Resort Overview for St Johann in Tirol: St Johann is a popular and picturesque resort and bustling market town with lots to do for non-skiers and skiers alike. Nestling below the Kitzbüheler Horn and the Wilder Kaiser Mountains it is 10km (six miles) from Kitzbühel and part of both the giant Kitzbüheler Alpen Ski Pass which covers more than 650km (410 miles) of trails in more than 25 resorts, and the smaller local Schneewinkel Pass, which covers half a dozen neighbouring resorts (linked by a bus service) and costs less.
The local skiing extends to 60km (38 miles) of runs with a web of well prepared trails separated by acres of powder snow. The vertical of over 100 metres is impressive but the village height and top lift are not high by modern standards. However the north and north west facing slopes have a good record for holding snow - the reason skiing grew up here in the first place, and the resort has recently invested in a snow making system which now covers virtually 50% of the trails.
Visitors will appreciate St Johann's rich history which stretches back for many centuries. This was the most significant market town in this area that is today a network of world famous ski areas, important religous and political figures of what is now the Tyrol lived here and have left behind them ornate buildings, some dating back 700 years, and traditions still practised today.
The Skiing in St Johann in Tirol: St Johann's skiing can be accessed from five different points, but all are on the outskirts of the town so unless you happen to stay in accommodation nearby, you're likely to have to face a walk or need to take the ski bus in the morning. At one end of town at Eichenhof a long drag (number 13) links to the top of the mountain but there's also a relatively quiet nursery area. The second access point is at Übungslift Baumoos not far from the rail station which again has a nursery slope. The Hauptkassa at the base of the gondola is the main access point and the fastest way straight to the top, it is located about 700 metres from the village centre. Chairs 3 and 4 in succession serve intermediate and easy terrain. Finally by driving over to Oberndorf you can take the fifth route by gondola.
Beginners will find wide open and well prepared nursery slopes at the base of the mountain with more runs to progress to all over the ski area. Intermediates will probably enjoy St Johann the most with interesting and varied terrain at their standard here and at many of the neighbouring resorts on one of the multi-area passes available. From the top of the ski lifts at Harschbichl there's a good choice of 4 - 5km (3 mile) reds and blues back down to the village. The long Lacknerabfahrt run down from Jodlalm is especially highly thought of. Most of the terrain is cut through forest but there are powder fields and plenty of off piste opportunities which a guide can show you.
The one black Penzing run down to Oberndorf is regarded as being worthy of a special visit for many expert skiers that are in the area. Now protected by snow making it's long, steep and full of bumps. Advanced skiers can also use St Johann as a base and then visit other areas with more good skiing for their ability level that are included on the pass, these include Fieberbrunn on the Schneewinkel Pass and many more on the larger Kitzbüheler Alpen ticket, including, of course, Kitzbühel itself. It's also worth noting that St Johann's ski area is dotted with more than a dozen cozy mountain huts serving meals and drinks throughout the day.
St Johann is also a mecca for cross country skiers with extensive trails extending in to a wider network of over 275km (170 miles).
Après Ski in St Johann in Tirol:St Johann has a reputation as a lively place to stay with the pedestrianised central area full of activity day and night. There are more than fifty bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. Some of the more popular include Bunny's Pub, Rogi's Stadl, Humungus and Max's Bar. The Rainer on Speckbacherstraße is open daily to 2pm, with a session from 4.30pm - 7pm after the lifts close. There's a Tirolean evening here on Mondays. The Club Crowded House, also on the main Speckbacherstraße plays modern international dance music until 3am daily.
Apart from other evening activities, such as sleigh rides, swimming, tennis, night skiing and the toboggan run which is floodlit until midnight, there are regular organised weekly events. These include the St Johann Ski party every Tuesday and a torchlit procession every Thursday.
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For more information on St Johann in Tirol please visit the resort's website http://www.ferienregionat |
