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The Alpine ski season has begun earlier than usual thanks to unseasonably heavy snowfalls.

Last weekend, skiers and snowboarders enjoyed outstanding conditions for this time of the year. There were significant snowfalls across Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland – some up to 20 inches deep. The Austrian resort of Kitzbühel had earlier set an 80-year record by opening on October 24th.

Ski tour operators welcomed the early snow, saying it had helped stimulate sharp increases in bookings, which would go some way to countering the effects of the economic downturn.

Betony Garner, of Ski Club of Great Britain, said:

“The crucial thing is that the temperature has been staying low so the snow is settling – some resorts are blanketed like it’s the middle of winter.”

Many Alpine resorts had been becoming increasingly nervous about the unseasonably warm weather of late, which saw temperatures as high as 18C (65F), fearing a repeat of the dire season of 2006/7.

by Andy Moreton

Heading for the piste? Check out Luxique’s selection of luxury Alpine hotels in France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.

It brings a new meaning to the phrase ‘hitting the hay’. 

There’s a trend among some nature-lovers and spendthrifts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland to opt for accommodation where the beds are freshly raked hay. 

Hay hotels offer exactly what the name suggests.  For as little as 8 euros (£7 / $11) a night, backpackers, couples and families can rest their heads in a way nature intended, in converted barns.

Such holidays also generally include activities such as horse riding, canoeing, mountain-biking and archery, and the chance to buy fresh meat, cheese and other farm produce on site. 

The Hofgut, a hay hotel situated just outside the small town of Kassell in Germany, has been operating for some years now.  The manager, Sarah, said: “I suppose some people might find the idea unappealing, but for anyone who wishes to snuggle up close to nature it’s perfect.”

To the sceptics, she says: “Think back to when you were a child - this would be heaven! What’s changed since then?”

Apparently, hay hotels have become popular for honeymoons, although it has to be remembered that there’s a strict no-smoking-in-bed policy.

by Andy Moreton

If you prefer freshly-laundered bed linen, fluffy pillows and an alarm call that’s not a crowing cock, Luxique can offer the best deals at luxury hotels in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

A ‘wellness’ hotel in the Austrian Alps has apparently found a novel way of encouraging the more generously-proportioned of its guests to lose weight – it makes them pay more.

The Mandler Herb and Hiking Hotel describes itself as ‘an oasis for health-conscious and nature-loving people who seek to relax away from mass tourism.’ The prices are determined on arrival when guests are reportedly asked to step on the scales.
Presumably you could ask for a rebate if you slim down during your stay.

by Andy Moreton