Ellmau Information

Apres-ski

Après-ski in Ellmau is not as lively as the neighbouring resorts of Söll, Westendorf and Kitzbühel, but it does have several popular local bars and some more sophisticated options too.

At the base of the slopes, Fabels (tel: +43 664 517 6953; www.fabels.at), located in the gondola station, is the usual first après ski meeting spot and is lively most afternoons.

Usual suspects that can be relied on for a lively drink or two include Disco Bar Sandys (tel: +43 5358 44554), which hosts karaoke evenings, and Café Pub Memory (tel: +43 5358 2243), which gets busy as soon as the lifts close.

In terms of more sophisticated choices, fine local wines, and perhaps the best espressos in town, are on offer at the Weinatelier Agnes wine bar (tel: +43 5358 43398; www.weinatelier-agnes.at).

Eating out

Ellmau has more than two dozen restaurants to choose from – mostly either hotel dining rooms open to the public or smaller, privately run, establishments.

Most eateries serve traditional Austrian Tirolean cuisine such as fondue and strudel. The slopeside Ellmauer Alm (tel: +43 5358 3755 509;www.ellmauer-alm.at) is a first-rate example of this homely style of cooking, served in a cosy dining area.

The Jausenstation Treichlhof (tel: +43 5358 43369; www.treichlhof-ellmau.at) at the base of the slopes is the most popular restaurant in town. The establishment is known for its great service, traditional Tirolean cuisine and, unconventionally, its toilet, which boasts a unique scenic view.

If you're looking for something other than local favourites, Cantina Bar Mexican (tel: +43 5358 3019; www.mexican.at) serves Mexican cuisine, whilst Pizzeria Sterndl (tel: +43 5358 43002) is one of the best Italian choices.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

The main off-slope facility is the KaiserBad leisure centre (tel: +43 5358 3811; www.kaiserbad.net), which features indoor and outdoor pools as well as a sauna, health centre and a traditional bowling alley in the resort, offering plenty of opportunities to unwind in the warmth.

Outdoor alternatives include sleigh rides, a tubing centre in the heart of the village, a toboggan run down from Astberg, and 55km (35 miles) of cleared winter footpaths.

The Ellmau Ski Night that's staged every Monday through the ski season is great fun, with a ski instructor's display that's followed by a torch lit hike.

Trips to nearby Kitzbühel (by ski or bus) or the city of Salzburg are easily arranged and are worthwhile for visitors with a spare day or two. The former is a bustling medieval ski town, while the latter offers numerous cultural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.

Family fun

Ellmau is a good option for families in many respects; primarily it is attractive, relaxed, unintimidating, boasts excellent nursery slopes and has three highly rated ski schools that accept children from the age of three. The fast new gondola provides quick and comfortable access to the on mountain childcare and ski school centres.

Off the slopes the KaiserBad leisure centre (tel: +43 5358 3811; www.kaiserbad.net) is a major attraction and the leisure pools incorporate a wonderful 92m-long (302ft) slide that will keep children happy for hours.

At the top of the lift station of the Hartkaiserbahn in Ellmau, young visitors (two- to five-year-olds) are welcomed at Ellmi's Kids Club, which offers lessons in skiing, fun snow activities and entertainment with Ellmi the magic frog.

Retail therapy

Ellmau has a larger selection of shops than most of the other SkiWelt resorts, with around 35 outlets from which to choose. These include a good selection of ski shops and traditional local food producers, including several butchers, bakers and grocers. There's also a range of convenience stores, including a supermarket, chemist, hairdressers, post office and tobacconists. Visitors in search of gifts from the region have plenty of souvenir shops to explore, while Kitzbühel has further opportunities.

Splashing out

Take a day off the slopes and immerse yourself in luxury at the Hotel der Bär's beauty and wellness centre (tel: +43 5358 2395; www.hotelbaer.com). Trained beauticians can provide a tailor-made spa package to suit most needs, from one-off treatments to week-long programmes.

Hotels

The quiet village is made up of traditional chalet-style buildings, as well as a number of hotels and apartments catering to all budgets. Alongside these village options, a number of slopeside establishments are also available.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap