Skiing is the next best thing to having wings...
"Thrilled to Announce: My wife and I recently explored the breathtaking landscapes of Austria's Slöden with our family. As a first-time skier, I embraced the challenge of hitting the slopes and immersing myself in the exhilarating world of skiing. Join us as we recount our unforgettable adventures in the stunning winter wonderland of Austria's Slöden!"
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Austria
Transportation to Soelden
Departing from Jordan, my wife Karolina and I, along with our extended family, embarked on an unforgettable journey to Soelden, Austria. With Karolina's sister and her husband, along with her cousin and her fiancé residing in Warsaw, Poland, we sought the most efficient route to reunite and explore the Austrian Alps.
Our journey began with the question of transportation. Opting for a flight to Europe, we scouted the best airport for our family to pick us up. While Prague offered convenience, we snagged affordable tickets to Poznan, Poland, aligning with our family's travel plans.
Choosing camaraderie over convenience, our family opted for an 8-person bus rental. Though not the swiftest option, it promised shared experiences and togetherness as we traversed through Germany en route to Soelden.
The road from Warsaw to Soelden stretched over 1350 kilometers, taking us on a 16-hour journey through picturesque landscapes. With our trusty Ford van, boasting a robust 2000cc engine, we navigated through Poland, Germany, and Austria, fueled by excitement and anticipation.
Fuel costs amounted to approximately 230 euros, with stops in Poland, Germany, and Austria. Despite the long hours on the road, the journey was punctuated by laughter, shared stories, and the anticipation of the adventures awaiting us in Soelden.
Taking a break near nuremberg germany after driving for 10 hours.
Finding accommodation
In our quest for accommodation in Soelden, Austria, catering to our party of six plus a 3-year-old, finding the perfect fit at the right price and location was quite the task.
My brother-in-law scoured the internet for options and stumbled upon an apartment that seemed tailor-made for our needs. Boasting two bedrooms, a spacious living area with a sofa bed, three bathrooms, and a prime location near the ski resorts, it ticked all the boxes.
After a quick email exchange with the owners, we secured the apartment for a week-long stay, costing us 2000 euros in total. Split between three couples, it amounted to 660 euros per couple.
And to know more about ski expenses in general please check this article (skiing costs and expenses).
The apartment was well-heated and situated with a majestic mountain backdrop, offering access to hiking and Nordic ski trails. Moreover, it provided a stunning view of the skiing resort right from our doorstep.
Conveniently located, the bus stop was a mere 2-minute walk away, and the ski resort was just a 10-minute stroll, making it an ideal base for our adventures.
The apartment came fully equipped with cooking utensils and even offered storage space for our ski equipment after our exhilarating days on the slopes.
The owners welcomed us warmly upon arrival, extending their hospitality and even assisting me personally with ski shoe fittings, given it was my first foray into the sport!
For groups of five or more, I wholeheartedly recommend this accommodation. You can reach out to the owners via email at info@altposchach.at.
They are fluent in both English and German, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
The apartment we rented in Soelden with a mountain view
Hiking and nordic ski trails with a view around our rented apartment.
Enjoying dinner after long day of skiing at our rented apartment
One week plan in Soelden
In Soelden, winter revolves around one activity: skiing all day, resting, and repeating the next day. However, amidst our week-long stay, we managed to sprinkle in some additional activities:
Day 1: Arriving late afternoon at our Soelden apartment, we settled in and enjoyed a relaxing dinner.
Day 2: Early rise, we walked to the nearest ski resort and spent the day skiing. Back home, we cooked dinner and shared our skiing experiences.
Day 3: Another early start, we drove to a larger ski resort for more slope options. In the evening, we strolled through town and dined at a local restaurant, followed by card games at home.
Day 4: Opting for a lighter day, we enjoyed a lazy morning and embarked on a mountain hike. Later, we rented sledges for some downhill fun.
Day 5: The family hit the slopes early, except for me nursing sore muscles. I joined them in the afternoon for more skiing.
Day 6: With our last day in Soelden, we made the most of it, skiing from dawn till dusk. We shared a family dinner before packing up for our journey back to Poland.
Day 7: Early rise for our journey back to Poland.
Ski resort we have been to on our 2nd day in Soelden.
Our last dinner in a restaurant in Soelden.
Within budget skiing !
Skiing in Soelden, Austria offers an exhilarating adventure, but the costs can add up quickly. Nevertheless, with some smart planning and resourcefulness, it's entirely feasible to hit the slopes without emptying your wallet. Here's how we made it happen:
Pre-Ski Preparation: Our journey to economical skiing began even before we reached Austria. In Amman, Jordan, we scoured local Friday market for second-hand clothes and equipments. Surprisingly, we found ski trousers 4 euros, gloves 2 euros, ski jacket 4 euros, and ski goggles 1 euro, unbelievably low prices !
By snagging these deals locally, we saved a considerable sum compared to purchasing them in Austria.
Flight Tickets: Securing affordable flight tickets is crucial for budget-conscious travelers. We managed to find reasonably priced tickets from Amman, Jordan to Poznan, Poland, costing us 250 euros with Ryanair for both me and Karolina.
While it wasn't the cheapest option available, it struck a balance between affordability and convenience. Although flying to Prague might have been more convenient for our family to pick us up and continue to Austria, the flight costs were higher compared to the Poznan route.
Making informed decisions about flight routes can help optimize your travel budget and ensure a smooth journey to your destination.
Food Savings: Aware of the high dining costs in Soelden, we took proactive measures by stocking up on groceries in Poland, where prices are more budget-friendly. While we still needed to buy some items in Austria, this austria shopping costed us 240 euros !
Cooking at the Apartment: With a fully equipped kitchen in our rented apartment, we made the most of it by preparing our own meals. From hearty breakfasts to quick snacks and fancy dinners, cooking at home not only kept our budget in check but also allowed us to enjoy healthy, diverse dishes.
Economical Dining Out: While we indulged in dining out experiences in Soelden, we were strategic about where and when to eat. Dining out only twice during our stay, we spent 90 euros on burger sandwiches and 140 euros on pizza, drinks, and desserts. Selective dining ensured we savored the local cuisine without overspending.
Ski Day Passes: Ski day passes can indeed be a significant expense, starting from around 70 euros per day. If you're planning to hit the slopes, purchasing these passes is unavoidable. However, with careful planning, there are opportunities to save a bit.
Many ski resorts offer discounts for multi-day passes, ranging from 3 to 7 days. Additionally, long-term passes like monthly, 3-month, or even yearly options often come with discounted rates.
Planning ahead for your ski vacation can make a noticeable difference in your overall expenses and ensure you get the most out of your skiing experience.
Strategic Ski Equipment Rental: Ski gear rental can be pricey, but we found ways to minimize this expense. Fortunately, my family had their own equipment and generously offered to lend me gear when they took breaks from skiing. For the days I needed to rent equipment, I spent around 60 euros per day.
It's essential to consider the duration of your equipment rental to maximize savings. Typically, longer rental periods result in better rental prices.
Additionally, understanding your skiing skill level can help you save money on rentals. Renting professional or elite-level skis tends to be more expensive compared to beginner or intermediate options. By matching your rental equipment to your skill level, you can optimize your skiing experience while keeping costs down.
Ski Lessons Savings: Instead of costly formal lessons, I was fortunate to receive guidance from experienced family members. Their instruction helped me progress from a beginner to tackling intermediate slopes, all without the hefty price tag of formal lessons.
Savvy Snacking: On-slope snacks can be exorbitantly priced, so I made sure to pack sandwiches, fruits, and water in my backpack. This simple adjustment saved me from shelling out 10 euros for a small bottle of water and a pretzel on my first day skiing.
By implementing these budget-friendly strategies, our ski vacation in Soelden was both memorable and affordable. With a bit of ingenuity and planning, skiing in Austria can be an accessible adventure for everyone.
Traditional Austrian apple pie for 10 euros
Cost and expenses in Soldean
Blogs about skiing in Soelden
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