Skiing at Stuhleck
For a nearby trip from Vienna winter sports fans have for more than 100 years been travelling to the Stuhleck resort in Styria.It is one of the country’s oldest ski-resorts with a history of skiing dating back to 1891, when the 1,783 metre summit of Stuhleck was first climbed on skis. And since those early days it has now evolved as one of Austria’s winter sports hotspots.Its convenient position less than an hour from Vienna and its first class facilities have kept it at the top of the list of desirable destinations – especially for those in the capital who can travel there easily by train, road or bus.Located in Northern Styria – where the stunning scenery has earned it the title the heart of Austria – it is in particular a top destinations for skiing day trippers.New snow cannons and an innovative GPS system to monitor snow levels will make sure that conditions at Stuhleck are optimal this winter, and that up-to-date reports on the snow will be available to guests on the Stuhleck website info@stuhleck.at.In addition more parking spaces have been created, and new signs have been erected to inform motorists where there are free parking places. The W11 panorama restaurant has been extended with an external bar which has a stunning view over the Schneeberg, Rax and Ötscher peaks.The online booking system for ski passes, begun in 2009, will continue to be available this year for the 2010/11 year, allowing visitors to buy their passes online and so avoid the queues and head straight to the slopes. Another feature of the Stuhleck website allows visitors to see a summary of their days skiing, including kilometres and vertical metres covered.The buffet at the Promibahn has also been extended, now offering a covered section to provide shelter from the wintry weather and a second kiosk to allow skiers some quick refreshment before taking to the pistes once more.The Stuhleck ski region has won numerous awards in the past for its restaurants and the quality of its slopes, including the Ski Guide Austria Creative Award in 2010.There are 2,900 parking spaces available at Stuhleck, which can also be reached by train or bus. The official season will last until 10 April 2011, with the lifts open daily from 08:30 to 16:00. After Christmas a night piste is open from 18:00 to 21:00.For more information, visit: www.stuhleck.comTelephone: (+43) 03853/270,E-mail: info@stuhleck.at,For up-to-date information about the snow, phone: (+43) 03853/333The Spital am Semmering tourist board:Telephone: (+43) 0664/33 22 121Web: www.spitalamsemmering.com