If the thought of firing a rifle, upscale fine dining, wearing a tuxedo, and having your vodka martinis‘ shaken, not stirred has you humming the James Bond Theme Song… these winter adventures in the mountains of Tirol may channel the inner Bond in you. Have you got what it takes to be James Bond?
1. Line Up a Target: Biathlon
This will get your heart racing. Secret agents always hit the bullseye, though. And they know how to ski fast and shoot straight: Biathlon is the only sport that involves ski wax and bullets. In “Spectre”, the new James Bond Film, not only bullets are flying but explosions are echoing throughout the otherwise peaceful village of Obertilliach, East Tirol. (Photo: Tirol Werbung)
And finally, he jumps off a cliff face, releasing a snowkite to float him to safety… No matter what physical challenge presents itself to Bond—he bosses it every single time. Snowkiting will elevate your winter experience to all new heights. All you need is the wind, a snowkite, skis or snowboard, and an attitude for fun! (Photo: Snowkite Achensee)
Be the type of man who can woo a lady in minutes: What better idea for a romantic date than to sled under the stars? Your gorgeous Bond girl holds on tight as you both whiz down the mountain on a sled at the speed of light. The world’s most famous spy himself would be surprised of how much fun you may have zooming down an illuminated track at night. (Photo: TVB Stubai Tirol/Andre Schönherr)
4. Terrain Parks – The Secret Training Facility For Aspiring Secret Agents
Analyse, encrypt, and uncover intelligence data at the secret training facility for aspiring secret agents, Tirol’s awesome terrain parks. Up and coming freestylers and seasoned experts alike are using secret codes like “Cork 7”, “Rodeo” or “Switch 540 Japan”. Probably the only man capable of deciphering these codes is named Bond. James Bond. (Photo: Michael Gams)
There are on-mountain places in Tirol that have just the right amount of style to accommodate James (and whoever he might like to bring back to his suite). Plan to spend some bucks and enjoy a romantic dinner at the fine dining restaurant before going to sleep. You’ll find mountaintop lodging to be an unforgettable and unique experience and, yes, even an adventure. (Photo: Wedelhütte)
Ice caves that are visited by large numbers of people are perfect spots for an international secret agent, with lots of covert little chambers of ice for Bond to retreat to. By the way, murder happens very rarely here as ice preserves bodies just a little too well. The most famous example is ‘Oetzi, the Ice Man’. (Photo: Michael Gams)
Although it has been proven time and again that Bond will drink anywhere, when in Tirol, he should opt for somewhere sophisticated to get sloshed—somewhere like the beautiful Igloo Bar. Your drink will stay cold down to the last sip and you’ll have things under control. We’re not saying that downing a martini will make you smart and stylish like Bond, but hey—it couldn’t hurt. (Photo: Michael Gams)
It takes a certain calibre of man to bring James Bond to life. If 007 finds himself stranded in the wilderness with no means of transport, he harnesses those four-legged creatures that are commonly referred to as “man’s best friend.” The world’s greatest super-spy swaps fast cars for sled dogs with a breeze. And he looks good while doing it. (Photo: TVB Pillerseetal)
9. Chasing the Vision of James Bond at the Winter Festival Erl
As a man of the world, Bond does not look out of place in the world’s most exclusive opera houses, or sitting behind the wheel of a flashy motor. Imagine trying to get lost in the escapist world of espionage at the superb state-of-the-art Festival House—whose darkly gleaming façade suggests secrets, or a tyrannical villain, are hidden within. (Photo: Tiroler Festspiele Erl / Peter Kitzbichler)
The ice Q mountaintop restaurant, a shadow ice-cube of a building with walls of sheer glass, was used for filming Spectre. Tucking into multiple courses of exquisite, surprising cuisine in the midst of the magnificent Alps, you will wonder if Daniel Craig has had one heck of a dining experience here, too. As is compulsory in any snowbound Bond setting, there are snowmobiles. (Photo: Ötztal Tourismus / Rudi Wyhlidal)
Spectacular buildings can be found atop Tirol’s highest mountains—visit these 12 buildings and be Bond for the day.
When he is not working, Michael Gams is out exploring this beautiful country, hiking, mountain biking, freeriding and ski touring to the most beautiful spots in Tirol.
Tirol's Christmas markets are a great place for hand-crafted products. Grab a mug of steaming-hot Glühwein and stroll from hut to hut for an insight into the region's long and proud handicraft tradition. We have put together five of the best items on offer – and where to find them.
In turbulent times such as these it is easy to lose sight of what is truly important in life – for example, looking after yourself. We have picked five spots in Tirol where you can get away from it all and embark on a journey to inner harmony. After all, your deserve it.
“There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them.” said Sylvia Plath, one of the most renowned and influential poets, novelists, and short story writers of the 20th century.
Ibex, chamois, vulture, eagle and marmot – those are the five animals every visitor to Tirol would like to catch a glimpse of. We have talked to the rangers in the region's nature parks to discover the best walks and hikes with a good chance of seeing these wonderful creatures.
Thigh-burning ascents, thin mountain air and ice-cold showers – Tirol's remote huts don't sound that all that appealing. Yet those who have been to one know that the reward for these sacrifices are fabulous views, untouched landscapes, and total peace and quiet. Here is our guide to huts and refuges in Tirol which are hard to get to but easy to fall in love with.
Mountain Huts Close Up: Neue Prager Hut on Foot of Großvenediger
7 min reading time
Ever an inveterate mountaineer, Wilfried Studer, hut keeper of Neue Prager Hut on foot of Großvenediger, is a true “mountain family-man.” His wife and daughters share his mountaineering adventures on a global scale – in the great ranges of the world. The family philosophy is: “Everything we earn in the mountains, we spend in the mountains.”
Mountain Huts Close Up: Bayreuther Hut at Rofan Mountain Range
7 min reading time
One of the most beautiful moments for hut keeper Anton Herrmann Kraft is very early in the morning, when everything is still peaceful and quiet. Standing on the terrace and watching the sun rise over the mountains gives him strength and encouragement for the long and busy day ahead of him. By the way, ‘breathtaking’ does not begin to describe the view at Bayreuther Hut.
Tirol's huts are already hard at work preparing for the summer season 2022. We have put together a list of places which open in late spring or early summer to welcome walkers, hikers and mountain bikers. Scroll down to find out more.
"Our Spa is Nature Itself": The Alpengasthof Praxmar
7 min reading time
Luis Melmer and his family run the Alpengasthof Praxmar, a stately mountain guesthouse located in the Lüsenstal Valley south of Innsbruck. Far from the noise and stress of the city, it is an alpine haven where people come to get away from it all.
