Release your inner Bond, James Bond, this winter, in the Austrian Tirol
On 3 April 2020, No Time To Die, the new 007 movie, starring Daniel Craig, will take to the big screens for an exciting adrenaline-fuelled adventure. In it, Craig searches for a missing scientist and must confront a danger the likes of which the world has never seen before.
The last time Craig played the fictional M16 agent – for the 2015 film, Spectre – he took to the slopes of Sölden in the Austrian Tirol. The stunning glass ice Q, located at 3,048 metres altitude, was used as the psychiatric clinic, before Bond took to the skies in a helicopter to rescue Dr Madeline Swann.
The Austrian Tirol – home to more than 80 ski areas and circa 3,000 km of slopes – is home to many other thrilling activities and is therefore, the perfect place to see whether you have what it takes to be Bond, James Bond. After all, No Time To Die is Craig’s final film; the director will be recruiting for the next 007 very soon
Take to the skies in Stubai
Known by professionals for the good thermal conditions and the unique thermal lift, the Elfer is a popular area among sportive pilots. With the Elferlifte cable car, gliders can reach the starting point for their flight quickly and comfortably. Independent qualified pilots and those new to the scene are more than welcome and whatever the level, goose bumps are guaranteed. Basic Paragliding Tandem Flights cost from €95 / £80 pp (minimum age three) whilst more experienced flyers can sign up to a course costing from €220 / £187 pp (for three days).
For more information about paragliding, visit: https://www.parafly.at/en/ For more information about Stubai, visit: https://www.stubai.at/en/
Try ski touring in the Sellrain Valley
Home to some of the greatest powder and epic backcountry terrain, the Austrian Tirol is renowned for its ski touring. After packing a transceiver, probe and shovel – and even an avalanche airbag system – head to the beautiful Sellrain Valley near Innsbruck, ideal for advanced ski tourers. From the top of Lampsenspitze Peak (2,875 metres) there is an interpretive trail that winds down the mountain. Six discovery panels have been installed along the route, providing information and ways to practise the skills needed, from avalanche awareness and tour planning.
For more information about ski touring, visit: https://www.tyrol.com/things-to-do/sports/skiing/ski-touring
For more information about Innsbruck, visit: https://www.innsbruck.info
Go ice climbing in Tannheimer Valley
Recognised by its magnificent mountains, such as Gimpel, Hochwiesler and Rote Flüh, plus two waterfalls for ice climbing, the Tannheimer Valley is ideal for the sport. Although magical, ice climbing is one of the most challenging disciplines and requires strength and technique; beginners should book a lesson with an experienced instructor. Advanced climbers can try mastering Blässefall waterfall, at 250 metres it’s the highest of its kind in the Austrian Tirol, whereas Engefall waterfall offers an easier option.
For more information about climbing, visit: https://www.climbers-paradise.com/en/ice-climbing-tannheimer-tal/
For more information about Tannheimer Valley, visit: https://www.tyrol.com/regions/a-tannheimer-tal
Sample snowkiting on Lake Achensee
The winter version of kitesurfing, snowkiting involves using downhill skis or a snowboard and a specially designed steerable kite (the only thing skiers or snowboarders need is some wind and a snow-covered open area). The snowkiting school in Achenkirch, on the northern shore of Lake Achensee, offers courses for all ability levels, from taster classes to professional weekend workshops. In hardly any time, everyone will be gliding across a pristine landscape the size of a football field. A snowkiting course, with Kite College, costs from €690 / £588 pp and includes six days of training (four-to-five hours each day) plus equipment and shirt.
For more information about snowkiting, visit: https://www.achensee.com/en/activities/winter-activities/snowkiting/
For more information about Lake Achensee, visit: https://www.achensee.com/en/
Enjoy a ‘shaken, not stirred’ Vodka Martini at ice Q bar in Sölden
Austria’s highest located toque-rated gourmet restaurant, ice Q, combines fine wines, dreamy panoramas and foodie delights. Perched 3,048 metres above sea level, in Sölden, it is surrounded by more than 250 three-thousand metre mountains and featured in Spectre in 2015. Although it is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, ice Q hosts a Summit Dinner every Wednesday evening (until 25 March 2020). As well as dining on a delectable feast, created by head chef, Klaus Holzer, guests can order a number of stylish cocktails, including 007’s favourite tipple, a Vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred… A Summit Dinner costs from €126 / £107 pp and includes the ascent and descent on the Gaislachkogl gondola.
For more information about the Summit Dinner, visit: https://www.iceq.at/en/summit-dinner.html
For more information about Sölden, visit https://www.soelden.com/winter.html
The best airport to fly into, to explore the Austrian Tirol, is Innsbruck. Return flights, from London, costs from £40 pp with easyJet, or from Edinburgh, cost from £132 pp with easyJet. Alternatively, guests can travel on the Alpen Express.
For more information about the Tirol region, visit www.visittirol.co.uk. Alternatively, keep up to date on Facebook www.facebook.com/visittirol or Twitter @VisitTirol
