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Earlier this month, Kelsey traveled to Germany and Austria on a travel advisor ski educational trip with one of our on-the-ground partners, Pure Germany. They operate throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, helping clients move seamlessly from point A to point B while offering local insight that steers them away from overly touristy experiences. Having skied in Switzerland for the past three years, this trip stood out as an opportunity to experience a different Alpine region. It was also my first time visiting both countries, and I already can’t wait to return (next time in warmer weather).
Munich: Snowy Streets & Old-World Charm
We kicked off the trip in snowy Bavaria, beginning in Munich. Our program included a half-day city tour, and as a first-time Bavaria visitor, I was grateful we had it built in, as it was a great way to get oriented. The highlight was seeing the famous Glockenspiel at the New Town Hall, which performs daily at 11 AM and noon. We also happened to spot a few members of the Schäfflertanz, a traditional Munich dance group dating back more than 500 years, walking through the city. Our guide referred to them as famous, ha! The Schäfflertanz only appears every seven years, and through mid-February 2026, the dancers can be seen performing in public places around the city.
From a hotel perspective, I personally toured the Rosewood Munich. Its central Old Town location makes it an excellent option for couples who want a luxury stay with everything walkable.
We stayed at the Koenigshof, a brand-new Luxury Collection Hotel built on the site of a former private mansion. Its location is ideal: central, convenient, and easy for exploring the city. One major benefit for clients booking the Koenigshof is a confirmed upgrade at the time of booking. The concierge team excels at arranging customized experiences, from private transfers and helicopter flights over the Alps to Michelin-star dining and private museum tours. On a personal note, their local recommendations were spot-on. I asked where to find a great cappuccino and was sent to Café Luitpold, which we later visited for hot chocolate during our city tour.
I’d love to come back to Munich to one day experience Oktoberfest or return on a Christmas market multi-city tour.
Into the Alps: Ski Days in Leogang
From Munich, we drove approximately two hours into the Austrian Alps to Leogang. We stayed at Naturhotel Forsthofgut, a hotel that had been on my bucket list for some time, and it did not disappoint. Forsthofgut has deep roots in the region, having been part of Leogang for over 400 years, with the Schmuck family calling it home for five generations.
This property is especially geared towards families. It offers a robust kids’ program, including a kids’ spa separate from the adults-only spa and a kids’ club, but also still provides plenty of space for adults to relax.
The hotel is ski-in, ski-out and located directly on the mountain, which makes skiing here logistically simple. We skied both days with excellent guides and conditions couldn’t have been better, with blue skies one day and fresh snowfall the next. Austria’s ski scene impressed me with its friendly skiers and the wide variety of food and drink available on the slopes.
One afternoon was left open, and I took advantage of the adults-only spa. Even with the hotel at full capacity, the sauna was completely empty. Breakfast was also a highlight, with an exceptionally well-curated spread that even included a dedicated room for freshly baked croissants and bread.
On our final day in Leogang, we took a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow, which was a perfect way to wrap up the stay. I can’t wait to plan ski trips here for clients.
Salzburg: Where History, Shopping, and Charm Meet
Our next stop was Salzburg, about a 1 hour and 15 minute transfer from Leogang – and easily one of my favorite parts of the trip.
We stayed at Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel dating back to 1407. Located just steps from Mozart’s birthplace, it sits right in the heart of Old Town. This was likely my favorite hotel of the trip. It blends historic character with luxury comfort in a way that feels authentic and charming, and being surrounded by shopping was an added bonus. The hotel reflects its hunting lodge heritage, blending the original country house with a luxury historic hotel feel.
We took a half-day city tour with a special emphasis on The Sound of Music sites, which was a fun and informative way to see the city. One unexpected highlight was an impromptu stop at the Salzburg Cathedral, where an organist played for 30 minutes. We had lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, the oldest restaurant in Europe, dating back to 803. The restaurant serves Austrian-Mediterranean cuisine, and the history alone makes it worth a visit. Shopping in Salzburg was also fantastic with wooden shops selling handmade nativity scenes and nutcrackers along with plenty of other unique local finds.
I ended my time in Salzburg with a visit to Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, another long-time bucket list hotel for me. Set along the shores of a pristine Alpine lake and framed by limestone peaks, the property blends Austrian tradition with a strong sense of place and calm. One standout feature is the lakeside chalets. There are only a few of them, and each offers a private sauna, large terrace, fireplace, and a high level of privacy. I am already looking forward to coming back in the warmer months to experience the outdoor infinity pool, enjoy water sports on the lake, and explore the area by hiking or e-bike.
A Seamless Mix of Cities & the Alps
From skiing to enduring cultural connections to the ease of transition between city and country, this trip confirmed just how well Munich, Leogang, and Salzburg work together. For clients looking for a mix of adventure, history, and culture without feeling overwhelmed, Germany and Austria are excellent options, and I’m already looking forward to planning more trips here.
