What happens when you stop chasing the biggest resorts and start skiing like a local? In this episode of Mini Seasons by Bespoke Black Book, we finally clip into our skis and begin exploring the Zillertal from the inside out. Starting close to home at Spieljoch, our local mountain, we discover why smaller, family-friendly ski areas can be the secret to a more relaxed and rewarding longer stay, from newly redeveloped facilities to unexpectedly excellent mountain dining, including an unforgettable pizza stop.

As the week unfolds, we venture further afield to Hochfügen, where dramatic scenery, race-quality pistes and insider local knowledge reveal both the highlights and the realities of skiing beyond the obvious. A late-week visit to Mayrhofen brings valuable lessons about timing, crowds and Europe’s winter holiday calendar, alongside a thrilling descent of The Devil’s Run and a perfectly timed snowstorm that shifts the rhythm of the valley.

When the weather closes in, we slow things down, retreating to the cabin, cooking with exceptional local produce, and embracing the quieter pleasures of alpine life. From snow-covered forests explored on snowshoes to the simple joy of settling into a winter routine, this episode captures what it really feels like to properly settle into a Mini Season in the mountains.

What does it really take to step out of everyday life and settle into the Alps for more than a fleeting escape? In this episode of Mini Seasons by Bespoke Black Book, we head to Austria and uncover why the Zillertal Valley is perfectly suited to a longer winter stay. From its easy access via Innsbruck to its vast range of ski areas stretching from charming valley villages to glacier heights, Zillertal offers far more than first meets the eye.

We take you behind the scenes of planning an extended alpine stay, choosing where to base yourself, preparing for a winter road trip across Europe, and deciding what’s actually worth packing when snow, work, and daily life all come into play. Along the way, we share practical insights on ski passes, budgeting, local food shopping, and the small details that make all the difference.

This episode sets the foundations for the season ahead, from the moment the mountains come into view to the quiet relief of arrival, when the planning fades away and the Mini Season truly begins . . .