Austria - numerous flag-ship resorts with perfect conditions
If we had to name one country that holds all the key ingredients for the prefect ski holiday, it would without hesitation be Austria.
The traditional Alpine villages, beautiful tree-lined slopes and welcoming hotels all combine to create an unforgettable experience in the mountains from beginners through to advanced skiers.
The Arlberg area, which comprises the resorts of St. Anton, St.Christoph, Lech, Zurs, Stuben and Warth, is justifiably one of the most popular ski areas in the world, and offers over 300km of connected piste. Another flag-ship resort for Austria, is Kitzbühel, located in the Tirol region, World-famous for the annual Hahnenkamm ski race and its beautiful medieval town centre, not to mention over 150km of easily accessible linked skiing.
The cosmopolitan and chic resort of Kitzbühel has been welcoming skiers for many years, and every January it hosts one of the most famous World Cup Downhill races on the Hahnenkamm.
Mayrhofen sits at the end of the Ziller Valley before it rises into the Tux Valley, Mayrhofen is a firm favourite with British skiers and offers some excellent skiing.
One of Austria's best-kept secrets is the picturesque village of Ischgl, rated as one of Austria's top ski resorts.
Après ski spots as well as quality hotels
If atmosphere off the slopes is as important as superb skiing, we would highly recommend Ischgl, one of Austria’s best kept secrets with beautiful groomed high altitude slopes, a very modern lift system and some unforgettable après ski spots as well as quality hotels, many with ski-to-door locations.
For a great ski holiday on and off the slopes, Mayrhofen is a very popular choice with its traditional Alpine village centre, wide choice of hotels and après-ski venues and large ski area, including the Hintertux glacier.
Firm favourite with STC guests over the years is the stunning lake-side resort of Zell am See in the province of Salzburgerland and its equally popular neighbouring resorts, Saalbach and Hinterglemm.