Weekend Travel Program: Trip to Innsbruck
March 26, 2024
Starting in 2021, the AIS-Salzburg resident staff began offering weekend overnight trips to destinations close enough to travel to within three or four hours. These overnight weekend trips provide a short and exciting break to local areas of beauty and interest and help fulfill our mission to introduce our students to the rich cultural heritage of central Europe.
So far this school year, students have enjoyed trips to Munich, Vienna, and Kärnten as part of the Weekend Travel Program. The most recent destination—which took place this past weekend from Saturday to Sunday—was Innsbruck, Austria. A total of 9 students and two chaperones drove two school vans just over two hours to Innsbruck and upon arrival spent some free time in the beautiful city center.
Photo: The historic old town of Innsbruck is surrounded by breathtaking Austrian Alps
Following some time in the city, the group visited the Bergisel Ski Jump—host of the 1964 and 1976 Olympics—where they were given a tour from a professional ski jumper.
“Kids loved hearing from the ski jumper,” said RA Ali Welch, who also organized the trip. “They learned all the details about the sport, from how it’s scored to the questions a jumper must consider before choosing which gate to start his jump.”
Adding to the experience was great weather, cumulating in a double rainbow with the panorama view of the city and mountains below.
Photo: Students visit the Bergisel Ski Jump, host of the ’64 and ’76 Olympics.
After some further time in the city center including dinner at Mamma Mia Pizzeria, the group spent the evening at a 3D mini golf center.
“The 3D golf activity was a fun and new experience with students cheering each other on as they had to tackle creative obstacles in their way,” said Ali.
The next day, before starting the trip back to Salzburg, the group visited the famous Swarovski Kristallwelten, an experience attraction for the crystal glass manufacturer Swarovski, which consists of a park, art museum, retail area, and restaurant.
Ali said the students particularly enjoyed this experience. “It was interactive and exciting. They navigated the labyrinth, jumped on trampolines in the play house, and walked through the peaceful gardens.”
Another trip as part of the Weekend Travel Program came to a successful close with all reports that the small group of students were easygoing, on time, respectful, polite, and thankful, which made for a smooth and enjoyable experience.