Unlike some other countries, the Austrian Alps are well inhabited, so rather than create new and artificial skiing resorts, existing towns have shifted to skiing tourism. Many resorts are like Alpine villages with lots of tree-lined ski runs set amongst towering mountains and glaciers.
Skiing areas in Austria are very well organised and many valleys are connected to one another. You may well find yourself skiing in one valley in the morning and a totally different one in the afternoon. The snowboard-friendly environment allows boarders the use of all lifts and tracks.
The Austrians are fantastic hosts, running some of the best ski hotels and chalets in the world, from small scale operations to larger properties. They know how to have a good time and après-ski is well liked in the Austrian Alps and has a distinct Tyrolean flavour in both music and drinks, like the famous Gluhwein. And then there is the food; hearty meals and cakes to die for, such as konditorei and spiced strudel puddings, so you can stock up on calories for the next day's action on the slopes.
Austria is also an excellent destination to consider for a traditional Christmas ski holiday, with picture perfect resorts and guaranteed snow. Head to Alpbach, with its wooden buildings and farmhouses set in the valley surrounded by the Gratlspitz Mountains, for a truly magical seasonal feel.
