Austria 2004 Scottish Dancing Holiday

Although this report is on our holiday in 2004 we did go again in 2005 and had a great time. Reports from dancers who went in 2006 confirm that the successful format set by the 2004 holiday continues to provide a fabulous week of dancing and various other alpine activities.

One week's holiday. Alpine walking during the day and Scottish Country dancing in the evening. I must admit it was with some trepidation that we embarked on our first dancing holiday. Would the legs stand up to it? Would we keep up with the pace? Would we be able to stay out of the bar long enough to dance?

Well, having taken the plunge and booked, our fears were blown away as a most enjoyable holiday unfolded. A first rate hotel with excellent food and facilities ( including a wonderful spa to revive flagging limbs). Great company with the 'bon viveur' that Scottish dancers generate when they come together and to cap it all wonderful live music and a great programme of dances every night.

Austria and the Alps was a first for us - as was the interesting approach to Innsbruck Airport which resulted in the pilot going round again for a second attempt because of 'a cloud obscuring the runway'!. Still safely down we were soon on the coach for the hour or so journey to Mayrhofen with alpine scenery unfolding around us as we went. Three trips round the Mayrhofen one-way system ( which inspired our very own dance) and we were soon checked in at the Hotel Strass and unpacking in a very comfortable and spacious room with a view of a cable car heading up into the clouds.

A quick 'reccie' of the hotel located the bar, restaurant and the newly fitted out spa and wellness centre. Also eyed suspiciously the room reserved for the dancing. It had a tiled floor. In the end this didn't prove a problem at all. In fact it was a teacher's dream as the square tiles were arranged in a diamond layout which enabled perfect turnout to be preserved at all times.

Then after a walk up and down the main street had revealed a large selection of shops, some selling very serious ski and outdoor equipment, it was time for the evening meal. We were grouped in our own part of the restaurant and enjoyed a first class four course meal. However despite the quality of the food we did hold back as we were conscious of the need to remain on our feet and be reasonably mobile by 8 o'clock for the first dance programme of the holiday. Ian and Kathryn had shortened this to 8 dances as they realised that most people had been travelling and may be in need of an early night. To my amazement one dance and we were ready for anything. Ian's lively uplifting tunes with Kathryn providing walkthroughs on request meant the evening shot by and we were soon recovering in the adjoining restaurant and getting to know the people we'd just been dancing with. Thanks to Ian and Kathryn the atmosphere was very informal and laid back and fitted perfectly with the ambience of the hotel, town and area.

So the pattern was set. For next three days the cloud came in but this didn't dampen our spirits as we explored the well marked walking routes with trips up and down cable cars and chair lifts to make it more interesting and easier on the legs. Afternoons were spent in the hotel spa - saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools and adventure showers. Then change for dinner and back to the dance. The programmes were danced in one session leaving time for socialising afterwards.

On Saturday the cloud lifted and we had blue sky and sunshine for the remainder of the week. We had been waiting for the sun before visiting the Hintertux glacier with its stunning views and year round skiing. The wait was well worth it as we ascended to 3260m and watched the skiers and snowboarders perform against a cobalt blue sky.

All too soon it was Tuesday night and we'd completed the course. Over 60 dances danced and over 60km walked and we were still standing!

Many thanks go to Ian and Kathryn for a most memorable and enjoyable introduction to dancing holidays and also to Austria. Can't wait for next year. Be there.

Ian Ashton and Christine Parker-Jones

Austria 2006 - Booking details