7 reasons why Fieberbrunn should be your next ski trip
With an exceptional snow record, big mountain terrain and a new lift connection, we’ve fallen a little bit in love with this Tyrolean gem. Here’s why
1. It’s located in the snowiest valley in the Tyrol
Expect serious powder if snow comes from the north or northwest | Toni Niederwieser
Fieberbrunn may be low (780m) but its location in the Pillersee valley makes it one powder-laden snow magnet. When snowstorms come in from the northwest, this is where it hits first, depositing huge amounts of fluffy stuff on its way through. Last time we visited one metre fell in 48 hours and neighbouring Hochfilzen regularly clocks in the highest snow levels in the Tyrol.
2. The freeride terrain is (almost) never-ending
A dedicated freeride park awaits you |Toni Niederwieser
There’s a reason the Freeride World Tour added little-known Fieberbrunn to its schedule back in 2011… there are so many options here that it’s become a hotbed for freeriders. The top half of the mountain features endless hike and ride lines, whereas the bottom half is all snowy alpine meadows dotted with huckable features — there’s even a dedicated freeride park. Hire a local ski guide to find the best untracked spots.
3. Even the pistes will leave you satisfied
A piste with a view… |James Cove / Planetski.co.uk
If you need a break from waist-deep powder action, then the pistes will not disappoint. Long gondola rides reward you with everything from high, exposed reds to gentle tree-lined blues. And, in true Austrian style, the runs down to the valley are some of the best. Our pick is F1C, a winding red run that takes you through the trees, offering glimpses of the Pillersee valley as you race around corner after corner.
4. It’s part of Austria’s biggest ski area…
The Tirol S connects Fieberbrunn with Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang
It’s been talked about for decades but finally the connection between Fieberbrunn and Saalbach has happened, creating the biggest connected ski area in Austria (270km), which spans the border between Tyrol and Salzburg. For little Fieberbrunn, it means access to Saalbach-Hinterglemm’s wide and extensive pistes, while those staying on the Saalbach side now have access to some of Austria’s best freeriding.
5. …but it still feels like a small resort
Sometimes new lift connections can ruin a ski area. Not so here: with the connection at the far side of the resort, you don’t even notice you’re in a colossal ski area until you jump onto the swanky new Tirol S lift and get deposited at the top of the Saalbach side. And, unlike rowdy Saalbach, the apres ski scene can be as family-friendly as you want it to be.
6. It combines French-style doorstep skiing with Austrian charm
Easy access to the slopes – a rare find in Austria
Unusually for Austria, there’s a good selection of hotels where you can ski (almost) from the front door, such as the 4* Austria Trend Hotel Alpine Resort and the Sporthotel Fontana. Yet there’s still all the charm of a typical Tyrolean village, and the rolling, forested hills of the Kitzbühel Alps add to that postcard feel.
7. It’s brilliantly connected
Kitzbühel is just a 15 minute train-ride away
Being almost exactly 1.5 hours from Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck, the transfer is short enough for a quick weekend away, though its worth staying longer and exploring the local scene — Kitzbühel, St Johann in Tirol and Zell am See are all easily reached by train or car.
Inghams (01483 791 114, ) has introduced the resort of Fieberbrunn in the Pillerseetal to their ski programme for the first time. A week’s half board at the 4* Austria Trend Hotel Alpine Resort starts from £869 per person, including flights from Gatwick to Salzburg and resort transfers.
