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16. 11. 11. - 17:00

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16. 11. 11. - 17:00

Zau[:ber:]g this winter-Vienna to the slopes in less than an hour

By Rebecca Musgrave

Less than an hour from Vienna a snowy haven awaits all winter sports enthusiasts. The compact ski resort, Zau[:ber:]g  in Semmering, can be reached by rail, bus or road from the Austrian capital, making it both the ultimate holiday and after work ski destination.

Whilst the resort may be smaller than other Austrian ski destinations, Zau[:ber:]g  has a number of special features that make it well worth a visit. Not only will visitors have access to 14 kilometres of ski slopes during the day but a further 13 kilometres of night ski slopes are open to keen skiers and snowboarders.

The three kilometre long Zau[:ber:]g adventure toboggan run is also open day and night, allowing children and adults alike to travel through a maze of tunnels and buildings, illuminated by magic lighting effects.

For those looking for more of an adrenaline rush, the Split-Park is a must. With a six metre rail, a 12 metre A frame, five boxes and a wall ride, the park offers endless fun for snowboarders and free skiers of all abilities.

Once the skis come off Aprés Ski at the ZauberBAR ensures that the fun continues. The venue plays music to every punter's taste and live performances keep everyone on their feet even after the most exhausting day on the slopes.

On top of this endless snow fun, Zau[:ber:]g  will also play host to a number of additional winter events. The season truly begins on 3 and 4 December at the "Ski-Opening" with equipment providers, Intersport Eybl. Here visitors can take part in alpine, touring and freeriding testing. A new event follows on 14 January 2012 with the "Everyone Night Race" where amateur skiers have the opportunity to ride like a pro down the FIS-World Cup slope Panorama.

The season continues with the "Celebrity Ski Race" on 11 February, "Lady Skiday" on 14 February and the ultimate test for snowboarders and skiers on 4 March in the East cup Snowboard and Free ski contest. The events season concludes in style on 17 March with "2. White Down", a downhill, night race between teams of mountain bikers and snowboarders/skiers.

Those new to the slopes need not be intimidated however. With 30 instructors speaking not only English and German but many other languages including Slovak and Czech the Semmering Ski School is the first stop for beginners or those looking to improve with Sport 200 Puschi Rentals catering for all your equipment needs from toboggans to ski jackets.

The resort is open daily Monday-Sunday from 8.30-16.00

The resort also operates in the evenings on Sunday-Wednesday from 18.00-21.00
And on Thursday-Sunday from 18.00-22.00

Day tickets cost 32.50 Euros for adults and 17.00 Euros for children

Night Slope, multiple day, season and tobogganing tickets can also be purchased online.

For more informationabout tickets visit: http://www.zauberberg.at/en/zauberberg/info-+-prices/tickets/

The flexible "Winter Card", which can be used in 7 different ski areas in Lower Austria, can also be used at the resort. To find out more visit: www.wintercard.at

For more information about the "magic mountain" and information on accommodation at the resort visit: http://www.zauberberg.at/en/zauberberg/

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