The Alps cover most of Austria, so it's really no surprise that this country is one of Europe's top ski destinations. Unlike some other European countries, Austrian ski villages are chocolate-box traditional and pretty, centring round an onion-domed church rather than a coach park. It also has a reputation for having high standard accommodation that doesn't cost an arm and a leg
The slopes in Austria tend to be well laid out, with excellent mountain facilities, modern lift systems and pistes that don't tend to get too clogged with skiers. Many resorts have pretty, tree-lined slopes, even if they aren't all that long. Boarders have been widely accepted for quite a while and there is quite a 'scene' going on here.
The downside to Austria is that many resorts are at mid-altitude, so the snow can be a bit sketchy. Some resorts are lacking in the challenging stuff for experts, but facilities for beginners are generally pretty good.
Austria's reputation for food is not the best. That is unless you like cheese and potatoes with lots of meat and pickles. If you're vegetarian, you could be in for a hard time. Goulash soup is always a good lunchtime warmer – and if you like dumplings, you'll be in heaven. They come in all sizes and you can even eat them for dessert.
Austria's nightlife is both lively and varied. Whether you like swilling beer to the sound of folk music or tea-dancing to disco, you'll probably find something to suit. One point to bear in mind is that Austria isn't known for its grasp on modern music.
Austria is very popular on the German market, probably helped by their proximity and language similarities – but English is also widely spoken too. It's a great country for a family ski holiday as well as for some hardcore boarding...
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