32 WAC Magazine | wac.net
club life
reciprocal club
By Bianca Lawless
Experience the magic of a European hol-
iday like never before. From a world-fa-
mous holiday market to the 2026 Olym-
pics, Old World charm meets world-class
athleticism this winter in the Alps.
Picture sipping mulled wine (aka
glühwein) and bimbling through the
Bolzano Christmas Market in northern
Italy amid twinkling lights and glittering
baubles. e market takes place Novem-
ber 28 through January 6. Shriek with
delight on Krampusnacht, an annual
celebration held December 5, as hand-
carved masks bring a spine-tingling edge
to the holiday season.
Or take in the 2026 Winter Games.
e Olympic flame will be lit at San
Siro Stadium on February 6, launching
two exhilarating weeks of competition
spread from Milan to Cortina. Travel to
see events ranging from the fierceness
of ice hockey to the daring heights of
ski jumping to the elegance of figure
skating.
Making its Olympic debut will be ski
mountaineering, also known as "Ski-
mo." is portmanteau pursuit gained a
wide following in recent years, and Italy
boasts some of its best athletes.
WAC members enjoy privileged
access to exclusive reciprocal clubs
throughout Italy, France, Austria, and
Germany. ese clubs provide ideal
sanctuaries for après-ski relaxation or a
refined European base.
e Games conclude at the historic
Arena di Verona on February 22, fol-
lowed by the Paralympic Games March
6–15. is winter promises a blend of
culture, competition, and wonder wher-
ever your European travels lead.
To visit a club, members must request
a letter of introduction.
Log on to wac.net/loi. Submit club reviews
at wac.net/reciprocal-reviews.
wac.net/reciprocal-clubs
The WAC maintains five reciprocal
clubs across Alpine countries. Each
offers a variety of amenities, from over-
night accommodations to city center
dining and ideal proximity to tourist
attractions. For our complete European
list, visit wac.net/reciprocal-map.
Saint James Club
Paris, France
saint-james-paris.com
International Club
Berlin, Germany
ic-b.de/en
Union International Club E.V.
Frankfurt, Germany
union-club.com
Circolo della Caccia Bologna
Bologna, Italy
circolodellacacciabologna.it
Kitzbühel Country Club
Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbuehel.cc
RECIPROCAL CLUBS
Awestruck in the Alps
From Christmas markets to the Olympics, Italy and environs are calling this winter
