The ski area: The Grubigbahn cable car takes you directly from the centre of Lermoos to the slopes, which lead back down to the valley in all levels of difficulty. The ruggedness of the Wetterstein mountains and the Lechtal Alps conveys an alpine feeling even on the blue pistes.
Culinary insider tip: The Wolfratshauser Hütte was built in 1921 and has retained its charming quaintness even after modernisation in 2004. Above all, however, it impresses with its view of the Zugspitze and the Ehrwald basin, which you can take in from the small terrace. And even if the panorama takes your breath away and it's hard to take your eyes off it, it's worth taking a look at the menu: the beef tartare from highland cattle is accompanied by exquisite wines, fondue or tomahawk steak can also be enjoyed in the rustic parlour if ordered in advance and thirst is quenched with juices produced by local farmers.
The ski area: The slopes of Bergbahnen Gurgl are between 1,800 and 3,080 metres above sea level and are therefore not only guaranteed to have snow from November to May, but also offer an impressive mountain panorama. Despite its size, the ski area is not overcrowded, which is not least thanks to the modern lifts.
Culinary insider tip: There are many places to stop for refreshments in Gurgl. At the Schönwieshütte, however, before enjoying the regional delicacies, there is a short tour by snowmobile, which takes hungry skiers to their destination and into a seemingly different world in just a few minutes. The journey from the ski resort through the deserted snowy landscape seems almost surreal, the modern architecture of the hut with its large glass fronts almost like a space station. But when you look at the creative yet down-to-earth menu, you realise that everything here is real.
The ski area: The quiet Hoch-Imst ski area is regarded by locals as a family ski area due to its many blue runs, which offers a lot of comfort with its new gondolas and is more popular with locals. The SunORama viewing platform provides plenty of space to let your mind wander, and the Alpine Coaster is considered the longest in the Alps - adding a good dose of adrenalin to the winter fun.
Culinary insider tip: The Latschenhütte has been run by Waltraud Nothdurfter for over 50 years, who is considered an original and a minor celebrity throughout the region. When she's not busy in the kitchen conjuring up traditional dishes from regional ingredients, she's always available for a quick chat. And has many a tale to tell.
The ski area: Innsbruck's local mountain is also known as the Olympic mountain: competitions were held on the Patscherkofel at two Winter Olympics, and Franz Klammer won his gold medal here. The ski area not only impresses with its historical charm, but also with its long descents and sweeping views of the Inntal valley.
Culinary insider tip: The Gasthof Heiligwasser is very easy to see from the valley station of the mountain railway, but only those who look carefully (and are prepared to take off their skis for a few metres) will find their way there in winter. Once you arrive at the inn, you are faced with a choice: would you rather enjoy the view outside or soak up the cosy atmosphere in the rustic parlour? Either way, the menu completes the enjoyment. The selection may not be large, but it's quite something. The currywurst is served with truffled chips, the cordon bleu is topped with Grana Padano cheese and the Kaiserschmarrn is almost too good to share.
The ski area: The Zell part of the Zillertal Arena is particularly recommended for an afternoon of skiing: you can top up your vitamin D stores here until sunset! The ski area is very extensive and is also known for its altitude tour: along the valley run, you can conquer almost 2,000 metres in altitude over ten kilometres and experience a constantly changing perspective.
Culinary insider tip: The Legalalm is actually called the Kreuzjochhütte - not to be confused with the Kreuzjochalm - but locals call it "'s Legal" for short. Whatever you want to call it: the hut impresses with its rustic Zillertal charm, which is also reflected in the menu. However, with all the regional specialities such as pressed dumplings and omelettes, you should make sure that there is still room in your stomach for a slice of the many homemade cakes. Incidentally, it tastes best when you are marvelling at the beautiful sunset at the same time.
The ski area: Sun-kissed is probably the best way to describe the Zettersfeld ski area. With a total of six lifts, the ski area is the ideal size for all those who like to keep an overview but are still looking for varied fun on the slopes.
Culinary insider tip: The best day to visit the cosy Vinzenz Biedner Hütte is undoubtedly a Wednesday, as there are several variations of Kaiserschmarrn: Apfelschmarrn, Heidelbeerschmarrn, Topfenschmarrn and, of course, the original. The ingredients are sourced from the region: the eggs come from the Berbauernhof farm and are called "Nussdorfer Bergei" and the organic hay milk comes fresh from the valley every day. If you would like a savoury snack beforehand, you will find a good selection on the menu. The bacon and sausages are particularly recommended - the landlord Ludwig Neumair makes them himself.
