Some ski resorts just have an extra lil' something that other ski resorts are missing - Turracher Höhe is a great example. This pioneering ski resort in the Austrian Alps comes with an honest-to-god piste butler. Our Snowplaza reporters have been to check it out - here's everything you need to know!
Turracher Höhe is located on the border between the Austrian states of Styria and Carinthia, at the end of a beautiful winding mountain road dotted with picturesque villages. When you arrive, you'll immediately know you're in a ski resort - it has the buzzing winter sports atmosphere about it. Most accommodation is ski-in, ski-out and the setting is absolutely gorgeous. In total, Turracher Höhe has just 42km of pistes, with a maximum altitude of 2205m above sea level. An ideal ski resort for beginners, Turracher Höhe boasts views of the eponymous lake and lovely wide slopes that wind their way between the trees of the largest pine forest in Europe.
With 42 kilometres of pistes, Turracher Höhe is on the smaller side for a ski area, but there is no shortage of skiing possibilities. Our tip is the Seerunde ski tour, which takes you through the most beautiful spots in the ski area and even leads across the lake. No waterskiing or boats necessary - just let the Seetaxi pull you over the frozen lake! Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And now, the moment we've all been waiting for: so what about this piste butler?! For the last 14 years, the ski butler has ensured that skiers and snowboarders have their every need catered to in Turracher Höhe. He's out on the slopes every day just waiting to pour you a glass of bubbly. And that's not all - whether you need sunscreen or a tissue or just fancy a candy, you're in the right place. The beauty of it all is that this service is completely free! And it doesn't stop at prosecco, sweets, tissues and sunscreen. It's also possible to go partying with the piste butler! Anyone who spends the night with a participating accommodation provider can opt to take part in a whole range of free activities with the piste butler. Possibilities include earlybird skiing, snowshoeing or a winter safari. For an extra fee, you can also hire a private piste butler for a more personalised experience.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
