{"id":21195,"date":"2017-12-15T15:30:22","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T14:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/?p=21195\/"},"modified":"2021-09-08T12:32:29","modified_gmt":"2021-09-08T10:32:29","slug":"winter-magic-advent-schladming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/winter-magic-advent-schladming\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter magic in Schladming"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I travelled to Schladming on a Christmas mission to experience the magic of Advent! What awaits you? The Christmas market in the Talbachschenke, the beautiful Talbachklamm winter hiking trail, the Krampus parade, and &#8211; last but not least &#8211; the magic of Advent in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tui-blue.com\/en\/en\/hotels\/tui-blue-schladming\/\">TUI BLUE Schladming<\/a>!<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e83096723f3\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e83096723f3\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/winter-magic-advent-schladming\/#Christmas_market_in_the_Talbachschenke\" >Christmas market in the Talbachschenke<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/winter-magic-advent-schladming\/#Talbachklamm_Gorge_Winter_Hiking_Trail\" >Talbachklamm Gorge Winter Hiking Trail<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/winter-magic-advent-schladming\/#Schladmings_Angels_and_Demons\" >Schladming&#8217;s Angels and Demons<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/winter-magic-advent-schladming\/#The_Krampus_cometh\" >The Krampus cometh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/winter-magic-advent-schladming\/#Advent_magic_at_the_TUI_BLUE_Schladming\" >Advent magic at the TUI BLUE Schladming<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/winter-magic-advent-schladming\/#Live_music_and_tasty_treats\" >Live music and tasty treats<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Christmas_market_in_the_Talbachschenke\"><\/span>Christmas market in the Talbachschenke<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The first point of my pre-Christmas exploration tour started right at the Christmas market in Talbachschenke, just a five minute walk from our hotel!\u00a0Every weekend in December, from Thursday to Sunday, the Christmas market opens its doors and awakens the holiday spirit in me and the other visitors. Often less is more, and in this case it&#8217;s completely true. The Christmas market in the Talbachschenke is the polar opposite to the over-commercialised winter markets found in the cities. Only handmade products are offered. From the hand-knitted bonnets to traditional costume jewelry, to the hand-carved Rudolf, everything will find its way to your wishlist. Each stand offers something different!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20679\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20679\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20681 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Staende_am_Talbach.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market stalls on the Talbach\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Staende_am_Talbach.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Staende_am_Talbach-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Staende_am_Talbach-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Staende_am_Talbach-570x570.jpg 570w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Staende_am_Talbach-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Staende_am_Talbach-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Staende_am_Talbach-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20679\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Christmas huts invite you to stroll and linger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The scent of roasted almonds tempted me to the food stalls. I treated myself to delicious sweets and Raclette bread after tasting chestnuts and a previously unknown mulled wine. With jolly Christmas music piping around me, either played live by local musicians or from a first-class playlist, I easily got in the mood for the upcoming festivities.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20651\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20651\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20653 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Huette_am_Talbach.jpg\" alt=\"Holiday huts on the Talbach\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Huette_am_Talbach.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Huette_am_Talbach-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Huette_am_Talbach-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Huette_am_Talbach-570x570.jpg 570w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Huette_am_Talbach-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Huette_am_Talbach-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Huette_am_Talbach-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20651\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Here, everything is handmade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There was even a small hill for tobogganing, a track for curling, and a Christmas workshop. What can I say? I fell for the magic of Advent in Schladming!\u00a0Every Grinch is sure to become a Christmas angel here!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20643\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20643\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20645 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_am_Talbach.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas time on the Talbach\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_am_Talbach.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_am_Talbach-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_am_Talbach-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_am_Talbach-570x570.jpg 570w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_am_Talbach-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_am_Talbach-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_am_Talbach-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20643\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A small toboggan run right in the town centre<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Talbachklamm_Gorge_Winter_Hiking_Trail\"><\/span>Talbachklamm Gorge Winter Hiking Trail<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The winter hiking trail of the Talbachklamm is a &#8220;delicacy&#8221; of the region, and &#8211; as far as I know &#8211; totally unique.\u00a0The Talbachklamm is accessible year-round and leads from Schladming into the Untertal, completely walkable at a leisurely pace in about 45 minutes. For active visitors, it is also accessible by bike in summer! In the winter, however, the trail twinkles with magic, thanks to permanently installed lighting designed to emphasise the natural beauty. During Talbachklamm&#8217;s Advent display, which takes place twice in winter, even returning visitors like myself are astonished.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20663\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20663\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20665 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_03.jpg\" alt=\"icy bridge\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_03.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_03-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_03-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_03-570x570.jpg 570w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_03-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_03-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_03-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20663\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The lighting unfolds its magic in the snow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When I arrived at the entrance, the friendly faces of the rural youth awaited me, allowing entry for a small fee. The path was illuminated with hundreds of candles, like a runway for Christmas fans. Dozens of colourful spotlights ignited the gorge in a rainbow panorama, and set frozen waterfalls and icicles in spectacular hues. At regular intervals, the colours and natural spectacles were enriched with entertainment programmes.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20667\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20667\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20669 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_04.jpg\" alt=\"advent christmas cold musician\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_04.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_04-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_04-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_04-570x570.jpg 570w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_04-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_04-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_klamm_04-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20667\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A brass band plays along the way<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Beyond the brass quartet, to whom I raptly listened for a few songs, I suddenly found myself in front of a choir. The resonance in the gorge was simply phenomenal &#8211; &#8220;You&#8217;ll get goose pimples,&#8221; as the Schladminger would say! After the musical programme, I caught sight of a few beer benches and a warm firelit brazier. Here, Alois Strimitzer &#8211; a legend of the region &#8211; regaled audiences with 15-minute fully-costumed Christmas tales. Especially for the younger visitors, this is an unforgettable experience! It was slowly growing colder, and so I took the opportunity to warm myself up with a hot drink at the mulled wine stall near the fire before my journey led me back to Schladming.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20647\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20647\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20649 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Haendewaermen_am_Feuer.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas time warming hands by the fire\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Haendewaermen_am_Feuer.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Haendewaermen_am_Feuer-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Haendewaermen_am_Feuer-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Haendewaermen_am_Feuer-570x570.jpg 570w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Haendewaermen_am_Feuer-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Haendewaermen_am_Feuer-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Adventzauber_Haendewaermen_am_Feuer-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20647\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Opportunities to warm up are on every corner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Schladmings_Angels_and_Demons\"><\/span>Schladming&#8217;s Angels and Demons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Traditionally, on the 5th of December, the &#8220;Nikolaus&#8221;, accompanied by his evil minions and angelic companions, pass through Schladming. In actuality, the characters are a local &#8220;Krampus club,&#8221; whose members play different roles and teach the inhabitants the terrifying story with elaborate costumes, walking through the town in &#8220;passes&#8221;. The finale of the whole spectacle is the visit of the Nikolaus himself (a precursor to Santa Claus), when the well-behaved children receive sweets, and the naughty ones get only whips from the Krampus.\u00a0It was at this event that I heroically risked my physical well-being in my selfless reconnaissance mission to bring you this information!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20671\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20671\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20673 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_01.jpg\" alt=\"Advent magic demons\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_01.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_01-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_01-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_01-570x570.jpg 570w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_01-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_01-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_01-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20671\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This young man still looks harmless&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It was 5:30 pm, cold and windy. The snow cannons had blanketed the Talbachschenke in snow, and the mood was already exuberant. The first pass was scheduled for 6:00 pm. I got a cup of punch to counteract the incoming hypothermia. &#8220;Safety first!&#8221; I always say! When I arrived at the track, I found a spot and watched the action unfold. All the little kids were in excited anticipation. They waited eagerly, but soon excitement turned to impatience as the clock ticked on, and the little ones began expressing their displeasure to the nearest authorities they had &#8211; their parents.\u00a0Indeed, we were all sensing that the first pass wasn&#8217;t forthcoming, as just before 6:30 pm nothing had happened But then, just as I began to wonder what might be keeping the gentlemen, dense smoke appeared in the sky. This was joined by the red light of Bengal torches &#8211; which could only mean one thing &#8211; it was time!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Krampus_cometh\"><\/span>The Krampus cometh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The infernal sound of a chugging two-stroke engine with self-made exhaust was spreading &#8211; the rebuilt lawnmowers were really hellishly loud!\u00a0Behind the &#8220;highMower to Hell&#8221; the first demons could already be seen, and they didn&#8217;t hesitate to terrorise the naughty ones! The wooden rods looked very unpleasant, hoods were pulled from heads, and in very difficult cases, a monster would take a child over his shoulder for a few metres and and &#8220;steal&#8221; them from their parents. The children here, however, knew what to expect and took it accordingly with humour rather than pure panic.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20675\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20675\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20677\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_02.jpg\" alt=\"Advent magic krampus\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_02.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_02-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_02-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_02-570x570.jpg 570w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_02-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_02-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_perchten_02-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20675\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Help, the Krampus is coming!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If someone disguised as the Krampus had torn my six-year-old self out of the hands of my parents, I don&#8217;t know if I would have reacted as well as these kids. Suddenly, a ray of light on the horizon: St. Nicholas arrived with angels and witches and a large chest full of sacks stuffed with treats. The little visitors finally got what they came for &#8211; a treat handed over in style! Traditionally, these are filled with chocolate, peanuts, and tangerines. The organiser thanked everyone for coming, and even invited us to drinks. Each year, a portion of the sales help needy families in Schladming. This year, many children who cannot afford skis (skiing is a regular part of our physical education) were provided with complete equipment, including a season pass.\u00a0So the punch-drinking became even merrier. Cheers!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Advent_magic_at_the_TUI_BLUE_Schladming\"><\/span>Advent magic at the TUI BLUE Schladming<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The grand finale of my pre-Christmas exploration tour then took place at the Advent Celebration at our hotel, the TUI BLUE Schladming. In Schladming this year, for the first time, there was a special Advent Calendar, where every day in December a new &#8220;door&#8221; opened. Each participating company hid special offers and promotions behind its door. The whole thing was for a good cause, so we didn&#8217;t wait to be asked twice and reserved the 9th of December for ourselves!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20687\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20687\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20689 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_02.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas time tui blue pulse schladming\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_02.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_02-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_02-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_02-570x570.jpg 570w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_02-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_02-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_02-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20687\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Of course, all the colleagues were in a good mood!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In the afternoon, we opened the &#8220;door&#8221; on our Advent calendar and rang in the Advent celebration in the hotel. Two large, fiery braziers at the entrance signaled that there was something going on! Beyond the flaming braziers, our visitors were greeted by the beautifully decorated lobby, complete with a huge Christmas tree. Right next to the decorated pine stood our &#8220;Punch Master&#8221; Michael, who kindly supplied me with a hot drink. Yes, even in winter you should always stay well hydrated! I jumped straight to the next station and fed myself with the delicious cookie buffet. The cookies weren&#8217;t baked by just anyone, but by the mother of our hotel director, Bernhard Haselsteiner. In the past few days, the compliments about Mama Haselsteiner&#8217;s baking skills had been unending &#8211; and rightly so! I had really never eaten such good gingerbread before. Honestly, I didn&#8217;t know it could taste so good! Admittedly, I wasn&#8217;t the biggest fan of the time-honoured Christmas pastry up to that point.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Live_music_and_tasty_treats\"><\/span>Live music and tasty treats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Supplied with sweets and punch, I immediately slipped into my role as a BLUE Guide and chatted with some guests about our region to shorten the waiting time for the upcoming band &#8220;The Attic&#8221;. Then it was finally time: The Attic live on stage. Had I not already known the singer, Sarah, from a few other performances, I would probably have been just as awestruck as our guests. Supported by two guitarists, her voice was given even more power; the Christmas songs The Attic performed especially for us were just phenomenal. At the end, some guests came up to me looking for a peaceful and cosy Apr\u00e8s Ski experience.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20683\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20683\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20685 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_01.jpg\" alt=\"advent christmas tui blue pulse schladming band\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_01.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_01-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_01-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_01-570x570.jpg 570w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_01-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_01-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/adventzauber_tbps_01-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20683\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The live band &#8220;The Attic&#8221; won the hearts of all<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>That was it, unfortunately, from my exploration tour. And if you prefer active holidays, then check out the blog posts from my colleague Dirk. His trip involved <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/riding-fatbike-alps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">biking in the snow<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/snowshoeing-hiking-austria\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">strapping on snowshoes to climb the Planai<\/a>.\u00a0Next time, I&#8217;ll tell you about the top 5 ski lodges in our region. Thank you for reading and see you soon!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you caught the Christmas fever? Have you been singing &#8220;Last Christmas&#8221; to yourself for weeks and piling biscuits and treats from your Christmas bakery? Then come and discover the winter wonderland of Schladming with me<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":20639,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"loftocean_post_format_gallery":"","loftocean_post_format_gallery_ids":"","loftocean_post_format_gallery_urls":"","loftocean_post_format_video_id":0,"loftocean_post_format_video_url":"","loftocean_post_format_video_type":"","loftocean_post_format_video":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_type":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_url":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_id":0,"loftocean_post_format_audio":"","loftocean-featured-post":"","loftocean-like-count":0,"loftocean-view-count":18412,"loftocean-enable-content-navigation":"","loftocean-content-navigation-position":"","loftocean-content-navigation-heading":"","loftocean-content-navigation-label":"","loftocean-content-navigation-icon":"","loftocean-map-location":"","loftocean-map-latlng":"","loftocean-map-auto-latlng":"","eaven_single_post_hide_thumbnail":"","eaven_single_post_template":"","eaven_single_post_sidebar":"","eaven_hide_before_page_content_ad":"","eaven_hide_after_page_content_ad":"","eaven_advanced_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2542],"tags":[536,535,537,1969],"class_list":{"0":"post-21195","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-destinations","8":"tag-austria","9":"tag-schladming-en","10":"tag-styria","11":"tag-things-to-do-schladming"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21195"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32323,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21195\/revisions\/32323"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20639"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}