THE BEST BITS

Great value food and drink - on and off the mountain.

Real towns and villages with genuine character.

Superb ski and snowboard schools.

Large, linked ski areas offering an endless choice of runs.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Smoking is still allowed in some bars.

Lower altitude snow can get a bit slushy in late season.

Naked saunas are the norm - but you can cover up with a towel.

► Ski all day, party all night
Dancing on tables or sipping a hot chocolate - there's an après bar for you in St Anton or Söll.

► Modern lift system
Fast lifts with heated seats make going uphill a real pleasure in Obergurgl and Saalbach.

► Famous slopes
If you're feeling brave, you can try the world renowned Harakiri in Mayrhofen or the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel.

► Olympic resorts
Attempt a new world record on slopes steeped in Olympic history in Seefeld.

► Just relax
Austria takes pride in its wellness culture – visit Bad Gastein or Kaprun for indulgent spa experiences.

So what's it like?

Austrian ski holidays are a treat for all the senses. Modern lifts give easy access to the vast ski areas, mountain ranges and glaciers that are awaiting your arrival. Along with some of the best skiing in the world you'll also be treated to some fantastic après ski, friendly locals, excellent cuisine and luxury spas.

Austria's Alpine villages were around long before skiing was even thought of - these are real working towns and villages that happened to have the most incredible mountains next door. The architecture is usually very traditional – unsurprising as many buildings predate the first ski lifts. And the hotels are predominantly family-run establishments that have been handed down over the generations - giving a really homely and personal feel.

If you want a bit more modern luxury – you’ve got loads of choice too. Stylish design hotels are found throughout Austria. Plus it’s one of the best places to get stuck into some serious pampering. Spa and wellness is virtually a national pastime here and is home to some of the best facilities in the whole world.

Expect to get a taste of the local culture too. Music, arts and traditional festivals are held all over the winter. From Krampus in early December through to Easter the Austrians usually find some sort of celebration to enjoy. Check out the Christmas markets, admire local lederhosen and dirndl-adorned troupes performing live folk music and dancing, or take a day off the slopes to visit the cultural cities of Salzburg or Innsbruck.

Prices in the resorts are very reasonable. And unlike some of Austria’s Alpine neighbours the prices for food and drink are similar whether you’re on the mountain or down in the village. Meaning you can stay on the slopes all day, taking lunch at a mountain hut (or alm) – without any surprises when the bill turns up.

Après ski might have a French name, but the Austrian’s have taken après and made it their own. Either on the mountain or at the base of the slopes you’re bound to find a bar with an electric atmosphere. Dancing on tables, live music and plenty of cheesy tunes are not uncommon – all adding to the charm.

Don’t forget to try some of the national dishes of Austria. If you're sweet-toothed there’s a fine selection of mouth-watering pastries – best known are kaiserschmarren and strudel. If you prefer savoury dishes try out Wiener schnitzel, Tiroler gröstl and käsespätzl. The local breweries produce some of Central Europe’s finest beers and Austrian wines, mostly from the Eastern regions, are also very tasty. Plus, if you love a spot of après ski you can’t leave without trying the local schnapps or a warming Glühwein.