Our Winter Base in Austria
Located in Hotel Iris in Kramsach, Austria, our base combines a family-friendly atmosphere, home-cooked meals, high performance training facilities, and cultural immersion in the ski racing powerhouse of the Austrian Alps.
Discover The Heart of Ski Racing
Nestled in the picturesque village of Kramsach, Austria, Excel Race Academy offers an unparalleled winter training experience for aspiring ski racers. Our winter base combines high performance racing and training facilities with the unique rich cultural heritage of Austria, making it the perfect destination for young athletes to grow and their families to visit.
Train Where Champions Are Made
Our Kramsach base is strategically positioned to give you access to some of the best ski resorts in Austria. Known for its stunning alpine scenery and top-tier slopes, the Zillertal Valley is home to resorts like Mayrhofen, Hintertux Glacier, and Zell am Ziller. These resorts offer diverse terrain, to meet the needs of all abilities and ensuring our athletes are challenged in every aspect of their skiing.
Innsbruck: The Cultural Capital of Tyrol
A mere 30-minute drive from Kramsach, Innsbruck is a treasure trove of Austrian culture and history. Known as the "Capital of the Alps," Innsbruck hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics and is steeped in a rich ski racing heritage. This vibrant city offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional Austrian charm. Many days off are spent shopping, exploring the town or tasting local Kasershcmarrn and Tyroler Groestl!
Our "Home away from Home" at Hotel Iris
This cosy family run Pension is our home during the Austrian Winter. Owner, Roland, has allowed us to build our own ski room and high performance gym in this idyllic Austria setting. Athletes share in 2- to 4- bed room with their own flat screen TV and balcony overlooking the surrounding mountains. Just a 5-minute walk away is the supermarket, football pitch and tennis club where we have many of our end-of-camp team dinners. The hotel also boasts a private bowling alley that athletes play on to help relax. A short drive away is the Ski and Boot Fitting shop H&N, as well as swimming pools, spas and trampoline park. Our spacious school room is within a private dinning room in the hotel with access to WIFI and Printer/scanners.
What are the benefits of a Winter Base?
- Homely Feel: A dedicated base provides a comfortable, familiar environment where athletes can relax and feel at home, fostering a strong sense of family, community and well-being.
- Equipment Storage: Athletes can securely store their equipment between camps, saving money, time and effort while ensuring their gear is well-maintained and ready for use.
- Consistent Training Environment: A permanent base allows for continuity in training, with consistent access to facilities, slopes, and conditions that support long-term development.
- Enhanced Focus and Preparation: Being settled in one location minimises distractions and travel fatigue, allowing athletes to focus fully on their training and preparation. This theory of "Holding Camps" is technique employed by world renowned sports teams, including British Cycling.
- Stronger Team Bonding: A shared base enhances team bonding and camaraderie, as athletes spend more time together both on and off the slopes.
- Access to Local Resources: A winter base enables us to build close relationships with locals, which facilitates easier access to local resources such as sports facilities, ski and boot fitting shops, and medical centres which are essential for peak performance.
- Cultural Immersion: Staying in one location allows athletes to immerse themselves in the local culture, language, and customs, enriching their overall experience. They develop not only as athletes, but also as people.