Winter Riding at the Schlosswirt
Enjoy winter in this stunning national park from the back of a Haflinger pony. Highlights include galloping through the deep snow, winter moonlight rides through the forest and horse sleigh rides along the river. In the evening spoil yourself in this romantic cosy hotel with a hot Gluhwein or Schnapps by the fireplace in the friendly bar. Rejuvenate those tired muscles with a sauna or steam bath then enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner. Ski-touring and off-piste ski guiding with a professional ski and mountain guide. Long ski season. International ski resort with excellent access to off-piste (with guide). Ski and Ride Chalet Parties. White-Spirit Weekends: Alpine Adventure Challenges. An ideal venue for a white Christmas and/or New Year and you can book now for the 2011/12 festive season!
Winter Riding at the Schlosswirt
Ride from the door of the hotel into the snow-filled valley or up into the mountains. The 8 indigenous Haflingers are sure-footed and are fitted with special winter shoes for riding in the snow. There are four super Winter rides so you will be able to sample the spectacular scenery from horseback. Riding level: from novice riders (who can trot and control a horse) to experts who will enjoy the longer rides with canters in the snow. Very friendly and sociable small hotel. After riding, take afternoon tea with a slice of cake at the open fireplace in the cosy bar. Steam room and sauna. Massages available. Stylish, individual bedrooms, singles, twins and family studio rooms (with two separate bedrooms).
Read this great interview in Horse & Rider magazine with Toni about how he takes care of the horses during the snowy winters in Austria.
Ride and Ski trips
Split your time between skiing / snowboarding and riding. Some of you go skiing whilst the others ride or ski in the mornings, ride in the afternoons; it's up to you. The ski resort of Heiligenblut nestles in the shadow of Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner (3798m). Ski and snowboard school, kids' Ski Paradise and Snowland. Fantastic panoramic views across 40 mountains higher than 3000m. Good snow record with ski runs to 2900m; runs for all ability levels. Mountain / ski guides available. Free ski bus from the door of hotel.
Services of a mountain guide for ski tours, snow shoe treks and ice climbing experiences (at extra cost, paid locally). 'Learn to ski powder' courses also available. Numerous toboggan runs and cross-country trails in the area.
See piste map and photos (including ski pass prices and ski hire) here: www.heiligenblut.at. For more information about the local ski school, see www.schischule-heiligenblut.at.
Alpine Extreme: Outdoor activity weekends: Get your friends together and have five days of ice- climbing, powder ski-ing, ski-touring, toboggan races and even a midnight ride! 5 nights Thursday to Tuesday.
Winter Wonderland Weddings: We can also arrange romantic winter weddings with sleigh ride to a mountain chapel lit by lanterns. Dramatic mountain/ forest backdrop, local priest, room for up to 70 guests.
Join the Riding Company for a Festive Chalet Party
Booking now for Christmas 2011 and New Year Ride and Ski holidays
Are you dreaming of a White Christmas?? Well book one right here with trail riding in the snow included and brilliant skiing on Austria's highest mountain, the famous Grossglockner. Perfect for riders, skiers and families but with only 23 rooms, space is limited and there will be a great atmosphere guranteed over the festive period. Sleigh ride, gala dinner and 5 hours of snow riding are included. We can advise you of ski pass prices.
Great prices for a 7 night half board holiday Christmas Week: Riders £599 Non Riders £525, New Year week: Riders £613 Non Riders £538
Flights and insurance excluded. Family deals available.
White Spirit Weekend
Schnapps, Snow and Ice: ski-tour, free-ride, ice-climb and snow-trek on horseback.
4 days, 4 winter challenges : walk up an Austrian Alp on skis then make your own tracks down, free-ride off-piste using the lifts, climb up a frozen waterfall and abseil down, trek on horseback through the deep snow to a hut where some well-deserved Schnapps will be waiting for you, White Spirit challenge completed!
Dates for first timers and for experienced riders and for experienced off-piste skiers.
Prices for the challenges: White Spirit Taster: £646 per person (including guides, ski-pass, all activities, 5 nights half-board (breakfast, 5 o’clock tea, dinner) airport transfer.
White Spirit : Full on £699 per person
Just Riding: £485(5 nights half-board (breakfast, 5 o’clock tea, dinner), 5 hours of riding out and airport transfer.
Just Skiing: £528 (5 nights half-board (breakfast, 5 o’clock tea, dinner), 4 day ski-lift pass to Heiligenblut ski area, free ski shuttle bus, and airport transfer. Minimum numbers apply.
Press Articles
Guest comments:
'I had a great few days and enjoyed the riding very much the haflingers were wonderful and responsive to my cues but knew when I needed them to take over. The rides were spectacular and the views were wonderful. I loved the hotel and the food was lovely, everyone was so friendly. Alice, Sussex (Schlosswirt).
We had a superb holiday we loved the hotel and surrounding area and will definitely visit againl. The holiday went like clockwork with all flights and taxis on time. The riding was just how I hoped. We rode on a variety of paths and tracks mostly through snow some as deep as the horses legs which was exciting and very different. The horses were fit and very sure footed and were responsive to their rider which was necessary as some of the tracks particularly high up were narrow and icy. The horses were well cared for and it was clear their welfare was paramount. I would not hesitate to recommend this holiday. Debbie, Reading.
I had a wonderful time in Austria, I wish I had booked longer. The hotel was very nice and staff very helpful. The best bit of course were the ponies, I would have bought Stocki (the pony I rode) if I could and brought him back to the UK! I have never rode western style before but the saddle certainly helped me to hang on over the steep territory and deep snow! Something we never get to experience in London. The trekking was excellent, the snow and ice prohibited us a little bit but I still got the chance to ride into the mountains and view the amazing scenery and gallop through the snow. I was well matched to Stocki and he has tempted me to buy a Haflinger! Anastasia, London
Winter Riding
7 nights accommodation in a double or twin room with 4 possible adventure rides into the winter landscape. Non riding price: from £522 for half-board with transfer from Klagenfurt.
Availability: 18 December to April 2012.
The Winter Riding programme consists of four spectacular rides: Add in your chosen rides:
Apriacher Alm (1800m). 6 hours of riding with lunch. Sun and panorama ride. £95
Graden Tal valley: 4 hours of riding. Deep snow and a Candandian-style wilderness ride. £60
River Ride: 4 hours riding along the valley following the river. £60
Zirknitz Valley: 4 hours of riding to the Golden Valley to the Gold panning mines. £60
Please ask us for dates and availability. Rides booked during winter are subject to the safety of trails and your qualified guide may substitute a route if a trail is considered unsafe.
Join one of our Ride and Ski Chalet Parties:
Christmas:
No single supplements. Your Christmas break will Include 7 nights on half-board, sleigh ride, 5 hours of riding and special Christmas meal. Transfers included (flights and insurance excluded). £599 per rider, £525 non riders.
Family suite for 2 adults and 2 children under 16 available with two separate bedrooms,
New Year
£613 per person. Includes 7 nights half-board accommodation, the transfers, 6 course gala meal, midnight buffet, fireworks and a sleigh ride plus 5 hours of riding. Non riders £538
Discounts for children as below.
Special celebration meals on festive nights, sleigh rides, Extra rides into the snow (£15 per hour).
Winter Trekking Short Break
5 nights on half board with airport transfer, five hours of riding and a sleigh ride.
Cost: £475 . Non riding price: 5 nights on half board with transfer £420
Ski & Saddle Week
7 nights half board accommodation with 5 hours of riding and a 6 day ski pass for the Grossglockner Heiligenblut ski area.
Availability: December to April. Price Ski/board guiding and ski touring available at extra cost.
Cost: £671 per person
Just Ski Week
7 nights half board accommodation with a 6 day ski pass and airport transfer.
Availability: December to April. Ski/board guiding available at extra cost.
Cost: £599
Just Ski Short Break
5 nights half board accommodation with 4 day ski pass.
Availability: December to April. Ski/board guiding available at extra cost.
Cost: 5 nights £465 (non ski-ing £420)
Ski Touring and 'learn to ski powder' week
7 nights half board accommodation, 6 day ski pass. One day 'deep snow training' in the ski resort and two ski tours with the resident professional mountain guide. Includes all equipment.
Availability: mid January to mid April.
Cost: £937
Single Supplement: £10 per night at peak periods only. Upgrade to suite: £25 per day. Family suites with 2 separate bedrooms available
Children (half board, in extra bed in parents' bedroom) Up to 2 years old no charge. 2-6 years old 80% discount. 6-14 years old 50%.
White Spirit Weekends
Schnapps, Snow and Ice: ski-tour, free-ride, ice-climb and snow-trek on horseback.
4 days, 4 winter challenges : walk up an Austrian Alp on skis then make your own tracks down, free-ride off-piste using the lifts, climb up a frozen waterfall and abseil down, trek on horseback through the deep snow to a hut where some well-deserved Schnapps will be waiting for you, White Spirit challenge completed!
Dates for first timers and for experienced riders and for experienced off-piste skiers.
Nitty Gritties: White Spirit Taster: £646 per person (including guides, ski-pass, all activities, 5 nights half-board (breakfast, 5 o’clock tea, dinner) airport transfer.
White Spirit : Full on £699 per person
Just Riding: £485(5 nights half-board (breakfast, 5 o’clock tea, dinner), 5 hours of riding out and airport transfer.
Just Skiing: £528 (5 nights half-board (breakfast, 5 o’clock tea, dinner), 4 day ski-lift pass to Heiligenblut ski area, free ski shuttle bus, and airport transfer. Minimum numbers apply.
Please ask us about dates for 2011/12 season.
Price includes:
Breakfast buffet with local produce, a special regional meal once a week, 5pm tea with cake around the fire, choice of evening meal and salad buffet. Free use of sauna, steambath. Massage available at extra cost, paid locally. Ski bus stop in front of the hotel. Prices are per person per week (except where stated) based on two sharing a double room with meals (where stated) including taxes and airport transfers (where stated).
Price excludes:
Flight/travel to Austria, insurance, rest day excursions, lunches.
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.
For more details of riding at the Schlosswirt please see Mountain Adventure Riding.
Season dates: Winter season starts 17th December and runs until 25th April.
High Season: 24th December to 8th January, 6th February to 12th March
Low Season: from 17th December to 26th April except above dates.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Klagenfurt which is 1.45 minutes from the hotel. A minibus or car transfer to this airport is included in the cost of the holiday.
Ryanair Direct flight from London Stansted to Klagenfurt (on Tuesdays, Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays)
Thomsonfly (Manchester to Klagenfurt, once a week).
Austrian Airlines (London Heathrow and Dublin to Vienna - good flight connections to Klagenfurt).
Air Berlin (Manchester, London Stansted, Belfast and Glasgow to Vienna, then connect to Klagenfurt).
Salzburg is 3.30 hours away . We can arrange transfers from here, approximately £108 per person, one way.
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 Salzburg.
Air 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
Lowcostseats - internet travel agent for charter flights offering good deals.
Jetnav - an independent website searching schedule services, budget airlines and some charters.
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. Train travel: For everything you need to know about any train journey visit Seat Sixty-One.
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.
If you would like to view the location of this holiday, please refer to the overview map and detailed map.
Riding ability
No riding lessons are given at the Schlosswirt, so all riders should know the basics and be comfortable riding at trot and canter. However, complete beginners can go on walking-only rides as the haflinger ponies are well behaved, surefooted and are familiar with the terrain. 100 kg max rider weight.
Winter riding is offered subject to weather and snow/ground conditions. There are trails suitable for novice to experienced riders. Moonlight rides are offered only on clear moonlit nights and for three days either side of full moon. The riding guides speak good English. Children welcome.
What to bring
Your normal jodhpurs or trousers which can be worn with thick tights/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. Although hard hats are available in all our riding establishments, you are advised to bring your own. A balaclava which can be worn beneath the hat is advisable in December and January, when it is also advisable to ride in ski kit.
Rooms:
Please note that there are just three twin bedrooms with two separate beds. Most 'twins' in Austria are two separate mattresses (made up with separate sheets) but on a single base. There are a few single rooms with a single bed but you may also book a double room for singe use (supplements required only in peak season). All rooms are ensuite with shower (and a few have baths), all with hairdryers and European-style two pin plugs.
Weather
Current weather forecasts and general weather information for the region can be found here and 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.
Consumer protection
As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), an Association approved by the Department of Trade and Industry, this company has provided a Bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. These regulations apply to packages sold in the UK and this Bond provides security for the money paid over by its UK customers and for their repatriation to the UK in the event of this company's insolvency.
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.
Please read our Terms and Conditions.
