AUSTRIA

Enjoying a heyday in the 1970s, the British used to flock to the numerous luxurious Austrian resorts armed with their straight skis to witness the downhill prowess of Franz Klammer. However, thanks to its warm and friendly welcome, Austria is witnessing the rebirth of this heyday and has emerged as one of, if not the leading ski destinations of Europe.
 
The Arlberg Ski Region, Austria’s largest ski area, not only hosts a vast network of sophisticated cable cars and lifts but also boasts spectacular scenery. Combine this with some of the most reliable snow in Austria and you get one of the most famous ski destinations in the world for serious skiers. The Arlberg Ski Pass provides the holder the use of over 80 ski lifts in the Region that grant access to the exclusive resort of St Anton, Stuben and St Christoph occupying one side of the expanse and a simple bus ride takes you to the equally exclusive areas of Lech and Zurs on the other. You will also have access to Rendl, where the famous Rendl beach has live music playing most days as well as Sonnekopf, known for its sunny aspects and endless powder runs.
 
There is skiing to suit absolutely everyone - a statement most ski centres claim to offer but there are few that can offer with such conviction and delivery the limitless opportunities for advanced and experts alongside an abundance for beginners in quite the same way that the Arlberg can. For beginners there are the nursery slopes and gentler blue runs situated close to the resort centres. Intermediates are completely spoilt for choice and would be hard pushed to find better-suited resorts than that of Lech and Zurs. For the adrenaline junkies among us there is the hair-raising descent from the Valluga, the soaring mountain peak rising above St Anton.
 
Whatever your ability, the lively après ski of St Anton, the hedonistic ski haven of the Arlberg and the overwhelming quality and charm of Austrian service is guaranteed to secure Austria as a most sought after destination.