How to get to MoaAlm?
MoaAlm is not the easiest destination to get to, in our experience the best places never are, that’s why they avoid the crowds and become special places. Depending on your means of transportation we will meet you at MoaAlm, Kals (our village, 5 minutes drive to MoaAlm), Huben in Osttirol (a nearby village with a bus stop, 20 minutes drive to MoaAlm), or Lienz (the capital of East Tirol, 40 minutes drive to MoaAlm).
Self Drive
Set your GPS to Kals, East Tirol and enjoy the drive. In summer you can drive all the way up to the house. Once you have reached Kals you drive through the village past the church and the small supermarket. You basically leave the village again. At the first Y-fork keep right, following the green signs 'Moaralm'. At the second fork keep left at the beautiful wooden house with the blue/white balconies. Keep all the way right at the third and final fork, driving past a small parking area and up the mountain to MoaAlm. From the final fork it's a 10 minute drive to MoaAlm. In winter you have to leave your vehicle at the small parking area just past the final fork. We will drive you the last 2 miles up the local 'Rodel Bahn' (sledging track) also known as our driveway in our 4x4
Plane, Trains and Buses
Airlines are constantly changing routes and the only way to make sure you have an up to date guide is by going directly to the flight website. The nearest airports are Klagenfurt, Salzburg and Innsbruck. Our guests have also flown into Munich and Ljubljana. There are 3 ways to get from the airport to MoaAlm:
1. MoaAlm shuttle: We offer a shuttle on request from Salzburg airport, but only in the winter. Please contact us on booking to ask for more details.
2. Public transport: Public transportation in Austria is very reliable, the train platforms and bus station directions are clearly indicated. You can travel by train and/or bus to Lienz or Huben in Osttirol. From Innsbruck main train station there is a direct bus to Lienz four times per day, www.vvt.at. We then offer a group transfer at 15:00 from Lienz or Huben in Osttirol. Check-out https://www.oebb.at/en/ for up to date train timetables and prices or contact us if you need any help sorting out your options. If are keen to consider train travel from the UK, check out our blog post.
3. Car rental: You can also rent a car and drive yourself. This option allows you to explore the surrounding area on your way to MoaAlm Mountain Retreat. For example, you could skip the Felbertauern tunnel and take the Grossglockner Hoch Alpin Strasse into Osttirol - a stunning mountain road with amazing views.
Do you cater for special diets?
We do! Just let us know your allergies or dietary preferences in advance and we are happy to cater for you. All the food at the house predominately plant based. We also have plenty experience in catering for gluten-free-, lactose-free- and other dietary requirements. .
Do you have to be really fit?
For some holidays, such as our Climb Grossglockner Mountaineering week, or the Ski Tour and Splitboard we have set specific fitness requirements. For most holidays however a general level of fitness that allows you to get out daily and enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains is enough, we adjust the program accordingly. If you have a basic fitness level and do some cardio or endurance activities, with no serious knee injuries you will be able to join us on all activities. Just remember you are in the mountains, there are no flat walks, so uphill hiking will happen and we cannot avoid going up and downhill!
Our Yoga classes are tailored to suit individual abilities, we encourage and welcome any level to join us on the yoga mat.
What to take with me?
When heading out on your daily activity, whether it’s a summer alpine hike or a winter snowshoe adventure, it’s advisable to be prepared for all weather conditions. The weather in the high mountains can be unpredictable and you can sometimes experience all four seasons in one day. For this reason we have put together a packing list to help you prepare for your trip to the Austrian Alps.
Summer packing list
In summer temperatures can range from around 10 °C to 35 °C during the day. Afternoon rain showers are common in Alpine environments, so you should be prepared for both hot sunny days and the occasional rain showers.
Essential: (you will not be able to participate in guided hikes without the following):
- Waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots with good sole and lots of grip (no trainers)
- 15-25l rucksack- Non-cotton hiking socks (at least two pairs)
- Breathable layers (2 x t-shirt, long sleeve top, light jacket or fleece mid layer)
Recommended items:
- Sun protection (hat, cream and glasses)
- Waterproof trousers
- Water bottle
- Thin gloves and hat for colder weather
- Swimming costume for hot tub
- Casual clothes for the evenings
- House shoes
- Comfortable clothes for yoga
- Any medications you may require (e.g antihistamine, blister plasters)
- Camera
- Toiletries
Our remote mountain location means we enjoy stunning views, glorious sunsets and the ability to walk out of our door into the Hohe Tauern National Park. Situated at 1800m, we are uniquely placed to enjoy cross country skiing, walking, hiking, skiing and sledding in our valley.
Winter packing list
In winter temperatures can range from around -10 °C to 20°C during the day. However, it can often feel much colder with the wind chill, especially in the afternoons, when the sun disappears behind the mountains. When you are out snowshoe hiking or cross country skiing, you will find that you get very warm, a big bulky ski jacket is not helpful on these occasions. Layers give you the option to regulate your body temperature more easily.
Essential (you will not be able to participate in guided activities without the following):
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm layer e.g down jacket or warm fleece
- Breathable base layers (2 x t-shirt, 2 x long sleeve tops, 1 x leggings/trousers )
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf/buff
- Hiking boots with good sole and lots of grip (no trainers)
- Non-cotton hiking socks (at least two pairs)
- 15-25l rucksack
Recommended items:
- Waterproof trousers
- Walking trousers/leggings
- Downhill ski wear if you plan to go skiing/snowboarding
- Water bottle
- Gaiters (ankle covers to prevent snow entering your boots)
- Sun protection (hat, cream and glasses)- Swimming costume for hot tub
- Casual clothes for the evenings- House shoes
- Comfortable clothes for yoga
- Any medications you may require (e.g antihistamine, blister plasters)
- Camera
- Toiletries
If you would like to downhill ski and you don’t have all the necessary equipment, at the nearby GrossGlockner resort in Kals, you can rent downhill ski equipment from our local ski shop.
If you are joining us for one of our specialist splitboard or ski touring weeks, please find your packing list and further information here.If you have any further questions about what to bring to MoaAlm Mountain Retreat for a week of activity, then please do not hesitate to send us an email and we will hopefully be able to help you.
What is the minimum age for kids?
We would love children to be able to participate in all our activities as part of bringing together like minded people who enjoy long days outdoors and the stillness of the yoga space. In general over 12 year olds are able to join in all activities, but this is also at the discretion of the yoga teacher and the hiking guide. We cannot offer a childcare service at MoaAlm so a six hour hiking day in the mountains is not every family members idea of the perfect holiday.
Is it suitable for a singe traveller?
Yes - our holidays are a great way to meet other people and make new friends. For some of our rooms we charge a single room supplement. We also have the option of a shared triple room in our Winter and Summer holiday.
Is it suitable for groups?
Yes! You can book any of our holidays as a group. It is also possible to rent out the entire house - please contact us for more information.
Do I have to do all the activities?
No, the daily plan is designed around your preferences but everything is optional. If you like to go on a self-guided tour we are happy to provide you with maps and suggestions! We also have a great terrace to hang out on and a really comfy sofa.
Do you have wireless internet connection?
Yes, you can stay connected if you feel the need to.
Does MoaAlm have job openings?
Yes! Every season we are potentially looking for people that love living in the mountains as much as we do to support our MoaAlm team. If you are interested in working with us please send us an email
Can I bring my Dog to MoaAlm?
We personally love dogs and in the winter we have a calm mixed breed at MoaAlm. In winter and summer we have an excitable pup (affectionally know as 'monster') learning to be an invaluable member of the MoaAlm team.
You would be welcome to bring dogs if we believe that the other guests at MoaAlm would be okay with it. We do have some conditions:
- Dogs must be well behaved, friendly towards people and other dogs.
- Your furry friend must be kept in your room during meal times, so the other guests are not affected.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead in the National Park.
- Dogs may not sleep on the furniture, so please bring a dog bed with you.