Alpbach

Alpbach is a delightful, family-friendly ski resort less than one hour's drive from Innsbruck airport. A favourite destination of well-informed British skiers and the winner of the “Most Beautiful Village in Austria” contest, Alpbach is famed for traditional style architecture, excellent hospitality. You'll find lots of charm, great scenery, friendly locals, pretty buildings and ambience by the bucketload. Accommodation is mostly hotel- or guesthouse-based, most of which are family-run and very welcoming. The more expensive accommodation is near the slopes and cheaper stuff often means a bit of a trip to get to the lifts.

Alpbach offers all the traditional off-snow activities, so skiing isn't the only attraction for visitors. There are loads of old-fashioned eateries up the mountain, but a more limited choice in the resort. Après-ski is subdued and the resort is all ready for bed by 11pm. Only 23% of visitors are British and they come for the skiing as well as ambience.

The slopes offer intermediates and beginners the best choice, making Alpbach an ideal family venue. Ski school and childcare are of a high standard. There is some powder for experts, but this relies on decent snow, something that isn't guaranteed in Alpbach. There are only 45km of pistes and it might be better to invest in the 'Kitzbueheler Alpen' Pass for greater variety (700km of pistes). You might want to give cross-country a try, as there are plenty of trails to cover. Boarders have much to amuse them, with a fun park and two half-pipes. Alpbach also features as a regular host for international events. Queues aren't a problem, so you can really enjoy the real Tyrolean experience without the scrums.

Overall, Alpbach has proven itself to be a real jewel in the crown of Austrian skiing…