Ski jeering break in Strassen

The Austrian town of Strassen buried deep in the Tirol mountains is inviting tourists to come and try a new sport – ski jeering. Although the sport is a new addition to the activities offered at Strasserwirt Hotel in Strassen, it was historically used by the Lapps who used to harness reindeer.

Strasserwirt Hotel uses strong horses to pull skiers through the majestic snow-covered scenery of the Tirol mountains. Like water-skiing, ski jeering fans hold onto a rudder bar to steer their beasts using a rein and a whip.

To have a go at this new trend in snow activities, an hour's ski jeering with the Strasserwirt Hotel costs £45 per hour. Rides are suitable for any level of skier staying at the top star accommodation. The hotel also provides romantic sleigh rides and natural walks on snow shoes.

Strassen

The town in the Tirol mountains is packed full of outdoor activities suitable for people travelling alone or with friends and families. There are lots of things to do to suit all pockets and all ages in Strassen, which is 1098 metres above sea level and inhabited by 900. It is right next to Ossttirol ski park, which provides runs for all ages and abilities. Check the website for details and prices of ski passes.

Strasserwirt Hotel

The hotel is equipped with all the luxuries of a top star hotel in Strassen with snuggeries, chimney breast, a library and a restaurant. The hotel has been converted from a traditional old Austrian house with decor focused on comfort in historic surroundings.

Hotel facilities

As well as offering the latest in snow sport, the Strasserwirt also helps organise lots of other activities. In the winter, the focus is on skiing, cross-country, winter hiking, snowboarding, tobogganing and ice-skating while the summer months are popular for mountain biking, hiking, climbing, horse riding and golf.

Strasserwirt specialities

The hotel has been in the Nothegger family for generations, who have their own riding school and award-winning instructors – lending themselves well to ski jeering. Horses are available wearing special snow gear to hire for riders to travel across the Tirol landscape, which includes frozen lakes and ice falls.

When to come?

Several ski resorts across Europe opened early on good snowfall this season, with even fair-weather slopes in the UK allowing skiers on the piste more than a month earlier than the previous year. The ski season looks likely to last a long time this winter to 2009, so the Strasserwirt Hotel is expected to offer snow activities through Easter.

Special deals

The Strasserwirt Hotel is offering guests special ski jeering or riding packages, including airport transfers. The offer runs from January 10th to February 7th in 2009 and reservations are welcome during the half-term school holidays. Alternatively, check out the hotels near Strassen for more choice.

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