Well, it's that time of year again! The official ski season has started at Rauris, the cable cars are active and people have been spotted on the slopes.

We all wish we were there right now, the snow looks pretty good and hopefully this season we will continue to have good falls of snow to keep things nice and fresh.

Anyone heading off in the near future, or over Christmas/New Year, have a great time, and don't forget to post about your experience in the forum (along with any pics/videos you may want us to publish).

We have now had confirmation from Crystal that our January holiday will be all inclusive as per previous years, as it was booked using the preview brochure prices which were issued before Crystal made changes to the Rauris pages in the brochure and website. Pheww, big sigh of relief.

I couldn't help myself posting this image from the Hochalm webcam. It really shows Rauris off as a beautiful ski area.

I know that it had been mentioned in the forums that the run to the bottom had been completed, but Harry also mentioned in his email to us that

"Here in Rauris we have completely finished the water-lake for the snow-machines now, as well as the new slope down underneath the gondola."

It's always good to hear these bits of information straight from the source.

Thank you to Harry Maier for providing the following information on the Rauris Style Challenge 2008.

Last weekend we had a big charity event going on in town, the Rauris Style Challenge, for the 2nd time already. Basically we build a big ramp out of wood and a big pool as well, and then we invited the craziest and best freeskiers and snowboarder from Austria, Germany, Italy to show us some good jumps. A spectacular event. The jump is about 3,80m high, and the airtime they reach at the highest point of the jump is 7-8 m. After performing so stylish jumps the riders land in a pool, just about 1,20m deep.And it´s all for charity. Last year we (a group of young people, organizing the whole thing) could donate € 6.000,-- to a children foundation. You can find photos, videos, ... under www.rauris-style.at

Just got back from Rauris on Saturday. What a great week! A huge thank you to Harry and his team at the Karl Maier Ski School for their expert tuition during the week, and especially to Harry for the introduction to off-piste skiing.

Apart from the rain (on the nursery slopes) on Sunday 27th, the weather for the rest of the week was fab.

New pics will be added to the site soon, just need to sift through them and sort out a couple of videos too. If anyone else has any photos or videos to share, don't be shy, and send them in for inclusion in this year's gallery.

Looking forward to next year already!!!

Hello Ski-gang!
 
Here are some more news from the construction on the slopes in Rauris:
 
1. The lake for the snow-machines:
The lake is completely finished and since the middle of last week, water is starting to fill the "hole in ground". The whole lake will have the capacity of 65000 m3 water, which will make it so much easier to use the snow-machines this winter.
 
2. The re-newed / new slope down to the valley beneath the gondola:
I had a meeting with the manager of the lift-company today, and he told me, that also the slope will be ready for this season. That will give some nice new challenges. :-)
 
3. It's snowing again:
Since yesterday it has been snowing again, and Rauris is all covered in white. And it is still snowing. :-))))
 
I included some photos from the ski-area, taken about a week ago. And also one photo where you can see, where the new slope will making it's way down to the valley.
 
I hope I could give you some more info with this mail.
 
The best greetings from Rauris to the whole gang, and I am looking forward to see you all again in the winter.
 
Harry Maier

Hi all, you probably have seen that it has been snowing quite a bit in Austria. Let's hope it's indicative of the weather we'll get this season!

Here's a shot from the webcam to whet your appetites.



All the best,

The Gang

The Rauris Tourist Board website has more information about the new developments in the Rauris ski area.

Raurisertal - Tourism Website

There is also a photo gallery showing a lot more of construction work in progress.

Thanks to Harry Maier at the Karl Maier Ski School for providing us with the latest information regarding the new developments in Rauris.


1. They are building a 65000 m3 water-lake up on the mountain, as well as a pump-station, to have enough water for the snow-machines in the winter. The lake is situated on the left hand side of the double-t-bar from the middle station. The schedule is, that it should be finished by the end of october/beginning of november, so that they have enough time, to fill it with water as well. Depending a little on the weather conditions of course, they should achieve that. At the moment they are working 7 days a week, and I would say it looks good that the lake will be ready for this season.
 
2. The lift-company are also building or re-building the slope beneath the gondola down to the valley. The tracks will be a lot wider as well as more accessible for the skiers. I don't know how close to the schedule they builders are with that project, because it is hard to tell from just watching it. But I will talk to the boss of the lift-company in the next days, and will of course then pass on the "hot information" to you afterwards.

Many thanks again for that up to date information Harry, and we look forward to updates as and when you have them. It's all too exciting.