‘Tis the Season to be…

Posted by TravelKorner on November 29, 2013 in Destination - Austria, English | Leave a comment

By Rod Raycroft

The Santa Claus World Championships, the unofficial kick-off to the European Ski Season

Its that time of year, when the air is fresh and Glühwein flows like a river at the weihnachtsmarkts, and huge Après-ski celebrations mark the opening of the European winter ski season.  At the Silvretta Arena, a large ski area between Samnaun in Switzerland and Ischgl in Austria, the party is just starting as revellers seeking their inner Santa arrive today.

Competitors from around the world to compete each year in ClauWau, the Santa Claus World Championships. Its not just a huge party to celebrate the opening of ski season. 

Limited to 30 teams who enter for free, the first event separates the would-be Santas from the elves, as each team introduces themselves with a short Karaoke presentation. It’s a mad weekend when teams of Santas scramble up chimneys, decorating gingerbread, riding sleighs and blinding search for gifts in jovial competition to claim the crown of Santa of the year.

For lodging, the family atmosphere of Samnaun offers a quiet alternative to Ischgl’s après ski is legendary among the work hard, play hard European ethic. The modern, efficient lifts, excellent parking, well-groomed slopes of Silvretta Arena provides excellent skiing and snowboarding, particularly for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

The challenge of ClauWau 2014 begins on the last week-end in November 29-30, so plan ahead as spots for teams and hotel rooms fill up quickly.

INFO BOX:

For more information on the Santa Claus World Championships / ClauWau: http://www.engadin.com/events/top-events/clauwau-weltmeisterschaft-der-nikolaeuse

Accommodations in Ischgl, Austria: Hotel Sonne located in the centre of Ischgl, has 56 rooms and suites; offers a six night stay including half board with six day VIP-skipass for 1,177 euros p.p. (www.sonne-ischgl.at).  Ischgl has over 190 places to stay starting at 74 euros per night (www.booking.com).

Accommodations in Samnaun, Switzerland: Samnaunerhof offers two nights with two day ski-pass and use of sauna, steam bath and whirlpool for CHF 346 p.p. (www.samnaunerhof.com).