tour to a three hour trip with picnic lunch at a panorama viewing point. Trips depart the hotel at 10am and 2.30pm and also at 6pm for the evening sleigh ride. See pricing section below for details.
1. LAMMERTAL – Short Route: Postwirt – Oberschober (with a short break to enjoy the wonderful panorama). Duration 1hr 15min
2. LAMMERTAL – Long Route: Postwirt – Oberschober – Lämmerhof . Durations 3hrs 30 with a one hour break.
3. HALMGUT: Durations 2hrs 30.
4. NIGHT TIME sleigh rides: long route or ride up to the Halmgut
The weekly Martinerhof programme:
Welcome-night with zither-music, Styrian accordion and homemade schnapps and a highlight for kids , petting-zoo -parties!
Family holidays at the Martinerhof
The pets in the petting-zoo want to be fed and looked after and the horses and ponies want to be cared for by the little ones. While the parents enjoy themselves, the kids are being looked after by highly experienced qualified nannies.
The ski instructors of the local ski school are especially trained for teaching children - using the 3 tier method (games, fun and safety): like playing a game, children will learn easily how to control their skis. Because of the magic carpet lift, ski roundabout and the baby lift even for the youngest, skiing is no problem anymore. If required, book lunch for your kids including as much juice as they want. For the juniors from 3 – 4 years, a half day ski and fun course at Dino’s Mini Club will be offered.
Toboggan-runs and torchlight walks let your kids' heart beat faster. The day ends with a romantic campfire and lots of nonalcoholic hot punch for the little ones - free of charge!
- Juice bar for kids daily till 8.00 p.m. - free of charge
- Great kids discounts 30% up to 100%
- Horseback riding
- Petting-zoo
- Indoor-playground at the Martinerhof
- Outdoor-playground
- Indoor- and outdoor pool
- Varied weekly Activity program
Skiing
Ski pass: 6 day pass for the Ski Region ‘Dachstein West’£422 (adult). Kids born later than 2006 get a free ski pass when accompanied by an adult (family ID reguired). • Very professional ski school with lunchtime supervision in St. Martin • Two large ski areas (Dachstein West and Ski Amadé) Dachstein West provides 140 km of well-prepared ski slopes and 46 lifts and cable cars www.dachstein.at and www.skiamade.com • 4 natural tobogganing slopes • 40 km of cross-country tracks (classic and skating) • Beautiful winter walking tracks • Snow Tube-Lift Ski School and ski hire available and can be arranged on arrival
Dachstein ski region: An area which boasts more than 145 km of family-freindly dream runs for skiers of every ability and 46 skilifts. The modern snow-making equipment throughout the region helps to keep the pistes on the main runs well-prepared until late spring.
The skibus shuttles you through the region free of charge. Dachstein is just 8k from the hotel. Ski school and ski equipment hire all available here.
The family-friendly village of St. Martin offers three ski slopes for beginners and training facilities with ski school instructors and wide pistes for families. (Access direct from the lift at the Martinerhof).
Night skiing on the floodlit piste: every Wednesday and Friday from 7.00 till 9.30 p.m. Due to its location 1.000 m above sea level, St. Martin guarantees perfect snow conditions and a lot of sunshine until Easter. Free from avalanches, situated on an alpine plateau, the Postalm area is a skiing, snowshoe, cross-country and back-country paradise...
Further information: http://www.postalm.at/winter/?PID=1
When all that isn't enough, or for a change one day of the week, travel a little further for the "Salzburger Sportsworld" , Austria's largest interlinked skiing area. One ski pass is now valid for 5 prime ski resorts featuring a total of 276 ski lifts and incredible 865 km of impeccable runs in the SalzburgerLand region and Styria.
Cross-country skiing: Direct access to more than 110 km well-prepared cross-country tracks right next to the Martinerhof..
All kinds of winter sports equipment can be rented in the village.
Advent-Programme 'Early Birds' and Christmas/New Year at the Martinerhof
- Pre-Christmas days at the Martinerhof
- Santa Claus visits the Martinerhof
- Visit the Salzburger Christmas Market and listen to a concert of Christmas carols.
- Guided winterwonderland-walks
- Horsesleigh ride into the pristine nature of the Lammertal Valley
- Festive buffet and candle-light night at the hotel surrounded by romantic instrumental music.
- Visit to Radstadt The sound of Christmas carrols everywhere, festive illumination in the streets, the smell of spicy hot punch, roasted almonds and sweet chestnuts in the air, tempting sweets being offered, the Christmas story acted out on stage, Christmas cribs on display - all to get you in the mood for Christmas.
- Christmas market Winterstellgut One of the Lammertaler Christmas highlights - the romantic Christmas market at the Winterstellgut in Annaberg is located at the bottom of the magic "Bishop's Hut". Every Sunday before Christmas, from 02.00-07.00 p.m. visitors can experience ancient Christmas traditions and authentic handicrafts. Even the arrival is a romantic experience: Horse-sleighs take you to the Winterstellgut.
- Christmas Eve at the Martinerhof At the Martinerhof, you will experience a traditional Austrian Christmas in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon, we celebrate Kids' Christmas in the stable. Afterwards, Santa Claus will give little presents to the young ones. Our nicely decorated Christmas tree welcomes young and old. A traditional Austrian Christmas also includes the visit to the local Christmas Mass at midnight.
- New Year's Eve at the Martinerhof Celebrate the turn of the year with us! Enjoy the delicious festive menu with live music, dance into the new year at midnight and watch the gigantic fireworks on our terrace where hot drinks are being served. Enjoy the midnight snack and the brunch on new year's day!
Cross country skiing:
Right next to the Martinerhof, you have direct access to 110 km of well prepared cross-country tracks.
Cross-contry skiing is fun and hip!. You can choose your style and distance. More than 30 trails totaling more than 200 km in length are sure to please anybody. It's fun for children, too. Criss-crossing the country on certified tracks...
St. Martin as one of the first villages in Salzburg province to have been awarded with the Tennengauer Cross-Country Certificate, a Seal of Quality for its trails. The result will be to insure continued and expanded quality of trail grooming and service. More than 30 cross-country ski trails are included in the new trail guide to Lammertal and the Salzach Valley. 40 km easy and moderate tracks in and around St. Martin, 110 km tracks throughout the Lammertal and 160 km of well-prepared tracks in the Sportwelt Amadé with access in nearby Eben are waiting for you.
The Martinerhof offers a basic cross-country course for all guests holding a guest card - free of charge. Supported by "Bergfex Sports" St. Martin.
Salzburg highlights:
We can arrange city tours of Salzburg and also overnight stays.
Wonderful maze of cobbled pedestrianised streets within the walls of this small medieval fortified city, crowded with churches, beneath the Fortress and surrounded by the dramatic snowy peaks of the surrounding ski resorts, Salzburg is a magical atmospheric place to wander around, do a bit of window shopping, take a sleigh ride or visit some of the historic sights and attractions.
Hohensalzburg Fortres
Hohensalzburg Fortress, built in 1077, is the largest completely preserved fortress in central Europe. Worth visiting are the medieval princely chambers and the fortress museum. The funicular railway built in 1892, takes visitors up from the old town fast and comfortably.
Residence
The medieval palace of the bishops was rebuilt at the end of the 16th century in early baroque splendour. Visit the 11 state chambers used for representation and for residence by the Salzburg Prince Archbishops.
Mozart's Birthplace
Mozart's birthplace where he was born on January 27th, 1756 invites visitors to the home of the Mozart Family and documents the living conditions of that time. Also shown are original instruments, portraits and letters.
Salzburg Festival Halls
For a look behind the scenes of Salzburg Festival, take a guided tour of the Festival Halls, including the lobby, the auditoriums and the stages of the Large and Small Festival Houses.
Hellbrunn Castle and water fountains
Hellbrunn Palace with the lage park and the water fountains is one of the finest examples manneristic architecture north of the Alps and unique in Europe. Experience the practical jokes played by Archbishop Markus Sittikus on his guests.
Stiegl Brewery
The Salzburg Stiegl Berwery, Austria's lagrgest private brewery, takes visitors on an exciting tour of the history of beer, going back thousands of years. Visit "The World of Beers" exhibition and learn how beer is brewed.
Mönchsberg Elevator
Cut into the Mönchsberg rock is the Mönchsberg Elevator, which takes you up to one of Salzburg's best viewpoints.
Riding
1 hr riding out £13, ½ hour lunge lesson £13, 10 lessons: £110. Hacks: 1 hr hack £23, Oberstein trail £45 (3hrs with breaks), Rettenbach trail £62 (4hrs with breaks and snack), Lammertal trail £70 (6hrs with breaks). Free pony rides for young children.
Christmas Specials:
December 21 to 28, 2011 / 7 nights £1839 for half board for 2 adults and 2 children with transfers
JUNIOR SUITE: modern, stylish with 3 extra beds, facing west, village and mountain views; spacious Suite, bedroom and living area equipped with wooden furnishing, wardrobe-landing with large cupboard, bedroom with double-bed (divisible), spacious bathroom with hairdryer, separate loo, under floor heating in the bathrooms, safe, TV, Internet access, balcony.
December 23 to 30, 2011 / 7 nights £1569 for half board for 2 adults and 2 children with transfers in the Apartment „Almrausch“ (40m²) in the adjacent Landhaus Anna Nr. 10 facing south, with spacious bedsitting-room, additional double-bedroom, cooking-facilities, shower, hairdryer, separate toilet, phone, safe, TV and balcony. Winter ski package:
Price per person for 7 nights on half board (based on two sharing a 'Donnerkogel' double room with a 6 day ski pass for Dachstein West and the St. Martin ski lifts:
Adult: From £510 to £625 depending on the date during the season.
Child from 0-3 Free of charge.
Child 4-6 £145 to £185
Child 7-12 £256 to £310
Child 13-15 £295 to £356
With free ski shuttle, free cross-country skiing taster session (Mondays), a tobogan party (using the Martinerhof Express), participation in the changing weekly activity programme, welcome drink with Mrs Rettenbacher's home-made Schnapps. Half board is a buffet breakfast, evening 4 course menu (three different menus to choose from including vegetarian, healthy diet, salad buffet, candle-light dinner, regional farmers or Mediteranean buffet and free lunch of soups, spreads and bakery). Kids can help themselves from the soft drinks bar until 8pm.
Holidays can generally be of any duration and start on any day (except where specified).
ADVENT package - Available from 1st to 22nd December
7 nights: adult in a double room on half board: from £398 or in 'Comfort' double room on half board: £465
ICE CRYSTAL package - Available from 7-20th January and from 10-30th March
7 nights adult in a double room on half board: £398 or in 'Comfort' double room on half board: £465
Please get in touch for your personal quote for family rooms and suites, for single rooms or for children's discounts.
kids up to 3 years: free of charge4 to 6 years:60 % discount 7 to 12 years:50 % discount13 to 15 years: 40 % discount
SLEIGH RIDE PRICES
1. LAMMERTAL – short oute: duration 1h 15 Price per person £14
2. LAMMERTAL – long route: duration 3h.15 with 1hr snack break. Price per person £18
3. HALMGUT: durations 2h.30 . Price per person £17
4. Night time sleigh rides: Halmgut £18
Minimum numbers apply. Children under 12 years are half price. Day time rides start and at 2.30pm. Night time sleigh rides start at 6pm..
Holidays can generally be of any duration and start on any day (except where specified).
Make a reservation / enquiry.
These prices are guidelines only. Please contact us for an exact quote since prices will vary depending on the season, the amount of riding you wish to do and whether you are travelling alone or with a group. To calculate the equivalent cost of your holiday in another currency, please visit XE.com's Universal Currency Converter.
Getting there:
Transfer to and from the airport is included in the cost of your holiday. (c.45mins) and can be arranged from any flight.
The nearest airport is Salzburg (ca 50km). A minibus or car transfer to this airport is included in the cost of the holiday. Despite it's convenient position, just a short journey from Salzburg, the Martinerhof is quietly located up on a gentle hill above the village, 200m away from the main road. Best air-fares to Salzburg from Stansted with Ryanair. (every day except Tuesday and Thursday, or from London Gatwick with Easyjet on Sundays)
By air Arrival at the Salzburg W.A. Mozart Airport or the Franz-Josef-Strauss Airport at Munich
Train to Bischofshofen and continue with public bus services or book our pick-up service. The cost of the pick up from here is £25 one way for 1-8 people).
Ryanair (London Stansted, Liverpool and Dublin to Salzburg).Flybe (Bristol, Exeter and Southampton to Salzburg).Aer Lingus (Dublin to Salzburg).Easyjet fly from Gatwick, Bristol and Liverpool to Salzburg.www.airportdirecttravel.co.uk is Birmingham Airport's own website and sells charter tickets from Birmingham to SalzburgAir Berlin fly from Stansted to Salzburg ( Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays), leave Stansted at 2pm, arriving in Salzburg at 5pm. Return flights will depart from Salzburg at 12.30pm, arriving in Stansted at 1.30pm. Prices start at £34 one way including free ski carriage, 20kg luggage allowance, allocated seats and in-flight refreshments
First Choice (London Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester to Innsbruck).
Flythomascook (London Gatwick and Manchester to Innsbruck).
British Airways (London Gatwick to Innsbruck and London Heathrow to Munich).
Austrian Airlines (London Heathrow to Innsbruck).
Lufthansa (London Heathrow, Birmingham and Manchester to Munich).
Lowcostseats - internet travel agent for charter flights offering good deals.
Dohop - searches charter and schedule services.
Travelocity - internet travel agents for schedule services.
We can advise on flying from other airports, train, car hire and self-drive options - please contact us.
Austrian train timetable.
Self-drive: Car rental can be booked easily and inexpensively online with Holiday Autos. Please tell us so that we can reduce the quote of your holiday.
Train travel: For everything you need to know about any train journey visit Seat Sixty-One.
Riding ability
Beginners to advanced riders welcome. Trekking in the snow is for intermediate and advanced riders.
Winter riding is offered subject to weather and snow/ground conditions.
What to bring
Your normal jodhpurs or trousers which can be worn over thick tights with thermals underneath, a warm anorak/coat, gloves, scarf and boots with a good tread (essential), and jumper/fleece/long-sleeved t-shirt layers which can be added and removed as required. Although rarely insisted upon outside the UK, you should always wear your hat whilst mounted. Ski balaclava can be worn beneath when required. Although hard hats are available in all our riding establishments, you are advised to bring your own.
Weather
Current weather forecasts for the next five days for Salzburg can be found here and weather information for the Tyrol region and Austria in general can be found here.
Environmental issues
You can calculate the CO2 emission of your journey to Austria at Climate Care and compensate for your 'environmental footprint'. If you let us know how much it is we will be happy to pay this on your behalf.
Austria has one of the highest levels of household recycling and organic farming in Europe. It also has some of the cleanest lakes, is 47% forested and produces nearly 70% of its energy from renewable sources such as water.
In the office, we use paper from sustainably managed forests and recycled material where possible.
We encourage you to travel onwards from your arrival airport by rail when possible, and will book seats on your behalf.
How to book
To make a non-binding enquiry or a provisional booking, please fill in the reservations & enquiries form. Once we have checked availability, we will send you a quote with a holiday reference number by email. To secure your holiday, a deposit is required of £200 per person (or half the cost of the holiday, whichever is lower) and forward any insurance premiums to the insurance company. You should book your flights at this stage, and forward details to us so that we can organise your transfers. The balance of payment must be received by us not less than eight weeks before departure. Payment instructions.
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Browse our Guest book or look at what the press have had to say.
Insurance: all riders must be fully insured. We can recommend this travel insurance policy. The application form may be printed out to send with your premiums direct to the insurance company.
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