Welcome to Winter Paradise Austria! - The Alps account for two thirds of Austria’s surface area, and provide ideal conditions for relaxation, winter sports and winter fun. 71 winter regions with over 800 winter-sport locations offer pure enjoyment for their guests. 22,000 km of excellently prepared "pistes" fulfill every skier’s and snowboarder’s wish. From gentle family runs to high alpine tours, from easy to challenging slopes – it’s all there! 16,000 km of tracked cross-country stretches offer all that the increasing number of cross-country skiers could wish for. Everything is possible – snow-shoe hiking, ice climbing, ice golf, ice sailing and surfing on the many frozen lakes. How about a ride on a dog-sled? For those who enjoy the more peaceful winter activities, 14, 000 km of snow-cleared winter hiking trails, romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides, tradition and folklore await. Austria’s towns offer a number of cultural adventures – from advent markets to New Year’s concerts to operas or musicals.We could go on an*d on about why Austria makes the best ski vacation ever, but the following list of reasons should convince you enough.

Affordable Austria - You’ll be surprised how affordable a wonderful winter vacation in Austria really is. In most cases, it will be less than a trip to one of the leading ski areas in the United States or Canada. Ski packages to Austria are usually pretty comprehensive, and you pay one reasonable bottom-line price for air fare, transfers, room, the chosen meal plan and taxes!

Temperature and Climate - Europeans listen with great curiosity to tales of sub-zero, wild-wind-chill skiing in North America, because the experience is strange and exotic to them. Daytime temperatures in the Alps average in the low to middle 20s (Fahrenheit) above zero even in January. Strong winds don’t last long; they are usually harbingers of a major snowfall. If you want proof of the mild weather, look at the sleek European ski fashions that do without all the thick insulation. Vertical Drop - What matters to a skier is vertical drop, the difference in altitude between the highest lift-served point and the end of the ski run, in Austria usually the village. Big verticals mean long runs and un-crowded lifts.

Resorts - Austrian mountain resorts not only meet the best standards in the U.S., but often exceed them in value and service. Most of the four- or five-star hotels in Austria have their own indoor swimming pools, saunas or whirlpools. Phones and televisions are a fixture in each room, and you will usually be able to pick up CNN and/or other English language stations. As is the Austrian way, service and gratuities are always included. You can ski right into the village, and the lifts are usually within easy walking distance to your hotel. Beautiful, picturesque hotels, with fluffy down comforters and cozy rooms, await you. Along with a hot spicy 'Gluehwein' or 'Schnaps,' of course!

Perfect Snow - Though the slopes aren't gusty and bitterly cold, the Austrian Alps are blessed with a long and lavish snow season. The snow on the ground is generally powdery and fluffy well into spring. Packed powder prevails on the groomed runs, deep powder off-piste.

More than just skiing... For non-skiers, there's plenty to do and see. Tobogganing, sleigh rides, snowshoe adventures through snowy alpine trails or ice skating are all available at most resorts. There are loads of options for trend and adventure sports like snowboarding and telemarking. Spice up your winter vacation experience with some European flavor: check out the local sights, shop in uniquely Austrian boutiques, take excursions to some of the beautiful surrounding areas and meet the international crowds that love to gather in the outdoor cafes.

Austria, the ultimate difference - Austrian ski resorts are built around villages that have been there since the Middle Ages, where the architecture and traditions of the region are integral to the daily life of the community and its visitors. Welcoming friendly faces, delicious restaurants, a sense of history and tradition are at every turn. When you slip into your skis in Austria, you are stepping into another place, another time, another culture. You can't repeat the experience anywhere else. The value of your experience is thus doubled when you ski Austria.