wheelchair ski holiday

Hi

I need some advice please......

I have booked to go on holiday to seefeld in January with my husband who is in a wheelchair 30% of the time, i have booked into a hotel in the center, i used to ski so thats why we are going, we are only a young couple ( well both 41 ) i am just starting to panic a bit thinking its may be not so good to go... Do they clear the paths in the center, he can walk but he uses a stick, i try and lead a normal life even though he is in a chair, all my family and friends say i am totally mad to go there, thats why i am starting to worry about silly things.. dose anyone think we will be ok

Alison

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Hey there,

First of all I have to add that I am not an expert on Seefeld, so all I can say will be fairly general: Generally speaking, peole tend to take good care of paths and walkways in Austria, by law, every houseowner has to ensure that the walkway in front of the house is cleared of any snow or ice and is kept safe, on a minimum width of 1 metre. Now what sometimes happens is that you end up with a kind of slippery mixture of melted snow, road dirt and other stuff, that can probab. make running around with crutches or a cane harder or more dangerous, so in that case your husband could be safer off in his chair.

I would recommend to contact your hotel and ask about the general situation. I have also found two links for you that could be helpfull:

A website of the Tyrolean Tourist board for disabled travellers:

tirol.at/xxl/…index.html

And thats the e-mail for the office in the community administration in Seefeld, that deals with issues concerning people with disabilities:

soz.sprengel.plateau@seefeld-in-tirol.net

Not sure if that was much help, but I am sure you will get more answers !

Greets, Fritz

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And no, you are not totally mad to go there, you are just executing your right to have a normal life, and thats not mad but courageus and should be an example to many others ! You are on the right track !

All the best for the two of you,

Fritz

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The center of Seefeld is closed to vehical traffic - thus the entire former street area and sidewalks form a pedestrian zone that allows very easy travel to things.

It is a mostly level transit area to shops, ice skating , skilifts cafes ,casino and spa.

Nice to watch the ice skaters and cross country skiers too with a cafe near by.

The bottom of one ski lift usually has tables and benches set out to let you relax , eat , drink and enjoy the surroundings.

These areas are kept as free of snow as possible . If snow is on the ground it is either removed quickly or packs down to allow easy walking of movement by wheel chair. small stones are usually used to cover any icy spot.

You will find horse drawn sleighs in the town square that offer rides or even transfers to many places.

The train station is in this pedestrian way to allow quick access too.

Seefeld has attracted german seniors for many years. Often they walk with various forms of assistance. I do not think that your husband will be alone if he uses a stick or a chair.

Most find that people here will be most helpful to assist if one needs a lift or an extra push too.

Enjoy your visit .

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I would recommend a good set of walking poles for you both. Also in previous winters the sports shop in the centre has had %26quot;mini crampons%26quot; that attach to the soles of your walking shoes. These have proved invaluable to us in the past.

I am sure you will have a good holiday. I will be there with my partner from 5th January for a week.

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Dear Alison

Although you mention you have already booked to go to Seefeld you may want to consider Alpbach for a ski holiday in the future. The head of one of the ski schools in Alpbach is a wheelchair user and hold ski classes for wheelchair users. I hope this is of interest to you.

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