Hotel Wastlhof, Niederau

With nursery slopes right by the village centre and gentle blue runs higher up the mountain, Niederau is an excellent choice for first-time skiers. The local ski area is compact and easy to navigate, making it simple to find your way around. Plus, with restaurants at both the top and bottom of the main gondola, meeting friends and family for a leisurely slopeside lunch couldn't be easier. If you're ready to explore more, the free ski bus links Niederau with nearby Auffach, giving you access to the full 114km of pistes across the Ski Juwel area.

Nestled in a picturesque wooded valley, Niederau is a traditional Austrian village filled with timber-clad chalets and centred around a striking Gothic church. Its compact size means many hotels and apartments are just a short walk from the slopes. Accommodation is cosy and welcoming, with friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly suits the village's laid-back charm. When the lifts close, evenings are generally low-key, though the lively karaoke nights at the Cave Bar offer a fun change of pace.

Away from the pistes, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained. Families can try their hand at building a snowy shelter on an igloo-building course, while those looking to explore can follow scenic winter walking trails through the valley. Or, for a more leisurely way to take in the snowy surroundings, hop aboard a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride.