0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello and welcome to Getaways,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06the show where we go where you tell us to go.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08This week we're in Austria,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11on a winter sports holiday, to find out why this has become a key
0:00:11 > 0:00:14destination for both skiers and non-skiers alike.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18We're in the Gastein Valley, which is not only famed for its skiing
0:00:18 > 0:00:22and its snow, but also for its thermal springs and spas.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25On our website, we asked you for your recommendations,
0:00:25 > 0:00:28and you have been tweeting us and texting with your top ski tips,
0:00:28 > 0:00:32ideas for days out and ways to avoid doing serious damage to your pocket.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36Coming up, we hit the slopes.
0:00:36 > 0:00:37Whoa!
0:00:37 > 0:00:41We find out what's on offer for the non-skier.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44We visit Salzburg, where the hills are alive with Mozart
0:00:44 > 0:00:46and the sound of music.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50And I take a look at some of our favourite
0:00:50 > 0:00:55things in County Armagh, in this week's short getaway.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58It's straightforward enough to get to the Gastein Valley.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01There is a direct flight from Belfast to Salzburg.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03The flight takes a neat two and a half hours,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06and the journey time to our resort,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Bad Hofgastein, takes just over an hour.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10That's not bad for a ski transfer.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Bad Hofgastein is one of the three villages that make up the Gastein
0:01:18 > 0:01:21ski region in central Austria.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25After the Second World War, the area was developed as a ski resort,
0:01:25 > 0:01:29and now the Gastein Valley ski zone stretches over 200km.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35These slopes, or pistes, are always graded by colours,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37indicating how difficult they are.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41Here you'll find nine of the toughest black runs,
0:01:41 > 0:01:4441 intermediate standard red runs
0:01:44 > 0:01:47and 14 blues for novices and beginners.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Rebecca Gibson from Bangor said,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53"You really should think very carefully about when you come here."
0:01:53 > 0:01:54She was here at the start of December
0:01:54 > 0:01:56and she found the going extremely icy.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Now, that is going to hurt if you fall on it.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01What I would recommend is you come here between January
0:02:01 > 0:02:02and the end of March.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Packing for ski holidays is an art.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10OK, it is virtually impossible to pack light for skiing,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12so just go with it.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17First off, you're going to need a ski jacket - with a hood, ideally.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22A little snood thingy. Salopettes, or ski trousers for the uninitiated.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24Snow boots. You need those for walking home.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26Then we've got gloves, keep you warm.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28And also these little hand-warmer things.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32Snap them, keep them in your pocket, nice and toasty during the day.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Ski socks. Prevent blisters.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38Little eye mask to make sure you get a good night's sleep.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Thermals, always necessary.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Thermal water for your face so you don't get sweaty.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47SPF so you don't get burnt. Sunglasses. Lip balm.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Then we have some little silky numbers for apres ski. Mm-hm.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56And finally, slippers. You need these after a hard day on the slopes.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01You may not choose this particular style - other slippers are available.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Anton O'Callaghan from County Kerry recommended hiring
0:03:06 > 0:03:08all your ski gear when you get here.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12Boots, skis, snowboards - it will save on excess baggage,
0:03:12 > 0:03:16and unless you're skiing every year, they are a pretty hefty investment.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Also the ski-hire shops upgrade their stock regularly.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21Their kit is well maintained,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24and you often get to try the latest models.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Here we go. It is amazing to find boots to fit my massive feet in.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31There we go.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35I love these boots, you walk like Robocop in them. Brilliant.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39OK, I look for a snowboard.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- Are you a beginner?- Yes.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- It is a good lane. Right or left in front?- I would be left.- Left, OK.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Look at that, straight on, you're ready go. Beaut!
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- There you go. Tickety-boo, done. - And we are finished.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59- Thank you, thanks very much, man. Appreciated.- Bye.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03A week's hire of boots and snowboard costs around 130 euros.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Skiing kit costs much the same as snowboarding gear.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Now, you've got your snowboard and you're good to go,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12but another bit of equipment I would recommend getting is the helmet.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14It is compulsory in Austria for children to wear helmets,
0:04:14 > 0:04:16but not adults. I would say you should.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19I mean...
0:04:19 > 0:04:21it's not a look everyone can pull off, but
0:04:21 > 0:04:24better safe than sorry, right?
0:04:27 > 0:04:30But first things first, I wouldn't dream, and indeed neither
0:04:30 > 0:04:33should you, of venturing onto the mountain without a hearty breakfast.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38You will need all the energy you can muster for a hard day on the slopes.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41I've found somewhere a wee bit special.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47Now, I have had some mighty impressive breakfasts in my time,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49but nothing like this.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53I am 2,700 metres up a snow-capped mountain, looking at that
0:04:53 > 0:04:57view in this awesome metal-and-glass structure,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00about to feast on this.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02I reckon this is how James Bond breakfasts.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- AS SEAN CONNERY: - Could you pass me the marmalade?
0:05:09 > 0:05:13And the chef, Harald, has a licence to grill.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Oh, wow, thank you very much.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17Mmm! Superb.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24You know, the combination of having breakfast in here and that view...
0:05:24 > 0:05:27This is better than any omelette you've ever tasted.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32It costs 45 euros a head to book the pod for special occasions,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35and I'm told it is a favourite place to pop the question.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41While Joe is getting his breakfast, I'm out on the early run.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43And with the help of my ski instructor,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45I'm ready to give it a go.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- My name is Hans. - Good for you.- And...
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- Good for me, yes. - SHE LAUGHS
0:05:50 > 0:05:51This is the beginning,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55so we have the next two hours for our private lesson.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Amazing. OK, we are in business.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01If you have bended knees, then you can move them left and right.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03And then you can also...
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Not like a bodycheck. Like this. Yeah?
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Angie, then we try to turn to the other side.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13I feel comforted when you call me Angie.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17What if I just go really quickly around like this? Ooops! OK.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Yeah, yeah. Young girl always a little bit too quick.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22A little too quick, OK.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25Make it slowly, make it without nervous.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Now, isn't that better?
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Now we are talking. This feels like it is going very quickly.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37And then we can make our first run. Push a little bit.
0:06:37 > 0:06:38'Well, I look the part,
0:06:38 > 0:06:40'and thankfully it doesn't take me too long
0:06:40 > 0:06:42'before I get the hang of it.'
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- I see, oh, yes.- Great. Angie!
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Your first run. This is perfect.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- Is this good, Hans? Am I a natural? - Stop, stop, stop.
0:06:52 > 0:06:53Perfect, Angie.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- OK, so let's go to the lift.- Yeah.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59And we will see what is happening on the steeper parts.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01That's the interesting bit, isn't it?
0:07:01 > 0:07:04'And my instructor for today is Tomas.'
0:07:04 > 0:07:06OK, Joe, so your left leg is at the front,
0:07:06 > 0:07:08so please jump into the fall line.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13I am a complete novice at this, OK. I've done maybe two lessons.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- OK.- They didn't go very well. - OK.- OK?
0:07:16 > 0:07:20'OK, I'm going to get the excuses in early, all right?'
0:07:20 > 0:07:23All right, look at me first. Bend the knees, go down.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Twist the body and stop.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28All right, Joe.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33'So, bend the knees, twist the body and...'
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Whoa! Whoa!
0:07:35 > 0:07:38"..wipe out the instructor.'
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- Perfect.- Yeah, perfect, yeah.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42JOE LAUGHS
0:07:43 > 0:07:46You need definitely a little bit speed,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48and then lean out to the left.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52And then lean out to the right. Superb.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55And then open the skis, in position,
0:07:55 > 0:07:59and turn, lean out to the right.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02And lean out to the left.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- Can we go over here a little bit? - Angie, Angie, hello!
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Are you getting a bit scared now?
0:08:11 > 0:08:13SHE LAUGHS
0:08:13 > 0:08:15That was lovely.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Seriously, I went a bit off piste - not quite to plan,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21not quite controlled - but it looked the part, I think.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- Angie, you're a good girl. - Thank you, Hans.- Super.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Just risk it for a biscuit. Whoa! No, no, no. Ah!
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- All right, so we try it again, OK?- OK, here we go.
0:08:33 > 0:08:34'Snowboarding is a lot like life.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37'A wee bit of confidence, keep your head up,
0:08:37 > 0:08:38'everything is going to be grand.'
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Whoa! Oh!
0:08:43 > 0:08:46You can cut to the other bit where it looks really good, right?
0:08:46 > 0:08:47OK, Joe.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- Bend the knees.- 'You really can tell when you're getting better.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54'I could tell when I wasn't knocking Tomas down as often.'
0:08:54 > 0:08:56All right!
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- Perfect, man. - That felt good. Yes!- Yes!
0:09:00 > 0:09:01OK.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Rachel Garrett from Islandmagee recommended
0:09:06 > 0:09:09hiring your equipment, and indeed getting your ski pass,
0:09:09 > 0:09:12online before you get here, because it can often work out that wee
0:09:12 > 0:09:15bit cheaper than getting it at the resort once you come here.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17It is worth doing your homework.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20A six-day lift pass costs around 225 euros
0:09:20 > 0:09:24and covers the whole of the Gastein ski region.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27If you want to know what you're letting yourself in for, go online.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Most resorts have webcams,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31so you can see exactly what the slopes are like
0:09:31 > 0:09:32before you leave home.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36And I met up with Paul Kelly from Dublin,
0:09:36 > 0:09:38who's here for a winter weekend.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Paul, you strike me as a man who is no stranger to the slopes.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- Have you been here before?- Oh, yes, about ten times now.- OK.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- So what makes you keep coming back? - Well, it is excellent.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51It's a great ski area, always good snow conditions.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53And it is just such a beautiful place.
0:09:53 > 0:09:54I mean, the bigger question, I guess,
0:09:54 > 0:09:56what is it about skiing you love?
0:09:56 > 0:09:59The freedom, the fresh air, nice activity.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01You feel all the better for it.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04You enjoy it and the evening entertainment after a good
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- day out in the snow. - The apres-ski?- Absolutely.- Yeah.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16As well as skiing and snowboarding, the kids will love sledging,
0:10:16 > 0:10:20and one of the slopes turns into a toboggan run at night-time.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24The kids might also bend your ear to trek one of these cuties.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28These South American alpacas are right at home here in the Alps,
0:10:28 > 0:10:32and the kids can take them for 12 euros.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35This little fella is Bacco. He's my little red-haired friend.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39Come on, buddy. Oh, look at him, so soft.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42So kids can basically bring him for a walk.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Come on, dude. Come on.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Look, he looks like my child. Come on.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55And there's also tubing.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Very appropriately named because it made me look like a complete tube.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02Oh, my granny could go faster than this.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04And you can swap your skis for snow
0:11:04 > 0:11:07shoes for a trek off the beaten track,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10through the deepest waves of snow.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12This is proper cross-country.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14THEY LAUGH
0:11:14 > 0:11:17See, it is funny because you think that you are just walking
0:11:17 > 0:11:20along normally, so you could be doing it in shoes, but it's quite deep.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- Deep, yes. Yes.- So you need...
0:11:23 > 0:11:26The snowshoes are very helpful for this.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- In the water you can see this green, the green leaves?- Yeah.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31This is watercress.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34'A snowshoe trek costs six euro per person,
0:11:34 > 0:11:36and Hans, who is also the local park ranger,
0:11:36 > 0:11:40can give you a guided tour of the local flora and fauna.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- Very good for vitamin C.- Yes.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Oh!
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- That wasn't very good, was it? - It is good. Yeah, yeah.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52So you can feel the snow.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- Perfect.- Nice move. I've got smooth moves.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59'If you prefer a holiday a bit closer to home,'
0:11:59 > 0:12:01check out this week's short getaway.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07I'm starting my short break in County Armagh's capital, Armagh city,
0:12:07 > 0:12:11one of Ireland's oldest cities and a tourist favourite, with
0:12:11 > 0:12:14historic sites such as the Primates Palace and the Armagh Gaol.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20There's also the more modern Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre,
0:12:20 > 0:12:23and a very well respected Armagh Planetarium.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27This is Ireland's leading centre for astronomical education.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30So you can find out all about astronauts, the planets,
0:12:30 > 0:12:32satellites and all things astro.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39But what Armagh is most famous for is its two cathedrals.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44One of the cathedrals is St Patrick's Church of Ireland,
0:12:44 > 0:12:48and the other is St Patrick's Catholic Cathedral.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53This is where St Patrick built his first church in 445 AD.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Armagh's place in history was guaranteed
0:12:58 > 0:13:01when St Patrick made it the capital of his church.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04In fact, it's the only city in the world to have two cathedrals
0:13:04 > 0:13:06named after the same patron saint.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13There's a tourist trail around Armagh,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16mapping outside's link to St Patrick.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Both cathedrals offer guided tours,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21but I'm headed to Armagh's public library,
0:13:21 > 0:13:25which has a very important link to the saint and to ancient Ireland.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31This is pretty cool, it's a reproduction of the ninth
0:13:31 > 0:13:35century Book Of Armagh, which chronicles the life of St Patrick.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38It is not an original, which is probably just as well,
0:13:38 > 0:13:42because I'm a little clumsy, but it's pretty special in its own right.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46It is one of 400 copies made back in 1914.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51The original manuscript is kept at Trinity College Dublin.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54The book is an important testament of ancient Ireland,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57also referring to the likes of Brian Boru,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01perhaps the most famous Irish high king, who's buried here in Armagh.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06But the Book Of Armagh isn't the most famous book
0:14:06 > 0:14:08in this library's collection.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11This is a first edition of Gulliver's Travels.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14And the author, Jonathan Swift, used this particular copy to make
0:14:14 > 0:14:15amendments.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Jonathan Swift spent a lot of time here in the city
0:14:19 > 0:14:23and the surrounding countryside, where he had many friends,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26and there are several references to the area in his writings.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31And my next stop-off could well have been inspired
0:14:31 > 0:14:33by the kingdom of Lilliput.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38The children's story trail in Slieve Gullion Forest Park
0:14:38 > 0:14:40is 40 minutes from Armagh city.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44This is the entrance to the giant's lair,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46a story trail based on local folklore
0:14:46 > 0:14:49that takes kids through an enchanted forest.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59There's nobody in there.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Look at this - a little fairy swing. It's very cute.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10Children follow in the footsteps of a cheeky fairy named Flynn,
0:15:10 > 0:15:12who warns you about the sleeping giant, Slieve Gullion.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18From large teacups at the giant's table, to a ladybird house,
0:15:18 > 0:15:23it's a really imaginative trail for the kids and makes for a fun day out.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29This is my favourite piece - a local witch, Calliagh Berra,
0:15:29 > 0:15:33who apparently turned Finn McCool into an old man.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41And if you're looking for somewhere different to stay, Basil Sheils
0:15:41 > 0:15:46is an old Irish-style inn, about 15 minutes away from Armagh city.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49It's based in the small village of Tassagh.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53Guests have the option of bed and breakfast or to go self-catering,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55as one of the rooms includes a kitchenette.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58A night here costs from £30 per person.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05This week, we're taking a winter getaway in Austria.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09We're visiting the ski region of the Gastein Valley in the Austrian Alps.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12So far we've polished up our skills on the piste with snowboarding
0:16:12 > 0:16:16and skiing lessons, met a few of the cutest locals...
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Look! He looks like my child!
0:16:18 > 0:16:21..and now, we're going to find out what else there is to do here
0:16:21 > 0:16:23apart from ski.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30If you've never skied - and, frankly, you think
0:16:30 > 0:16:33you're too old or cowardly to risk life and limb
0:16:33 > 0:16:36by starting now - then cross-country skiing might just be for you.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40I love the speed.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Don't worry. He's a pro.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44There's a much simpler -
0:16:44 > 0:16:47and dare I say safer - version, and I'm going to give it a go.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50So, Joe. Come in...in the ski...
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Cross-country skis are different
0:16:52 > 0:16:56to the downhill variety, and my instructor Hans is helping me.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Your heel lifts off the ski, so it is more like walking.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04Now catch me. Catch me if you can. Let's go. Come on.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06Make the steps a little bit longer.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Honestly, this is trickier than it looks.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11It looks easy, but it is tricky.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Let's go a little bit faster.
0:17:13 > 0:17:14Come on, Joe, come on!
0:17:15 > 0:17:18You want to win the gold medal, OK? Come on!
0:17:18 > 0:17:20I'd settle for bronze.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Gold, gold! We talk only about gold, OK?
0:17:23 > 0:17:24We're going for gold today.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- Yes, yes, yes.- And in no time, it looks like I'm a-cruisin'.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32And you push a little bit with the sticks.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35When we have so much speed, OK,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38you bring the sticks in this position.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40JOE LAUGHS
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Man, next stop, Ski Sunday. Come on!
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- Hans, thank you so much, man. - I loved that.- You're welcome.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58I have never had skis on my feet before. I've never skied.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Yes, but look.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03I mean, for the next Olympic Games, I mean, the gold medal is for you.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06That says a lot about your Olympic team, to be fair,
0:18:06 > 0:18:07than it does about my prowess,
0:18:07 > 0:18:09but, do you know what? It's all about just
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- getting your balance and your confidence and enjoying it...- Yes.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16And going at your own pace and getting a great instructor.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- That is important, key.- Thank you.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Bad Hofgastein
0:18:22 > 0:18:25sits low in the valley, and when we were here in March,
0:18:25 > 0:18:29the village was snow-free, so easy to get to and get around.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32The Gastein Valley is famous for its spas,
0:18:32 > 0:18:34with thermal baths and hot springs
0:18:34 > 0:18:38which historically have attracted visitors who came here in the summer
0:18:38 > 0:18:40to take the waters.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44You'll see lots of these gorgeous ornate fountains around the town.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47They're drinking fountains but, bizarrely, it's hot water.
0:18:47 > 0:18:5142 degrees Celsius thermal water and really good for you, too.
0:18:54 > 0:18:55It tastes perfect.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Maybe a little metallic, but I'm not sure whether that's from his snout
0:18:58 > 0:19:03or whether it's the thermal effects.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07Bad Hofgastein is a good option if you have a non-skier in your group,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11or want to give your legs a break with a day off the slopes.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Bernadette Morris McCann suggested
0:19:13 > 0:19:16we take full advantage after a long day's skiing.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21"Bad" means "spa" in German
0:19:21 > 0:19:25and Bad Hofgastein has been a spa resort for centuries.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28The town has attracted the great and the good,
0:19:28 > 0:19:32including Bismarck, Schubert and Strauss, who came here
0:19:32 > 0:19:35to indulge in the hot springs and thermal waters.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38And there is a unique feature underneath the town that makes
0:19:38 > 0:19:41this spa experience a bit different.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43So I've now left our hotel spa
0:19:43 > 0:19:46and I'm making my way through the tunnel which connects our hotel
0:19:46 > 0:19:49and numerous other hotels in the town to a super-spa.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53The beauty of this is you don't even have to get dressed.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57It might look like an almighty public pool,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59but this is a spa with thermal waters.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03So I've ended up at the Alpentherme.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06This is the big mamma of the spas in the area.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09It has over eight pools, but I chose this one.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12It is outdoors, surrounded by mountains on the one side
0:20:12 > 0:20:13and ski slopes on the other.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of skiing.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26The Alpentherme has every kind of spa facility you could imagine.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools,
0:20:30 > 0:20:35hot tubs, water-massage loungers and even a nude sauna,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38but I thought I'd leave that to the more adventurous.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43For an even more hard-core spa experience,
0:20:43 > 0:20:45there are the Gastein Healing Caves,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48where a train brings you to a subterranean sauna.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54The warm humid air and low levels of radon
0:20:54 > 0:20:58is said to ease muscle complaints and help with skin disorders.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06And now from the subterranean back to the top of the mountain.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09There's an amazing feat of engineering that I'm told
0:21:09 > 0:21:11gives the best view of the Austrian Alps.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Now, regular viewers, you will know I'm not a man
0:21:16 > 0:21:18comfortable with heights,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20but this is one of the highest suspension bridges in Europe.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22It is 7,500 feet above sea level
0:21:22 > 0:21:26and apparently can withstand winds over 120mph,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29though I wouldn't recommend testing that theory.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32It's a rather spectacular way to enjoy the scenery,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35but you will notice I'm not hanging about...too long.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37HE SHUDDERS
0:21:38 > 0:21:42And if you tire of the slopes, one of our top recommendations is
0:21:42 > 0:21:46a day trip to Salzburg, one of Europe's most scenic cities.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Many of you, including Catherine Morrison,
0:21:49 > 0:21:51recommended an excursion here.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54It's just over an hour's drive from Bad Hofgastein,
0:21:54 > 0:21:55so it's easy to get to it
0:21:55 > 0:22:00and it's a good way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Tour reps and local bus companies
0:22:02 > 0:22:05organise regular trips from the ski resorts.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09A day in Salzburg should start from the Salzburg fortress,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12for the best views over the city and to get your bearings.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19The city is famous for its baroque architecture
0:22:19 > 0:22:21and its rich historical heritage.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25The name Salzburg means "city of salt"
0:22:25 > 0:22:28and refers to the salt mining in the nearby mountains.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31They also successfully mined for gold and silver
0:22:31 > 0:22:33in the local valleys, hence the city's riches.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42This magnificent structure is one of central Europe's largest
0:22:42 > 0:22:45preserved fortresses, and has been a residence for archbishops,
0:22:45 > 0:22:48a military barracks, and a prison.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Now it's a tourist and arts centre that's open all year round.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54It's a great place for a coffee with a view.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Salzburg has a well-preserved medieval and baroque old town,
0:23:02 > 0:23:05which demonstrate the wealth of the former city-state.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09The heyday of the principality was in the 17th century,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12when Salzburg was one of the richest cities in Europe.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Salzburg is the birthplace of classical composer
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32He was born here in 1756 and lived here until he was 24.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Considered a child prodigy, he had written his first composition
0:23:34 > 0:23:39by the age of seven, and by 16, had three operas performed in Milan.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Mozart wrote more than 600 musical works.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50The best known include The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni
0:23:50 > 0:23:52and The Marriage Of Figaro.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Mozart was only 35 when he died in Vienna,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58at which point he was teaching other composers
0:23:58 > 0:24:01and inspiring future greats like Beethoven and Haydn.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08And for fans of Mozart, you can
0:24:08 > 0:24:11visit the two houses where he lived in the city.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15The house where he was born has preserved
0:24:15 > 0:24:17the kitchen as it would have been when he lived there.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19The rest of the house is more gallery-like,
0:24:19 > 0:24:21with a collection of artworks
0:24:21 > 0:24:23depicting the composer and his family.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30There are also copies of his earlier compositions.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36And you can see the violin that Mozart first began to play
0:24:36 > 0:24:39at the age of three. Yes, three.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45And the Mozart legacy in Salzburg may not be all you expect.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47We've been told you can't leave Salzburg
0:24:47 > 0:24:49without tasting these chocolate balls -
0:24:49 > 0:24:51fondly known as Mozart balls.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55They're marzipan, nougat and dipped in beautiful chocolate.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01Delicious.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Salzburg was the location for the all-time classic
0:25:08 > 0:25:12The Sound Of Music, which was filmed here in the 1960s.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15And there's even a Sound Of Music tour around the city.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19A typical tour costs 40 euros and lasts four hours.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23The formal gardens by the City Hall
0:25:23 > 0:25:25are one of the focal points of the tour.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30These are the Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the kids
0:25:30 > 0:25:32sang Do-Re-Mi, and it's where you'll find
0:25:32 > 0:25:36the Pegasus fountain, where Maria danced with the children.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40It's a lovely place to come for a dander in the afternoon.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42And forgive us, but when you've been
0:25:42 > 0:25:45inspired by a few of your favourite things, strange things happen.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48It's not every day you get to film in the garden
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- where they did The Sound Of Music, right?- Shall we?- Hit it.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55# Do, a deer, a female deer
0:25:55 > 0:25:56# Re, a drop of golden sun
0:25:56 > 0:25:58# Mi... #
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Maybe we'll stop right there.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04- Despite our inadequate performance...- Hey!
0:26:04 > 0:26:09..Salzburg is one of the most important cultural cities in Austria.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12During the summer, it's known for the Salzburg Festival,
0:26:12 > 0:26:15a series of opera, concert and theatre performances.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18SOPRANO SINGS
0:26:20 > 0:26:22At Christmas time, there are winter markets
0:26:22 > 0:26:25and this is possibly when the city is at its most beautiful.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34For our trip to Bad Hofgastein,
0:26:34 > 0:26:37we stayed in Hotel Norica on the main square.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39It's a four-star family-run hotel.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Independent hotels are still common in Austria
0:26:42 > 0:26:46and they have a much more homely feel than large corporate chain hotels.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50All the hotels in the town have a supply of thermal water
0:26:50 > 0:26:52and the Norica has a particularly good spa,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55but the best thing about this hotel
0:26:55 > 0:27:00is that it connects to, and gives free entry into, the Alpentherme.
0:27:10 > 0:27:11Hotel Salzburgerhof
0:27:11 > 0:27:13is a good three-star option in the centre of town.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16It's been recently modernised
0:27:16 > 0:27:19and there is easy access to the ski bus stop.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32If you're looking for a budget option to keep your holiday costs down,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35then you could try a self-catering apartment.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38The Alpina Apartments are well situated,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41close to both the town centre and the Gastein lifts.
0:27:41 > 0:27:42In the skiing season...
0:27:50 > 0:27:53We booked our holiday package, including flights and hotels,
0:27:53 > 0:27:55with Topflight.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58If you'd like any more information, please visit our website -
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- So our Austrian trip is over. - How did you like it?- I loved it.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07You know what? All the stuff like skiing and that,
0:28:07 > 0:28:09snowboarding, brilliant.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11But I do think you've got to get down to Salzburg,
0:28:11 > 0:28:14specially if you're here for like a week, maybe two weeks.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Break the trip up a bit, get yourself out of the mountains,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19go down to a really fascinating, really interesting city.
0:28:19 > 0:28:20Yeah, you know what?
0:28:20 > 0:28:23I think most people think of skiing, snowboarding when you're here.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26But there's so much more. Obviously outdoorsy stuff -
0:28:26 > 0:28:29whether it's sleighing or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing...
0:28:29 > 0:28:32thermal spas are lovely, as well. Nice way to wind down.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35- I really enjoyed it.- Me too. See you next time on Getaways.