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.
To prevent the spread of the Coronavirus in the region, Tirol's museums and galleries are currently closed to the public. We have therefore put together a list of ten great virtual museum experiences and guided tours for all those keen to enjoy a bit of Tirolean culture from the comfort of their own homes. Ready? Let's go!
Christmas markets, shopping marathons, the first snows of winter – advent is a beautiful time of year, but it can be pretty hard work too. We have put together nine top tips to escape the hustle and bustle for a few precious moments and get back to the true meaning of Christmas.
These scenic spots in Tirol were made for your Instagram feed. Once you've snapped the perfect pic, don't forget to put aside your phone or camera for a few moments and simply soak up the view ;)!
Where Snow Meets Sun – My Favourite Slopeside Patios in Tirol
5 min reading time
Imagine sitting with an inventive drink, on a sun drenched terrace, listening to chill music while overlooking the most awe inspiring mountain views after a day on the slopes. Sounds like paradise doesn’t it? Spring is my favourite ski season. Having enjoyed the awesome spring conditions on the slopes, I find myself a patio and spend the day catching some rays, and take in the warm and cheerful buzz. Here are my top 10 sun terraces on the slopes in Tirol, in no particular order.
Staying home is not exactly the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Tirol, but we have come up with a solution for all those keen to enjoy the majesty of the Austrian Alps from the comfort of their couch. Check out our top ten attractions for a virtual visit to Tirol and join us on a spectacular journey through the Heart of the Alps.
10 Places in Tirol You Simply Have to Visit in 2021
13 min reading time
Have you ever slept at the top of a mountain? Or experienced the crystal-clear waters of an alpine lake? If not, then 2021 is the year to do it! We’ve put together a list of the top places to visit in Tirol this year, whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or just looking for some family fun. Get ready to get inspired.
Autumn is a time to relax, to enjoy, to slow down. And it is the perfect time of year to learn about Tirol's wild herbs – not for cooking but for making natural cosmetics. I met up with a local expert to discover what the region's woods, pastures and meadows have to offer my skin.
When to Visit Tirol: A Month by Month Guide: December – Our Tips for the Festive Month
4 min reading time
Visitors to Tirol in December are spoilt for choice – skiing or ice skating, "Krampus" or "Perchten", New Year’s Eve in the mountains or in the valley? Here are our top tips.
Almost half of the total carbon footprint created by a holiday in the Alps is caused by getting to and from the destination. Windsurfing board on the roof, mountain bike on the back, boulder crash pad in the boot or rock climbing equipment on the back seat – do you really need all that gear? Not in Tirol. The region has more than 500 rental and hire shops where outdoor enthusiasts can borrow the equipment they need during their stay. Ski and snowboard rental has been around for decades, but more and more places are now adopting the same model in summer. Here are four examples of rental services in Tirol to give you new holiday perspectives with minimum impact on the environment.
