Walk the scenic Alpine ski slopes in summer
See the Alps in a different season with activities like walking, cycling and yoga on tap in Austria
STARING down the most fearsome ski run in the world, I had to admit I was a little outside my comfort zone.
Hahnenkamm mountain in Kitzbuhel, in the Austrian Alps, has the steepest entry of any piste on the World Cup circuit, and has claimed more than a few broken bones.
That said, the temperature was in the mid-20s and there was breathtaking scenery all around — sunny and green.
The only snow in sight was capping rocky mountains far in the distance. I was beginning to see the appeal of the Alps in summer.
We had arrived the day before via a two-hour Thomson flight from Gatwick into Innsbruck, followed by an hour-long transfer to the cosy Hotel Jagerwirt in Kitzbuhel.
Ski resorts are quite a different proposition in summer than in winter but the idea is still the same — getting active outdoors.
We started with the daunting prospect of hiking down the Streif — the actual Hahnenkamm run, just without the snow.
Standing where these fearless ski racers begin their descent, the view was slightly daunting.
It would take us nearly three hours to reach the bottom. Skiers manage it in under two minutes.
You cannot underestimate how steep this run is — I felt terrified just walking it.
But, luckily, the route pathway down is via winding pathways, taking us safely through key points of the run.
The views were incredible, stretching across miles and miles of rolling hills and flowerfilled meadows.
I was ready to dance around and burst into "The Hills Are Alive". Luckily, I managed to contain my inner Julie Andrews.
Halfway down, we stopped for a mouth-watering lunch of fresh cheeses and meats before we continued our descent, through mountain forest, and eventually found ourselves back at the edge of Kitzbuhel.
All I can say is, I slept very well that night.
We ticked off a few more activities on our short break — electric biking, swimming, more hiking — but I was most excited about the outdoor yoga session.
As a self-confessed yoga addict I could not wait to get to our lakeside spot and perfect my downward dog.
I've practised yoga in Thailand, Mexico and Spain but can say I've never been to such a beautiful location for a class as Gieringer Weiher Lake.
Our instructor Tania set us up on a grassy patch overlooking the glassy depths of the water. In the sunshine and silence I immediately found my inner Zen.
We were a mixed group — some beginners, some more devoted — but Tania adapted the class for everyone.
After an hour-long session it was time to dive into the lake.
Or, in my case, cling on to the side for dear life before reluctantly falling in.
I'm generally not a fan of water, especially when it's cold, but swimming in this lake, surrounded by wilderness, it was hard not to enjoy a few lengths of breaststroke.
We were picked up from yoga by our electric-bike instructor to go and explore Kitzbuhel's lake district — the rolling hills of the Bichlach.
E-biking is not to be underestimated. The electric motor enables you to climb hills you wouldn't normally be able to manage and it's great fun zooming in and out of woodland and into rolling meadows — but still a workout.
Kitzbuhel has so much more to offer in summer than I had expected. I'd recommend it, to all ages, for an action-packed break.
GO: AUSTRIA
GETTING THERE/STAYING THERE: Seven nights' half-board at the 4H Hotel Jagerwirt in Kitzbuhel next month is from £517, with flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort transfers. Regional flights are available from an extra £20. See or call 020 8939 0740.
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