11 independent reviews for Austrian winter walking vacation
Reviews for Austrian winter walking vacation
RESHEM AGARWAL review 17 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
My vacation at MoaAlm was so special. The natural beauty, the thoughtful and caring staff, and the new friendships with fellow travelers were all highlights. Plus our days were packed with enjoyable snow activities, rejuvenating yoga, nourishing meals, and downtime whenever needed. There was an emphasis on letting each individual retreat-goer make their vacation their own.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, our meals were cooked from local ingredients and had a farm-to-table feel. We supported local restaurants when we took occasional outings. And the retreat itself seemed to run in an eco-friendly manner when it came to energy use.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A really wonderful experience! No complaints.Robin Feeney review 27 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The amazing winter sports (AND the amazing staff AND the amazing accommodation and food)!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5/5 - full stars for everything!Yvonne Hosker review 27 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Watching an eagle, Lammergeier, Chamois and other wildife whilst sitting in the sun and snow above MoaAlm2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack a variety of outdoor clothes to suit the weather.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate a few times in local huts and restaurants. I used public transport to get to MoaAlm. They are mostly vegan but do buy eggs and cheese from a local farm.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Nothing was to much trouble for the MoaAlm staff. The accommodation and location are superb. A nice group also helpedMandy Nielsen review 2 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole trip was memorable. Great staff, activities, location, company and food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A bit of work beforehand on aerobic fitness and strength will help make the walks etc enjoyable. My strength was ok but I could have been a bit fitter for going up hills. Having said that, daily activities are flexible and responsive to guest needs, so you can go as hard or relaxed as you like.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fabulous.Alexia Georgiou review 15 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
From being able to open the curtains every morning to the most magical secluded mountain setting 1,800 metres up to being immersed in nature and pure alpine air on the knowledgeably guided snowshoe hikes – it's hard to choose! Each day progressed through loads of enjoyable stages: yoga class first thing looking out onto the snow-covered landscape through the panoramic window, a leisurely breakfast round the communal table, and then setting off on the day's chosen excursion, stopping off for lunch and a chance to taste the local fare. Followed by tea and cake on return, maybe a session in the wood-fired hot tub, and later a sociable dinner and drinks, guests and staff all together. Just plenty of time to unwind and not feel rushed, always with the choice to go out of an activity, along with good food, and relaxed and fun company.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Definitely in spring, on top of the winter gear also bring rainwear. No need to bring binoculars for wildlife-spotting, because those are thoughfully provided in each room.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all of the above. The evening meals were vegan, which everyone enjoyed vegan or not, and a lot of thought went into all ingredients used.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The whole experience offered makes for a great package, and I'm still having little moments of missing it one week after coming home!Annabel Hagon review 3 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
They have a very good recycling policy4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic vacation. The food was amazing, the staff were really welcoming. It was a great mix of activities/exercise and also time to relax. Perfect!Cornelia Szecsei review 19 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Snow shoeing through the forest in knee deep snow and sitting in the hot tub under the stars.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You can build up a lot of heat cross country skiing and hiking so take thinner layers for milder days as well as the usual insulated ski gear. Don't forget your swimming costume for the hot tub! The scenery is beautiful so if you enjoy photography take your camera.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The food was locally sourced and I felt the team were conscious of reducing energy waste - lights were always switched off, napkins reused, everything recycled etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We enjoyed every aspect of our week at MoaAlm from start to finish. The chalet sits secluded on the mountainside and the team take you up and down in a 4x4 with snow chains. You can rodel down or walk down (and up!) if you prefer! Consequently you feel totally submerged in the winter landscape and nature and the night sky is unspoilt. The yoga studio looks onto the mountains and we got to enjoy the sun rising during our morning practices led by Rosy and Polly - the classes were a wonderful way to start the day. I have some yoga experience (my partner less so) and there was something for both of us in the classes. The food was delicious and plentiful - freshly baked cake awaits you every afternoon and we had a three course vegetarian feast every evening . We aren't vegetarian at home and very much enjoyed this aspect. There's plenty of opportunity to eat out at lunch times if you want to try the local fare, which tends to be less vegetarian. A range of activities is on offer - cross country skiing, hiking, snow shoeing, rodeling (equipment provided) and you can also downhill ski/snowboard if you like (ski rental and lift pass obviously extra but no more expensive than other resorts we've been to). The resort was relatively quiet with no queues for the lifts. Martin, our Austrian guide, made a daily plan according to our preferences and weather report. It was our first time cross country skiing. I think the flexibility and variety that MoaAlm offers is unique and one of it's many strengths. If you feel tired, visibility is poor or the mood takes you you can relax at the chalet with a book instead. I feel this vacation is very much what you want to make it and there's no pressure to follow a particular itinerary. The 'relaxingly active' ethos describes our week perfectly - we chose to do plenty of physical activity but felt mentally recharged and indulged in the food and evening bar. The hot tub is quite an experience amongst the snow under the stars! The team were incredibly welcoming and a pleasure to be with. We couldn't recommend this vacation more and we are seriously considering returning this summer to explore more of the local hiking paths that are inaccessible in winter.Read the operator's response here:
Hello Connie! Thank you very much indeed for leaving us this glowing review... we are smiling from ear to ear, having read it and so happy that you guys enjoyed your time at MoaAlm. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a detailed report of your time here and are thrilled to see that you are considering a return here in the summer season... we would love to see you! Best wishes and thanks again, Polly x
Achla Tanna review 7 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Trying cross country skiing ; cakes in the afternoon and the fab vegetarian meals each evening2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Yoga is not the main feature of this trip so bear that in mind if you are looking to do more yoga3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic! A great way to exercise and get away from it all.Gaia Costantino review 4 Mar 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Snow activities.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring good snow boots, some books and let the stress going away.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yeah the building is a renovated '60s house in the middle of the mountains.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Awesome vacation.Hannah Moody review 1 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I honestly cannot recommend MoaAlm enough! As a solo traveler, I am always interested in new challenges and visiting places that are off the beaten-tourist track. Thank you so much to Hubert, Barbara, Oscar and Martin for making me feel part of the MoaAlm family and for the most unforgettable week packed with snowshoeing, hiking, cross country skiing, sledding, yoga, and total food gustation! Though I'm a regular hiker, I'm an absolute rookie at snow sports. But was not an issue, with them willing to take the time to explain to me how to use the equipment before we started off on our adventure. They take special care with attention to detail, and loved that they tailor your vacation based around what you decided you want to do the night before. And there's heaps you can do! Also dietary requirements are no issue, with the chef Oscar whipping up heavenly dishes for your tastebuds. The communal dining is another plus, allowing you to socialise and get to know your hosts and other guests.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you're not too tired from the day before's activities, spend at least one morning watching the sun rise over the mountains - spectacular!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. MoaAlm isn't very touristy are so it brings in money to locally run businesses. Also MoaAlm sources the majority of the food it serves locally and has installed Eco-friendly insulation and solar panels to cut down on their carbon emissions.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Thanks again for the laughs and treasured memories. I had a super relaxing week outdoors enjoying the sunshine and snow with unforgettable views over Grossglockner, the Alps and the Dolomites. Can not recommend this place enough to anyone looking for something special away from the crowds. Definitely a highlight in my trip. In a word, this place was phenomenalTracy Jeffreys review 25 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The scenery and the food!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for long transfer to and from airport, it is an idyllic spot3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Food locally sourced.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really good. Location and accommodation lovely. Good opportunity to try out new activitiesHoliday Reviews
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