14 independent reviews for Austria winter walking and cross-country ski holiday
Reviews for Austria winter walking and cross-country ski holiday
Tim Nixon review 12 Mar 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
A superb week, lots of highlights. Rodelling down the 3km road from MoaAlm like a 10 year old, Sophies & Teresa’s Yoga classes, fantastic snow/ice walks with Xania, Toby and Sophie, patient teaching of cross country skiing to a complete novice by Craig. Oh and the food was fabulous, like I was in an episode of Master Chef every night – thank you Franciska and everyone else who cooked and baked cakes! A fab week !2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
My first solo trip for 30 years. Just go for it you will love it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, so far as a trip involving air travel can. Frequented local restaurants and conversations often involved the local wildlife and environmental challenges.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A fantastic week with like minded caring people.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Tim,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are very happy that you enjoyed your stay at MoaAlm Mountain Retreat. It was a pleasure to meet you and share our love for this place with you. We hope to welcome you back to the mountains soon!
Best wishes from Sophie & the team!
Gloria Wong review 28 Feb 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking and skiing in the midst of breath-taking snow-capped mountains, the morning yoga that soothed the body and mind.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Join wholeheartedly every activities suggested as the team knows what is best based on the condition of the weather and snow.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Almost all our meals are at the retreat and from ingredients sourced locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent in all aspects. This has been my first ever winter sports vacation and i feel like being part of a family even though we are all different. I was surprised to find that I enjoyed downhill skiing and that cross country skiing is more challenging than I thought. The area is beautiful and people we met were all very friendly. While I am not a vegan I enjoyed all the home cooked meals at MoaAlm, so creative and delicious. I would live come back in future for summer walks and perhaps more skiing.Gilbert Roberts review 8 Feb 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hard to choose but I would say the thing that will stick with me most is the combination of warmth and professionalism of the whole team at Moa Alm.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Savour it all.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It seemed the team running things were very conscious of doing so in a way which respected and contributed local people4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I would rate it first class in offering exactly what it aimed to be - a snowy mountain retreat for body and mind, combining moderate activity with a comfortable, sociable, base, amazing food, people, views..Caroline Adams review 2 Feb 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many things! The location is sublime, utter peace and tranquility, surrounded by snow capped mountains , in a beautiful guesthouse. The welcome from Sophie and Tobias and the rest of the team was wonderful, I really felt at home. The week was really well organised, very active and varied but with a lot of time just for rest and time for relaxing in the lovely lounge area or out on the patio with a coffee. The wood fired hot tub at the end of a long walk was sheer luxury. Oh and the food! The food was wonderful, it was a joy each evening to sit down to a delicious and inventive meal cooked by the lovely Fransisca My fellow guests also were a pleasure to be with2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do it! You'll have a week to remember3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes absolutely The owners are passionate about the local environment, the wildlife and its conservation, and are very well informed Much of the food served is from the local area, eg, the cheese, milk, jams , honey4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I loved it and am hoping to go back at some point I can't recommend it highly enoughKate Gooding review 17 Jan 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Snowshoeing and cross country skiing . And just being in the mountains.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Not sure! Depends how active you are generally - could be quite tiring. But the staff are great at accommodating all.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. The team were lovely and the food fantastic! Great to have the combination of yoga and outdoor activities.Victoria Lamb review 31 Dec 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There are so many to choose from, but sitting under the stars in the hot tub and daily yoga in front of some of the best, wintery views I've ever seen have to be high on the list.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take every opportunity to do the activities on offer, and make sure you pack layers to account for the cold of the climate and the heat generated by the activity itself.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely, especially through the food provision which is vegan and some of the best food I've ever eaten.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
As experiences go, it was one of the best I've had. Excellent and clearly communicated itineraries are set out every day which means you don't have to make many decisions (great for anyone mentally exhausted in their day to day lives), and the team are so friendly you'll feel like you've know them forever. I would highly recommend this vacation to anyone looking to get away from the city and to experience something new. For me it was about connecting with nature and meeting new people and it certainly delivered on both fronts.Anna McNally review 18 Dec 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all memorable! Morning yoga with the first rays of morning sunshine spilling into the room, hearty breakfasts with everyone around the table discussing plans for the day, panoramic hikes and skiing in the mountains and beside the snowy river, coming back to delicious homemade cake and coffee late afternoon, hot tub under the moon and stars, surrounded by the mountains, exquisite vegan 3 course evening meal chatting together as good friends. Fantastic vacation!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you have a good level of fitness!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes absolutely to everything! All food & beverages were organic and locally produced. All food waste was composted, all packaging & bottles was recycled. Energy saving sensor lights and super thick building insulation meant that the environment was very much respected.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of my most memorable vacations. I genuinely missed everyone once I returned home! My husband and his friends hope to join a skiing group with MoaAlm in 2026 and he and I hope to return next summer. Can’t enthuse enough. Wonderful!Sian Sidaway review 2 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The opportunity to try new winter sports.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It’s incredible book now!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, they were really responsible with the food waste and recycling. Offered to wash towels but also requested if you didn’t need to then to not. The food was also fantastic.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing - such a great trip and I will come again.Rachael Chung review 25 Feb 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Snowshoeing high in the mountains through virgin snow, no one else around, beautiful and hard work rewarded by schnapps and lunch in a cosy Austrian hut at the top.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It is pretty active so work on your fitness levels!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Mainly UK and German hosts, guides and people helping out in the chalet, although we were taken to eat out in a few local places.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was an excellent active vacation - great chalet; guides, hosts and food all excellent, lovely yoga, beautiful surroundings, we loved the hot tub surrounded by snowy peaks and so good to do something new and quite challenging (snow shoeing and cross country skiing).Hugo Macey review 18 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Great views of the mountains, exhilarating, challenging hikes and warm, fun atmosphere. We went down the hill on toboggans on the last day which was a first for me in 50 years!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We had a vegan diet and the center is run in an environmentally responsible way. The money spent by guests and by the center is all spent locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great vacation. The team were very welcoming and created a caring and fun atmosphereDaniel Hann review 14 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The constantly changing, outstanding view from our bedroom window (and hot tub!) Being further up the mountain, we got away from the mass tourism below. It felt like our own little snow kingdom for one week.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do some physical preparation before you go! Although you can always ‘sit out’ an activity if it sounds too strenuous, you would miss out on some beautiful experiences. You will definitely enjoy the scenery more if you’re a bit fitter.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
MoaAlm is very environmentally conscious. The water from the tap beats any bottled water, paper bags and reusable boxes were provided for packed lunches and the food was seasonal and vegan.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The staff, location and activities were all great. We had a wonderful time, being outside all day was mentally and physically revitalizing. The vacation has motivated us to move more and rest better since we got home.Alison Bromberg review 14 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The stunning location and the wonderful MoaAlm team providing wonderful opportunities for opportunities to be active and to relax2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be open and flexible3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes the MoaAlm team are committed to being as environmentally conscious as possible in their location. The location invites appreciation of nature and the importance of climate consciousness. We used local businesses every day.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A wonderful opportunity in every way. A privilege to experience such a beautiful location.Rana Al-Falaki review 25 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The snow show hike on the 3rd day - just stunning!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take shower gel Be prepared to do your own thing towards the end of the week in addition to the free day3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure to be honest4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great trip - wonderful hosts; really well organised; great guides and instructors that you can trust on the mountains; wonderful yoga instructors; very generous with time, food, help; they want you to be happy! The food was amazing. Equipment provided really good l. Rooms comfortable and cake delicious!Eva Watkinson review 27 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole vacation was brilliant, probably one of the most memorable parts was climbing a big snowy mountain on the last day. I've never seen an environment or views like that before. It was incredible.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
No tips really, just have a lovely time.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the couple who owned the retreat, Craig and Xania and the couple managing the venue had good relationships with local people, we had a local guide, visited some local restaurants etc. The food was almost entirely vegan, and the whole tone of the vacation and the retreat was about respecting the environment and being in nature.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was a fantastic vacation, the building is lovely and beautifully furnished and laid out, we were very well looked after by Craig, Xania, Sophie and Toby, all the activities were really well run and it was clear a lot of care had been taken in thinking about every aspect of the retreat. The food was delicious, amazing three course meals every night, cake in the afternoon and lovely breakfasts. Also, incredibly beautiful mountains! This is honestly one of the best vacations I've been on, massive thanks to the whole team at MoaAlm.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
