Lofer is a very popular winter holiday location for the Dutch, Germans, Italians
and Austrians. However Austria is not a popular UK holiday location. This means
that at present most of the UK flight operators offer incredibly cheap flights
during the winter. Once you realise what is on offer in Lofer during the summer
we think you may be tempted to give Switzerland a miss next year!
Skiing
Lofer boasts 58 kms of runs with its "jewel in the crown" being the beautiful
non stop 10 kms run from top to village.
The skiing is wonderfully uncrowded as few people outside Austria know of the
resort. For the advanced skier there is the option of the Salzburg Skipass
which covers 42 resorts, including Kitzbuhel, Zell am Zee and the glacier
resort of Kaprun (which offers guranteed skiing all year round). Whilst these
resorts are all approximately 35 minutes away many of the other resorts are
even closer. The local ski bus network covers the resorts if you do not have
your own transport.
Night Sleds
Every Monday night in Lofer (weather permitting) there is a torch lit toboggan
run from the Loderbichi down the Alpine pasture lane. Meet at the telecabin -
just follow the crowds. Every Tuesday and Thursday the 2.1 km toboggan run is
lit from 20.00.pm onwards at the nearby Maria Kirchental. Enjoy the culinary
pleasures of the Krenflseichessen restaurant and either toboggan or taxi back
to the village.
Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride
Indulge yourself and the family with a horse drawn sleigh ride from Lofer to St
Martin where you can enjoy a little tipple to warm you before the return trip -
unmissable!
Wild Animal Feeding
Enjoy the beautiful experience of viewing the native red deer coming back from a
hard days prancing in the forest for their evenings feed at the Knappenstadl
restaurant. Pick up a sled at the foot of the mountain and take an evening walk
high up to the restaurant. Whilst they eat outside you can view them from the
comfort of the restaurant. After you have seen and eaten enough simply
toboggans back to the village along the illuminated nature trail.
Cross Country Skiing
For the non down hillers amongst you why not try the 37 kms of cross country
skiing trails in Lofer and St Martin. It is a wonderful way of enjoying the
village scenery without disappearing up to your neck in snow. For the
enthusiast the valley offers a total of 80 kms of trails in the mountains and
village pastures.
Ice Skating
In Lofer and nearby St Martin, Toads and Weissbach you will find well lit
skating areas for a gentle glide under the stars.
Curling
If you have not tried your hand at this sport it is certainly worth having a go.
There is nothing better than to glide your stone to "home" and knock your
opponent into touch - bliss! The village curling "sheet" can be found near the
tennis courts just a 5 minute walk from the house.
Swimming
The local indoor swimming pools of Unken and Toads offer a change in scenery if
the skiing gets too much for you. For those without their own transport the
local bus service will get you there.
Climbing
The spectacular scenery surrounding Lofer is the only incentive you need to
ascend the mountains either by walking, hiking or climbing. The expert guides
at Motion will tailor a programme for any level of ability. The main focus is
on safety - so enjoy! See www.motion.co.at
Day Trips
Nearby Saltzburg or the beautiful lake side town of Zell am Zee are well worth a
visit to stock up on souvenirs or just indulge yourself and offer a tranquil
change if you need to rest your aching bones.
