Whether you’re an off-piste adventurer or an absolute beginner, when you head to the slopes of Tirol, Austria, you’re certain to find more than just pristine pistes and deep drifts of perfect snow. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be revitalised by the calming presence of some of the most beautiful mountains in Europe, and energised by the crisp alpine air from the moment you take to the pistes. For an exciting blend of warm Austrian hospitality and cool apres-ski vibes, look no further than Kitzbuhel, a picturesque pastel-painted town complete with cosy mountain huts, 35km of cross-country trails and a bar scene that comes alive every evening when the party animals leave the slopes. What’s more, you can take a crash course in adrenaline-filled alpine downhill at the legendary Rote Teufel ski school, where experts are always on hand to get you ruling the runs.
Meanwhile, a short hop across the alps, Ski Juwel balances family-friendly beginners slopes with world-class ski schools and freestyle parks for boarders who like to get tricky. The two-resort skiier’s paradise in Alpbach and Wildschonau is a unique opportunity to find your niche, whether it’s black-run bombing or hacking across 50km of cross-country trails. Beyond the slopes, you’ll find romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides, fun farmers’ museums and a slow train that explores the most rural reaches of the sumptuously snowy region -that’s if you ever get bored of perfecting your glides, jumps and parallel turns on 109km of jaw-dropping pistes, of course. Whether you’re exploring the valleys of the Alpbachtal and Wildschonau regions or perfectly balancing ski-and-city in the charmingly medieval Kitzbuhel, every winter break to Austria is easy, effortless and absolutely unique.
