“I can ski!” That’s how Liam proudly ended his last ski season, learning how to ski for the first time. Now, it’s back to training: Together with two other families, we have booked a private ski lesson with a ski instructor at the Skischule Taberhofer in Spital am Semmering, located right between Lower Austria and Styria in the Eastern Austrian Alps.
Now what’s really convenient is that the Semmering – Stuhleck ski resort is only a good hour’s drive from the capital city Vienna. Years ago, I wrote about this small but cool ski resort in the east of Austria (read more about it here).
Empty slopes sweeten my Monday morning: while Liam is at ski school, I enjoy perfect conditions in the Stuhleck – Semmering ski area.
Spending the night at Semmering ski resort in a friends’ house.
Much to Liam’s (and my) delight, his best friend’s parents own a house in Semmering. So we were able to arrive the day before for the ski course, go for a leisurely walk and enjoy the fresh air at over 1,000 metres above sea level. The small town Semmering is known as a “climatic health resort” due to its special air qualities!
On the day of our ski course, another family friend and her young daughter join us for our private lesson: they have travelled from Vienna especially for the morning. This also works very well with (small) children, and is definitely an option to consider.
Easy walk at Semmering – Schneebergblick …
… the kids just love looking at this frozen waterfall. Wow!
Stuhleck ski resort: Taberhofer ski school and rental service in Spital am Semmering.
“We need … three pairs of ski boots and skis, two helmets … and one pair of ski goggles.” 🙂
From the rental shop at the Taberhofer ski school in Spital am Semmering (around 10 minutes by car from the town of Semmering), we head straight to the practice slope. Ski instructor Maxim is already waiting for us. The whole process, including rental, fitting the skis, getting the children dressed and out, takes less than 10 minutes. Great for timing!
Ski boots and ski are so natural for young kids. Only adults find them cumbersome, I find!
Liam keeps learning how to ski: Private lessons with friends!
Maxim patiently takes the kids and practises strapping on skis, walking on one ski, keeping their balance, climbing uphill with skis parallel to the slope, and finally making small turns (“pizzaaa!”).
The advantage of a private lesson is, of course, that the ski instructor can fully adapt to the three friends’ needs.
Tip: The more children you register for a private lesson, the cheaper the lesson per child and family. Our neighbours have already booked one for the coming weekend!
Kids learning how to ski aged four to five – an ideal age gap to start!
Liam with ski instructor Maxim.
The morning mainly consists of lots of small exercises. After two hours, the children are exhausted – and have really earned their lunch (tip: Gasthaus Belvedere in Semmering).
Well done Liam. I’m so proud of you!
Carving with the points card at Stuhleck ski resort.
“With the points card, you can take the chairlift and then the drag lift a couple of times. That way, you can maximise the points on your card.”
A good tip from the local ski school, because I don’t have a lot of time. Enough, however, to make a few carving turns in the snow. What a feeling! Skiers among you will agree with me. Won’t you?
PS: By the way, did you know that I actually made my own ski? I once took part in a ski building workshop organised by SpurArt in Innsbruck a few years ago, complete with my own engraved logo and lettering. I still love them to this day. Perhaps an idea for you?
Skiing at Stuhleck …
… offers wonderful conditions on an easy Monday morning like this …
… so while Liam is learning how to ski at the local ski school, I can have a go at my own passion for skiing. The apple does not fall far from the tree, right?
Disclaimer: We have been invited by the Taberhofer ski school and rental service. All opinions are my own.