Stories "off the slopes"

Like in fairy tale

Families and romantics in particular love this uthentic experience of nature. During a sleigh ride through the snow-covered landscape, a real winter fairy tale comes true.

Freshly fallen snow glistening in the sun. A sleigh in the distance. Drawn by two dark horses. It approaches slowly, and now you can already hear the crunching of the snow crystals under its runners. A short neigh. The horses’ breath visible in the cold. But calm and stillness envelops the scene. Silence. In fact, there is perhaps no moment in our real world that comes closer to a winter fairy tale than a sleigh ride through snowy expanses. Because regardless of whether you’re on your own, with your loved one or even the whole family, you will be pulled through the snowy paradise by the irrepressible power of the horses. And on a horse and carriage like this you will always feel like royalty in your very own, magnificent kingdom. Jakob Wechselberger from the Finkenberger Sattel riding stable knows only too well what makes such an experience so extraordinary. After all, he is one of those who provide living romance in Zillertal with all kinds of horses and carriages. He says: “Many people have had this kind of unique experience in mind for some time. After all, you can’t enjoy it everywhere and at all times, everything has to fall into place. That’s what makes it so special.” And that’s exactly what it does in Zillertal: Magical snow conditions in winter are the ideal basis for such an extraordinary fairy tale adventure. What is more, the landscape and architecture are so in harmony with each other here that there is no path where this special atmosphere would be disturbed.

Blissfully happy families

But of course his passengers have different preferences, the expert knows that while lovers in particular prefer the atmospheric darkness (“There may even be a marriage proposal!”), families and friends prefer to travel in daylight to be able to inhale the wonderful surroundings and literally soak them up. On the other hand, those who have already gained a certain amount of experience have special requests: “Anyone who has ever experienced the snow-covered landscape in this way knows about its very special magic,” emphasises the passionate coachman. And by that he means: As soon as you concentrate on the essentials and give nature its space, every sleigh ride becomes even more intense.

“It’s the ultimate experience  
of nature, you can really  
soak it up.”

But you are also in the right place to get to know your holiday destination better or to experience the special atmosphere, the peoplethe smell of food and punch at close quarters, especially at Christmas and New Year’s Eve, all pulled by horsepower. And even in groups or as an extended family including children: Picked up directly from the hotel, they travel through the village in large carriages for more than ten people. “Another unique experience for children and adults,” emphasises horse expert Wechselberger.

Special relationship

To be able to enjoy such pleasures to the full, it is essential to only hire professionals who know what they are doing. This starts with the right animals – a racehorse, for all its beauty, is not suitable for any kind of carriage, emphasise Zillertal’s carriage drivers. “Only strong cold-blooded horses are used,” they agree. Black Forest horses, Friesians, Haflingers or Norikers are made for this beautiful work in the snow. Especially because they can do far more than pull romantics through the snow: They are powerful and sensitive at the same time, so they are just as suitable for riding lessons and individual rides. 

And that is not only fun: “Dealing with the horses, learning, building trust, setting limits, all this prepares you very well for the rest of your life,” Jakob Wechselberger explains. “Riding strengthens poise and balance.” And it’s wonderful to ride out together as a family or learn to ride! But let’s get back to the sleigh ride through the glistening snow. It is precisely here that, even as an outsider, you notice how important the relationship between animals and humans is. It is based on mutual respect and deep trust. On the coach boxes, experienced carriage drivers not only ensure a safe and pleasant ride. Most importantly, they know how to handle the 
horses properly. So there is nothing standing in the way of your personal winter fairy tale.

Images: Christoph Johann and text: Michi Reichelt
Zillertal all season magazine 2024

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