The Alberg region is one of the most famous ski regions in Europe and has 85 ski lifts and 161 miles of downhill terrain. It contains the popular resort of St Anton as well as Lech and Zurs, which, according to Travel and Lesiure, offer just the right amount of snow and rustic chic.
The Tyrolean town of Kitzbuehel is surrounded by 99 miles of pistes and 60 lifts. It is also the site of the famous Hahnenkammrennen ski race.
Innsbruck, a city also in the Tyrol region, lies at the foot of the Stubai Glacier, which has approximately 30 miles of ski runs and ten ski lifts.
The Montafon valley has 66 ski lifts and 122 miles of downhill ski runs.
Winter sports are in full swing from mid-December to late March, according to Lonely Planet, with the most visitors at Christmas, New Year's and February.
Mid-April to June and late October to mid-December are quieter times, and many hotels, restaurants, cable cars and resorts will close. Dachstein, Molltaler, Hintertuxer, Pitztaler, Kaunertaler, Solden, Kitzsteinhorn and Kaprun, however, are eight glaciers that still offer good skiing at this time.
There are more than 800 ski resorts in Austria in 71 ski regions. Prices vary a lot, and you'll have to shop around for a bargain. But as of October 2009, half board in a three-star hotel in a popular ski area such as St Anton is available from approximately £60 per night, according to The Telegraph. This includes return flights from the UK.
Skiing costs around Austria tend to be similar. In the Alberg region, as of 2009, a one-day pass costs approximately £33 and a six-day pass approximately £165.
Almost all places in alpine Austria will have ski schools and nursery slopes. One ski school with a good reputation is the Austrian Ski School. This is available in, among other places, Lech, Zurs, Hochgurgl, Solden and Hochsolden and famous for its excellent teaching instruction and technique.
Keep warm by wearing multiple layers, mittens, avoiding alcohol and eating extra calories, recommends Richard M. Dawood in “Travellers' health: how to stay healthy abroad.”
Wear sunblock, lip salve and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun..
Avoid skiing on icy, slushy or rocky surfaces as well as when visibility is bad.
Avoid excessive speed, especially in busy areas. Ten percent of all skiing accidents occur when skiers collide.
Avoid over-exerting yourself, especially if you are unused to strenuous activity. Most ski accidents occur on the first day of a ski holiday, when it is easy for fatigue to set in.
