What’s happening in June in the Austrian Tirol?

Summer is a great time to visit the mountains. Walking, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, climbing, paragliding – any outdoor adventure sport you can imagine you can do it in the Austrian Tirol. Here's the lowdown to what is happening in June.

When people question when the best time to visit Austria is, it becomes an answer of two halves. The success of the winter months is well documented and as the 2011-12 ski season closed, Tirol recorded its most successful season in three years, with arrivals from the UK up 4.2% from November 2011 to April 2012.

Summer in the mountains has always been the greater challenge with outdated perceptions to overcome. Just like a skiing holiday isn’t all about skiing, a summer holiday in the mountains isn’t all about walking. Naturally it plays the lead role but walking and hiking are not the only activities to take centre stage. Mountain biking, cycling, climbing, paragliding, white water rafting, canyoning all play out their supporting roles to a grand spectacular of an active summer in the mountains.

June is a great time to visit for many reasons. The climate is warmer, with higher average daily temperatures than in the UK. The beautiful scenery is full of colour, with every shade of green imaginable contrasted against the dramatic mountain landscape. The sporting attractions during the winter months are well known but summer shines equally as bright as a sporting magnet, with cycling, running and triathlon events bringing together the best in amateur and professional athletes. Still strong on tradition and culture, the Tirol region stands out with events such as the Tanzsommer festival and the ancient tradition of lighting mountain fires at summer solstice.

LATE DEALS TO THE AUSTRIAN TIROL

Save £240 - Söll

Inghams (020 8780 4477; www.inghams.co.uk) has 7 nights half board accommodation at the 3* Hotel Modlinger in Söll from £369 per person (was £609). Price includes return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck, resort transfers, free daily lunch packs, free bike hire, free E-bike taster session and a 15% reduction on tennis courts, mini-golf and squash. Departs 16 June 2012.

Save £140 – St Johann

Crystal Summer (0871 230 8180; www.crystalsummer.co.uk) has 7 nights B&B accommodation at the Guesthouse Eppensteiner in St Johann from £287 per person (was £427). Price includes return flights from Newcastle, Gatwick, Birmingham or Manchester to Salzburg and resort transfers. Departs 16 June 2012.

Save £190 – Seefeld

Thomson Lakes & Mountains (0871 230 8181; www.thomsonlakes.co.uk) has 7 nights half board accommodation at the 4* Hotel Krinserhof in Seefeld from £355 per person (was £545). Price includes return flights from Gatwick or Manchester to Innsbruck and resort transfers. Departs 20 June 2012.

Guided Walking - Ladis

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (01707 331133; www.ramblersholidays.co.uk) has a guided walking holiday, based in the resort of Ladis, in the Upper Inn Valley, from £845 half board for one week / £1275 for two weeks, including flights, transfers, local lift pass and leader led walks, based in the 4* Hotel Goies with pool and spa facilities. Departs June 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th for 1 or 2 weeks.

Leutasch Valley

From flower-filled meadows to high mountain passes, Inntravel (01653 617000 www.inntravel.co.uk) offers this wonderful self-guided walk from one pretty Tyrolean village to the next. Prices for travel from 16 June are £598 per person for 7 nights including three 4* hotels, breakfast and dinner every day, luggage transfers and detailed walking notes. Flights into Innsbruck can be arranged separately and connecting taxi from Innsbruck cost £64 per person return.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN JUNE?

KitzAlp Bike Festival

When? 27.06-1.07.2012

Where? Kitzbühel Alps

The KitzAlpBike is Austria's largest mountain bike festival, offering five action packed days for competitors and spectators.  The 3rd Hill Climb in Brixen im Thale opens the event and truly lives up to its name!  Then it is on to the Urban Bike Challenge in Westendorf, the Bike Fashion Show and the Trail Night in Kitzbühel, before the absolute highlight of the Mountain Bike Marathon in the Brixen Valley.  On 1st July is the turn of the young generation to show its talent!

For further information: www.kitzalpbike.at

Triathlon World Cup in Kitzbühel

When? 23.06-24.06.2012

Where? Kitzbühel

Following Sydney and Madrid the ITU World Triathlon series will move on to the Tirol in June, where the contest will be held for the fourth time in Kitzbühel from 23rd to 24th June, with amateur athletes competing alongside world-ranking professionals. For 2012 the cycle course will be even more challenging and will pass through the picturesque centre of Kitzbühel for the first time.

For further information: http://www.kitzbuehel.com/en/events/topevents/detail/bg_triathlon/

Mountain Fires – Summer Solstice

When? 23rd June 2012

Where? Ehrwald, Zugspitzarena

At summer solstice the ancient tradition of lighting mountain fires is still strong in the Alps. This celebrated custom is particularly impressive in the Zugspitzarena, with about 8000 fires depicting various symbols illuminating the mountain peaks around the Zugspitze, Wetterstein- and Ammergebirge, Lechtaler Alps and Mieminger Kette. In March 2010 UNESCO included Ehrwald’s Mountain Fire on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List in Austria.

For further information: www.zugspitzarena.com, www.bergfeuer.at

Innsbruck Tanzsommer (Summer of Dance)

When? 15th June – 10th July 2012

Where? Innsbruck

For 17 years Tanzsommer Innsbruck has captivated audiences with a programme of dance performances from some of the best in the world. The festival will open with Lucky Seven, a piece performed by Eric Gauthier Dance Company after rave reviews in 2011. The all-male classical ballet troupe, the Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, also affectionately known as the ‘Trocks’, will thrill the crowds with its colourful performances. New show Shadowland sees the Pilobolus Dance Theatre (USA) take an innovative look at the ancient art of shadow play - with perfect dance moves offset by the intriguing effects of skilful lighting on canvas screens. A two night break on B&B starts from €199 per person, including ticket to Shadowland on 6th or 7th July and a 24hr Innsbruck card.

For further information: http://www.innsbruck.info/en/experience/events/detail/article/tanzsommer-innsbruck.html; www.tanzsommer.at

For more information on the region: www.visittirol.co.uk; www.facebook.com/visittirol

-ENDS-

For further information and images contact:

Becky Horton, Horton PR

becky.horton@hortonpr.co.uk; 020 8330 2143; 07766 738020

Holger Gassler, Marketing UK, Tirol Tourist Board

holger.gassler@tirolwerbung.at, Tel. +43.(0)512.5320.641

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