Snow-covered landscapes, clear blue skies, crisp temperatures – winter time can be so beautiful. So pile your loved ones into the car and take off for a few days of relaxation, away from everyday life. Enjoy the beautiful winter time with some physical activities. It doesn’t take a world champion – there is something for everyone, regardless of the fitness level.
Bergen is a district of Neuburg on the Danube, located not far from Ingolstadt. The church dominating the town was first mentioned in 787. The pilgrimage church was the destination of many pilgrims for centuries. Even today, stopping in Bergen is worthwhile for travellers, due in no small part to the Romantik Hotel Zum Klosterbraeu. In the pre-Christmas season, the parlours and rooms are adorned with festive Christmas decorations, and the air is filled with the scent of freshly baked Christmas cookies. And in order to loose the excess pounds put on by all the treats, a truly Bavarian winter sport is waiting in the monastery garden: curling. But don’t worry, even “out-of-towners” are allowed to join the game.
In 1880, a new Wilhelminian-style manor house was constructed on the estate in Schmallenberg. Even then, the Sauerland region was a well-known and popular “summer resort”. Today, the manor house accommodates the Romantik Hotel Deimann. Featuring a lavish Wellness area, including Wellness application bearing inviting names such as “Open Fire” or “Hop and malt for beer – may God preserve them here”, the establishment is a good starting point for discovering the winter joys of the region. One example: the bobsleigh track in Winterberg, one of the longest and fastest artificial ice tracks in the world. Every year, international championships in bobsleigh, luge and skeleton sports are held there. You can even experience the thrill for yourself: take the taxi-bob, steered by an experienced driver, down the narrow chute at speeds of up to 130 km/h.
Sondrio, the “Alpine City 2007”, is located at the heart of the Alps and an ideal starting point for winter sports enthusiasts to some of the most popular destinations. On March 18 and 18, 2011, for example, the Snowboard World Cup Finals will be held in Valmalenco. Bormio is known internationally as a thermal bath centre and winter sports destination. Twice it hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships, and the 50 kilometres of marked ski runs, boasting 16 lifts, give anyone room to let off some steam. The skiing offered in the duty-free location of Livigno is even more plentiful. A total of 33 lifts with a capacity of 46,460 people an hour provides access to 115 km of slopes. On top of that, there are 40 km of cross-country slopes. The Romantik Grand Hotel della Posta in Sondrio complements this physical activity offering with a small, but wonderful Wellness area. Steam rooms, waterfalls and dipping baths promise complete relaxation.
At the Romantik Hotel Cappella in Colfosco/Corvara, skiing begins right outside of the hotel. And the terrain is not just any skiing region: 500 kilometres of slopes around the famous Sella Ronda form the gigantic circular ski area of “Dolomiti Superski”. The region is guaranteed to have snow from December until the middle of April, and thanks to optimally coordinated transportation systems, there are no long waiting periods. Discover the most beautiful panorama views on a magnificent day of skiing around majestic Sella mountain. By the way: Once a year, they hold the Sella Ronda ski marathon, a nightly ski touring race, where participants race around the Sella Ronda on touring skis without the use of lifts. A challenge one can do without. Once you’re back at the Romantik Hotel, you can even view the slopes still from the lounge chairs in the indoor swimming pool and can mentally prepare for the next day of skiing in a relaxed atmosphere.
Have you ever played ice tennis before? “Game, set and match on blades” is the motto every year on January 1 at the Lenzerheide Tennis Club. On the natural ice rink, the players play in doubles on skates in floodlight. On January 15, 2011, the ice rink will then become the scene of a very special spectacle: 45 vintage cars will complete a slalom course on the ice. This ice slalom is the grand finale of a very demanding rally, taking the drivers from Klosters over the Dolomites and St. Moritz to Lenzerheide. The Romantik Maiensaesshotel Guarda Val is located almost 3 km above Lenzerheide. Even during the winter season, there is no break for the “Guarda Cultura”, the hotel’s concert series. For example, on January 28, 2011, the Zurich Piano Quintet will perform, and on February 25, 2011, the Buenden Youth Choir will sign – special musical treats at 1600 metres above sea level.
Sils, located not far from glamorous St. Moritz, is a power place. Writers like Nietzsche, artists like Beuys and musicians like Davie Bowie came here to be inspired by the fantastic vastness and the magical light. Become rejuvenated in the Romantik Hotel Margna, the gingerbread-style villa constructed in 1817. After a day full of activities, the Stueva Restaurant will be the ideal place for dinner. It serves typical Engadin specialties and home-made pasta. Neighbouring Silvaplana is organizing the 32nd Engadin Winter Golf Event from January 7 to 9, 2011. The idea originated in the USA, and the first tournament was held in the region as early as 1979. The 5th Art on Ice Event, held on February 18, 2011, on the frozen Lake St. Moritz promises charm and grace on the ice as well as upscale live music. Kim Wilde will put the heat on successful ice figure skaters such as Stephane Lambiel, the two-time (2005-2006) World Champion, Aljona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy, the 2008 and 2009 World Champion, and Isabelle Delobel and Olivier Schoenfelder, the 2008 World Champions, and countless spectators.
Have you always wanted to visit an art gallery on skis? Now you have the opportunity in the ski region of Zell am See/Kaprun. On 180 hectares of exhibition space, you will find almost 30 sculptures, embedded in the idyllic winter panorama of ski slopes, lifts and cosy Alpine pastures. The goal of this unusual exhibition is to make art, in general, more accessible and memorable. If you’re looking for something more daredevil-like, you may want to try snow kiting. The frozen Lake Zell is the ideal terrain for your first “attempts at flying”. The professionals sweep across the ice at speeds up to 75 km/h, and jumps measuring 20 m in height and 200 m in length are not uncommon. The Romantik Hotel Zell am See welcomes you 50 metres away from the lake. It is one of the oldest structures in town and has a central, yet quiet location. Experience the fantastic feeling of swimming in the 30ºC water during icy winter temperatures under open skies – in the heated outdoor pool, thankfully.
A winter paradise of a special kind is Ehrwald, located at the southern base of the Zugspitze. Especially cross-country skiers will love the wide, sunny basin. More than 100 kilometres of runs provide variety for beginners, those out of practice, and professionals on the narrow boards. The Ehrwalder Alm has a high-elevation run inviting you to take a breathtaking tour of the snow-covered landscape at an altitude of 1500 metres. Offering direct access to the Ehrwald ski area, the Romantik Hotel Spielmann welcomes you. The establishment is excellently suited for families with children. Inside, the little ones can definitely let off some steam. Whether they use the climbing wall, play with the soft Lego blocks, or play table tennis – they won’t be bored, guaranteed.
You can find interesting winter packages from all Romantik Hotels here – also beyond skiing and the mountains. And for all those who still cannot really warm up to winter: The next summer season is certain to come.
fantastic hotel. A nice hotel and a nice climate makes the trip very beautiful. i really appreciate this hotel as it is 3 km above Lenzerheide. nice info will help me a lot