Where to Ski And Snowboard - St Anton gets festive

St Anton gets festive

25th November 2010, by Chris Gill

St Anton am Arlberg

It’s the opening weekend in the Arlberg from tomorrow, Friday 26 November, and St Anton is ready to party. But how about a short December break with Flexiski?

While the first weekend is full of fun and festivities of ski testing, fashion shows, rallies and workshops on the slopes; the resort takes on a festive atmosphere from December. One of the highlights is the traditional Christmas market, which means that you don’t need to base yourself in the city for an evening of stollen and gluhwein.

In St Anton that activity starts on 3 December, for three days in the atmospheric old centre. Combine that with an unusual custom, the Krampus festival, and visitors have an entertaining weekend on- and off-the-slopes.

The Krampus is a Christmas devil, and unlike the friendly Santa Claus figure this one takes on a scary form. In contrast to St Nicholas, the mythical creature is believed to warn and punish bad children. The celebrations take place on 5 December and usually involve parades of young lads in terrifying Krampus masks. In St Anton, they enjoy the Arlberg-Pass “Krampalar” Devil’s Run, the procession that takes place between 5pm and 7pm.

St Anton is a straightforward transfer from Innsbruck (with more lively markets), by road or rail direct to the resort. So, for keen skiers who also enjoy soaking up the festive atmosphere in Austria the resort is worth considering for a December visit. And it is one of the major resorts featured by Flexiski, who can arrange short breaks.

What’s more, visitors can normally be assured of good snow reliability. They are currently reporting fresh snow, with a metre on the upper slopes and 10cm at village level – and enticing crisp, cold weather.

Tempted? Well, Flexiski are offering a three-night stay in St Anton from Saturday 4 December. The weekend includes flights, transfers, lift pass and catered chalet accommodation in the Amalien Haus – a centrally-located chalet at the heart of the festivities, and five minutes’ walk from the main lifts. Prices start at £490pp for a twin room.

Links: Flexiski