I’ve already visited several ski areas this season and enjoyed some wonderful runs and absolutely dreamlike days on the slopes. But there’s one thing I haven’t managed yet: I haven’t been to Kaunertaler Gletscher this winter. And yet this small glacier ski area is one of my favorites in Austria.
Why is Kaunertaler Gletscher my favorite ski area?
I don’t have just one favorite ski area. There are lots of places I enjoy skiing. But there are a few that immediately spring to mind when I think about a ski vacation. Places I associate with such positive experiences that I keep coming back to them in my thoughts.
The ski area at Kaunertaler Gletscher is one of them. With its 32 kilometers of pistes, it’s not one of the largest or most varied ski areas in the Alps, but I always love coming back. The amount of skiing is more than enough for me. I particularly love the long run from the highest point of the ski area all the way down to the valley.
The most beautiful drive to a ski area
My excitement usually starts on the drive there. The final stretch up the toll road to the ski area never fails to amaze me. With a valid ski pass, you can drive past the toll booth free of charge. Beyond it, one of the most beautiful roads in the Alps begins.
And coming from me, that’s saying something. I’m personally interested in neither cars nor roads. Normally, I pass the time on car journeys playing on my phone, scrolling through Instagram, or getting so caught up in conversation that I don’t notice my surroundings at all.
It’s different here. From the very start, my eyes are fixed on the road, scanning the scenery on either side. The road winds its way up to the ski area in a series of hairpin bends. We pass steep rock faces and gaze out over snow-covered high Alpine landscapes.
The highlight of the drive is Gepatschspeicher. The reservoir glows turquoise in the sunlight. Even when frozen, its icy blue stands out against the wintry landscape. There’s hardly a day when I don’t stop to take it in. The view from the dam across the water to the glaciated mountains in the background is truly beautiful!
High Alpine terrain
Those same mountains continue to amaze me once I reach the ski area. I just love the setting. That’s why I generally enjoy skiing at higher altitudes and love the views from glacier ski areas.
The landscape feels somehow wilder, more rugged and less developed up there. Your gaze can wander into the distance. Even though I’m standing right in the middle of the ski area, the views sometimes make me feel as if I’m all alone in the mountains. I love that feeling.
The view from Karlesjoch, right by the gondola’s upper station, is especially amazing. When the weather is good and visibility is clear, you can look out over the Italian and Swiss Alps and let your eyes wander over giants like Ortler and Piz Palü.
A few meters farther on, a path leads up the rocks to a bench on a slightly higher spot. The short climb can be a little slippery in ski boots. I’ve even slipped back down here painfully on my backside. Still, I scramble up to the bench every time. It’s a great place to take a break, watch the skiers and enjoy the view. It’s also a good photo spot.
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Good memories
And of course, there’s another major factor whenever I have to choose my favorite ski areas, mountains, regions and activities: the memories I associate with them.
After moving to München, I rediscovered skiing as a break from everyday life and bought a Snow Card Tirol. That winter didn’t get off to the best start. Still, we headed to the mountains as often as we could, often staying overnight for the entire weekend. We favored glacier ski areas and, somehow, mostly ended up at Kaunertaler Gletscher back then.
Maybe it was because we had snowboarders in the group who made the most of the snowpark. It was always the same people, and we always had a really good time together. We tore up the slopes until our thighs were really aching at the end of the day. And after a run at Kaunertaler Gletscher, we hardly ever had to queue for the lift.
What do you think is the best ski area?
All these things make Kaunertaler Gletscher a special ski area for me and keep me coming back. But of course, there are many, many great ski areas, and everyone probably has their own favorite. That’s why I’m currently looking for the best ski area 2020.
Take part & win
Vote for your favorite under the video on YouTube by March 31, 2020 & with a bit of luck, win 2×1 day ski passes for the ski area that takes first place.
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> The best ski resorts 2019