Hotel Alphof, Alpbach

· hot and cold buffet breakfast · après snack (3-5pm) · 4-course evening meal with a choice of main course, and daily salad buffet · occasional starter and dessert buffets

Many Austrian hotels do not serve free tap water with meals.

Alpbach is a great choice for first-timers and easy-going intermediates, offering a relaxed week of skiing in a scenic, uncrowded setting. Its south-facing position means plenty of sunshine, and the gentle nursery slopes are ideal for learning the basics. Once confidence builds, skiers can move onto wide, forgiving blue runs that wind through forests and open mountain terrain. From here, the broader Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau provides around 114km of pistes, with a strong focus on scenic, tree-lined cruising rather than steep or technical terrain.

The village itself is often described as one of the prettiest in Austria, and it has a very traditional feel. Timber-clad buildings line the hillside, clustered around the striking church spire that forms the centrepiece of the village. There’s a calm, authentic atmosphere throughout, with family-run guesthouses, small hotels, and a handful of shops and cafés giving it a lived-in but peaceful character. Unlike busier resorts, nightlife here is low-key, with evenings typically revolving around relaxed dinners, quiet drinks, and a cosy, sociable vibe rather than late-night parties.

That said, there are still a few places to enjoy a drink, with small pubs serving local beers and glühwein, sometimes alongside traditional Austrian bar games. It’s more about winding down than going out, which suits the resort’s overall pace.

Beyond skiing, Alpbach offers plenty of gentle winter activities that make it appealing for mixed-ability groups and families. Snowy walks through the valley lead to places like Reintalersee, which can freeze over in winter and sometimes be used for ice skating depending on conditions. In the village itself, there’s an open-air ice rink, while horse-drawn sleigh rides offer a quiet way to take in the mountain scenery without needing skis at all. For something a bit more playful, the nearby 1.4km alpine coaster provides fast turns and mountain views, adding a bit of excitement without feeling extreme.

Overall, Alpbach is less about high-adrenaline skiing and more about comfort, scenery, and steady progression on the slopes, making it especially appealing for a first ski holiday or a relaxed winter escape.