The vast majority of tourists visiting Austria head straight for
one of its cosy alpine villages in the Tirol region. Among the
wooded mountains is some of the world's best skiing. Unlike many
French and Swiss resorts, most resorts in Austria are real,
friendly villages on the valley floor and despite expanding
enormously over the last 20 years the development has generally
been in good taste, with traditional-looking chalets perched among
the ancient, domed churches. Austrian resorts are also more fun and
welcoming than many in the Alps; the Austrians know how to enjoy
themselves and don't find it demeaning to speak their guest's
language. However many Austrian resorts lie fairly low and
experience unreliable snowfall. To ensure guaranteed good skiing it
is best to head for the western edges of the Tirol, to St Anton,
Lech or Zürs, which all have extensive skiing and more reliable
snowfall. The ski season runs from December to April but the
villages remain bustling in the summer, when the valleys are filled
with climbers and walkers who come to enjoy some of the
breathtaking scenery.
