There are a few cross-country pistes in and around Westendorf, although they are mostly gentle terrain suitable for beginners. For those new to cross-country skiing a two-part taster course is on offer through the tourist offer, which teaches the basics of cross-country skiing over two sessions – you’ll have to hire equipment beforehand.

For those keen to explore the mountains on foot there are a good range of guided hikes on offer in and around Westendorf, which take in wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. With hikes offered for a range of abilities this is an activity the whole family can enjoy, particularly the torch-lit hike, which at 45 minutes long, is suitable for children and is a very atmospheric way to see the village and surroundings. Hikes can be booked at the tourist office (details below).

A unique way to see the village, traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides through Westendorf are a magical experience. Tours can be booked at the tourist office and include traditional Tyrolean ‘Grostl’ for dinner at a cosy mountain hut. Horse-drawn sleigh rides can also be combined with a more energetic snowshoe hike – hiking for around an hour and a half and riding back to the village in the sleigh.  

The Alpeniglu igloo village, located near the top of the Hochbrixen lift, is well worth a visit, either to have a tour of the village and the skilfully crafted interiors or, perhaps more impressive, in the evening when a programme is on offer including dinner inside the main igloo and drinks in the ice bar. The really adventurous can even stay the night in one of the igloos – in specially crafted ice beds covered in reindeer skins and top of the range sleeping bags. Alpeniglu can be reached via the ski lift system during the day from Westendorf, or from Brixen in the evening. For more details contact:

 

ALPENIGLU® 

Bockern 87

6365 Kirchberg

Tel: +49  711  34 16 90 – 90 (Booking office Germany)

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.alpeniglu.com

Culinary-minded visitors will want to take advantage of the tours of the village, which include sampling locally produced hay milk cheese and the ubiquitous local schnapps. Tours can be arranged through the tourist office in Westendorf and provide an insight into the local customs and traditions.

While night skiing is on offer in Westendorf, only the nursery slopes (Schneeberg chairlift) are floodlit so it is best suited to novices, although it is a fun night time activity for families with small children. For visitors with a car, nearby Soll offers much more extensive intermediate level night skiing.

Westendorf is a popular spot for paragliding, particularly for those learning to paraglide. But for the inexperienced, the local flying school also offers tandem flights, for more details contact:

Flugschule Westendorf

Bergliftstraβe 22

Tel: +43 676 847 617 400

Email: [email protected] 

Web: www.para.at

The shopping in Westendorf itself is relatively limited, but shopaholics can make the trip to nearby Kitzbuhel , around 20 minutes by car. This historic and charming town has a much larger range of shops, although can be hard on the wallet!

The tourist office in Westendorf organises various guided snowshoe hikes pitched at a range of levels, offering the opportunity to see the scenery around the village at a more leisurely pace. Those with a moderate level of ability and fitness can join tours higher up the mountain, while beginners can even combine snowshoeing with a horse-drawn sleigh tour (see above).

A 7km run down from the Alpenrosenbahn lift provides an exhilarating activity – the tourist office organise tours although they only recommend it for experienced tobogganers. You’ll also need to rent or bring your own toboggan. 

 

For more information on activities in Westendorf contact the tourist office:

Westendorf local tourist office

Schulgasse 2

6363 Westendorf

Tel: +43 5357 2000-300

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.kitzbuehel-alpen.com