FAQs

• You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
  
  From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.

• There’s no trip manager on this trip. But don’t worry. If you have any questions during your stay, the on-site Winter Team at Hopfgarten will sort you out. 
  
  They’ll give you all the info you need about the local village, things to do and recommendations for great local eateries too. (And you’ll also be introduced to your Contiki fam through them!). They might not be guides in the traditional sense, but you’ll see that they have everything you need for an epic ski experience.   

• Your lift pass and equipment hire can be arranged on arrival. Wanna know how much to budget? Check out our page about ski extras. 

• When you get to Worgl Train Station, walk out the front and look for one of our Contiki Team – they will be on a classic Contiki Coach or a white van. The shuttles depart at 10:30am & 2:30pm – and luckily, you don’t need to pre book. 

• Taking the coach from London is a super cost-effective way to get to the snowy slopes of Hopfgarten. Your journey will depart the Royal National Hotel in London in the early evening, and after an overnight ride, you’ll arrive in Hopfgarten at around 3pm the next day.
  
  At the end of your trip, you’ll depart from Hopfgarten in the early hours of the morning - anywhere between 2:30am – 4:30am (this depends on the ferry bookings). Oh and don’t worry, we’ve got your hunger pangs sorted with a wholesome packed breakfast for your journey! You’ll arrive in London at approximately 10:30pm. So you can plan some accommodation with the reservations team, or plan your travel ahead accordingly.  

• Good news! We offer free daily shuttles to and from Haus Schöneck from 8am-10am (every ½ hour) and returning from 3pm-6pm (every ½ hour).

• Yes, of course! You can sign up for the Half Board option - which includes 2 courses of hearty home-cooked food, available for 5 nights. On the other nights of your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to explore local restaurants since the kitchen is closed. You can make the payment for that in the resort. 

• At Haus Schöneck, you’re welcome to pay by cash or card. But we highly recommend that you get some cash for the local restaurants. The Gasthofs on the mountain only accept cash sometimes. Forgot to bring cash? Don’t worry. There are 3 ATMs in the Hopfgarten. 

• The Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental is one of Europe’s largest interconnected ski resorts. We’re talking over 270 kms of ski runs, 70 lifts & cable cars and 80 mountain huts. So, what’s the ski area like, you ask? Pretty darn awesome, we’d say.  

• Yep! We highly recommend taking lessons, so you learn the right techniques and information (and can enjoy skiing the way you’re supposed to!). Group lessons start on a Sunday and can be booked for up to 3 days.
  
  Familiar with skiing but want a refresher? You can join intermediate and advanced lessons. You can take private lessons upon request too. We’ve been working with our local ski school for over 15 years. So you can only imagine how many of our travellers have taken lessons with them!
  
  If you’re on a Weekender trip, you might not be able to book a group lesson. But you’re always welcome to book a private one if you like.

• You'll stay in a Twin share room (meaning you'll be paired with a fellow traveller of the same gender, and will have two separate beds). If you're booking your trip with a friend/travel companion - just let us know, so we can join your bookings and ensure you share a room. Need a lil' more privacy? You're welcome to opt for a single supplement if you like.