nicmic921

I have a timeshare that I am able to exchange for a week in the Alps (Maria Alm), Austria... But i have to use it during the month of december when i hear it is bitter cold.

Will December be too cold for sightseeing/day trips? I would like to enjoy some resort activities, but would also like to see some things outside of the resort. I do not want to be trapped inside because of snow.

Also, I have never been to Austria before, but have traveled around France/Germany. I normally stay in the city center, but this time I will be in the Alps. Is public transportation readily available? I surely cannot rent a car and drive in those snowy conditions in december b/c I am from Florida and am not used to driving on that kind of terrain.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

bigtyke

I was in Austria last Christmas (Salzburg). Weather was about 35F. Snow in higher elevations. No problems with transportation. Of course it could be a snowy year but I wouldn't let it deter me. Just be sure you have some warm clothes.

nytraveler

If the time share is actually IN the middle of the Alps you may well get more snow and colder weather (both increase with elevation). Hve you located the time share? You need to find out exactly where it is - if there is a local train station, or if not how often a bus or a bus to a train station runs.

Have just done a quick search. Maria Alm is a ski resort of about 2,000 people. You are about 2 hours from Innsbruck and 1.5 hours from Salzurg by car. Was not able to find info on trains, but given the size of the village I would assume you need to go to a larger town nearby to get one. Unless you want a skiing holiday I would find someplace else to stay.

And yes, you can assume it will be cold and snowy.

pja1

Hi,

While snow can't be counted on, it will most likely be cold. I would bet on that. Maria Alm is out of the way for "typical" sightseeing in say Salzburg or Innsbruck. If you could find a time share in or very near Salzburg or Innsbruck, I'd give it thought. The Christmas/Advent markets in these towns, along with many others in Austria, are not to be missed. We stayed for a week in late November, 2010 and while quite cold, we had such a great time visiting the many markets in various towns.

www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/index.html

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Paul

jimmybog

Although technically in the alps, Maria Alm is still at quite a low elevation. It is a really nice village which is even more charming in winter and in the snow. There is a train station in the nearby village/town of Saalfalden if you wanted to go further afield. Otherwise you would use the local bus service. If hiring a car from an Austrian airport location, it should come with winter tires but you may want to be safe and also hire some snow chains as a last resort. You can also get a direct bus shuttle transfer from Salzburg airport to Maria Alm which I think costs around 60 Euros for a return trip per person. As for cold and snow, well the chances are that it will be cold with the possibility of snow. Last mid December, most of Austria did have heavy snowfalls but that does not mean it will happen every year. Personally I would still go for it and check the forecast at the last minute and then decide whether to hire a car or not. If you want a more detailed reply then ask your same question on the snow heads forum in the resorts section. There are several posters on there who live in that part of the Austria who can give you more info

MarthaT

I love Austria in the winter. I did not get to go last year but went the 2 previous years. I am also from Florida and the temps were from 11 degrees F to 25 degrees F. and plenty of snow. Just make sure you are well bundled up with hat, scarf, gloves etc. I stayed in the cities but spent quite abit of time outside at the Christmas markets and I froze.

AisleSeat

I have spent several Christmas seasons in Austria. One year there was no snow, even in the mountains. Other years it has been a winter wonderland. We have stayed in time shares in Lofer and S of Mittenwald. There is one we like in Seefeld. The Austrians and Germans are very good at winter roar maintance. You shouldn't have any trouble driving. We always go in and out through Munich. I would not worry about the weather, just bring a big coat and longhandled underwear. If you are there over Christmas the Midnight Christmas eve service at the cathedral is very special.

AisleSeat

That is the cathedral in Salzburg.

nytraveler

The OP said she can't drive in snow - and wants to do sightseeing. A small village in the mountains is not the best way to do this - esp when the bus to Salzburg costs about $75 each way.

swandav2000

Actually, the standard fare for the trip from Maria Alm to Salzburg is 21 Euro and first class is 36 Euro.

The 60 Euro fare was a bus shuttle transfer from the airport to Maria Alm.

The only impediment I see for sight-seeing is the time it takes to get back and forth.

I just looked at a map to see where Maria Alm is, and it's not far from Zell am See or from Kitzbühl -- about an hour each way. I think you can enjoy your time there with making excursions to other villages in the area and exploring their shops, etc. The only thing is to make sure you dress warmly.

I would spend a few days in Salzburg maybe upon arrival or departure.

Have fun as you plan!

s

jimmybog

Yes the 60 Euros is for a return shuttle transfer from and to the airport of Salzburg to Maria Alm. And I agree with swandav2000, you have several beautiful places to visit nearby (Zell Am See and Kitzbuehl).

A village in the Austrian mountains in December with a good chance of snow. Magic !!!