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Bad
Kleinkirchheim, Austria |
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No matter how long we
publish this magazine-16 years now-we constantly amazed at
the number of first class resorts that are almost completely
unknown outside the immediate inner circles. The power of
marketing is awesome when one considers that some European
resorts are well known almost on a celebrity basis
internationally, while others, which may even be more attractive
destinations are know primarily to European travelers, and more
sophisticated voyagers from farther a field.
What is it that makes a
resort a superstar? Possibly even more interesting, what is it
that causes a destination to fall from grace? Many do, you know.
But we digress here, dear reader. Let us proceed with the task
at hand. We are here to tell you a story about an Austrian
resort called Bad Kleinkirchheim. You see, it is our considered
opinion, that, outside the hallowed borders of central Europe
and Great Britain, Bad Kleinkirchheim is relatively unsung. And
for the life of me we cannot figure out why. Goodness knows the
resort has all the ingredients. For openers it is a true sports,
activity, healthy destination that operates just about on a 365
day basis. Heck, you can turn up here any time of year and find
lot to do and someone to do it with. We hope to point out in the
space allotted here that Bad Kleinkirchheim, and its satellite
resorts of St. Oswald and Falkert are not only world class
resorts, but, as a direct result of that possible lack of true
International recognition, can be better value than many better
known destinations.
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Take for
instance the year round aspect. BKK and its neighbors share
between them a skiing area that is formidable enough for any
standard of skier, a championship golf course, Thermal baths and
health and beauty treatments and a neigh boring national park.
And, if you
like you can enjoy all of this activity in near total luxury, as
the area can boast 30 or more hotels which fall into the 4 and 5
star category, a big selection of self catering apartments, as
well as the ubiquitous Austrian bed and breakfast accommodation.
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Suppose you decide to visit the Bad Kleinkirchheim in winter.
What you would find under the umbrella of the lift pass would be
a selection of 100 km of ski able terrain ranging from most
difficult to nursery. And, what's best is, from your base in BKK
the immediate ski world is at your disposal. Immediately
outside, and at both ends of the village are four short and
sweet beginner's lifts. From almost the same location, better
skiers can accent to the mainstream skiing using one of the
"feeder lifts" which will deposit them on higher grounds. On
that subject, by the way, BKK is ski able to over 2,000m and 29
different lifts will serve as the transportation. The Nockberg
range will be your playground here, and host skiing slopes that
are directly above BKK, or one of its aforementioned immediate
neighbors. Closest to the village centre is the skiing on the
Strohsack, which at just under 2,000m provides not only
comfortable intermediate type skiing in the immediate vicinity,
but access to the more challenging Kaiserburg section too. From
here by the way, skiers can test their skills and daring-do on
FIS 70 Franz Klammer. This is the sownhill run named after
Austria's famous ski racer, who recently retired after an
amazingly successful career.
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