SkiWelt, Austria

‘SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental' may be a bit of a tongue twister but it's an absolute dream to ski. It encompasses 9 villages in the northern Kitzbüheler Alps: Söll, Scheffau, Ellmau, Going, Itter, Kelchsau, Hopfgarten, Westendorf and last but not least, Brixen im Thale. The area's connected by 284km of runs and a state-of-the-art lift system and is much loved for its glorious sights of the Hohe Salve Mountain and Wilder Kaiser range.

Whilst each village has its own character and attractions, one thing they all have in common is traditional Tyrolean style - with ancient baroque churches and classic wooden architecture, these are some of the most beautiful and unspoilt villages in Austria.

Söll's the biggest and best known resort amongst Brits, with some cracking Austrian après and the largest night skiing area in Tyrol, while at the other end of the spectrum, Scheffau's the smallest and quietest with only a handful of hotels, bars and restaurants.

Ellmau, Going and Itter have some terrific beginner slopes, whilst Kelchsau's ski touring paradise. If you're big on your boarding, head to Westendorf for the legendary Boarder's Playground. You'll be in Tyrolean food heaven in the market town of Hopfgarten and from Brixen, it's only a 15-minute drive to the fabulous town of Kitzbühel.

Around an hour's drive from Innsbruck airport and up to an hour and a half from Salzburg, getting to and from the region is a piece of cake. If you're travelling by rail, Hopfgarten, Westendorf and Brixen have their own stations, while the rest are easy to reach by bus or taxi from Wörgl, St. Johann or Kufstein.

There are plenty of opportunities for young ones and beginners to learn how to ski, as well as a heap of gentle blues to help get novices well on their way - Going, Ellmau, Scheffau and Westendorf in particular have some lovely blues leading down to each resort.

Intermediates will find beautiful tree-lined runs in every direction from the Hohe Salve peak, as well as a special red on the Südhang (#66) slope, which films and times you speeding down - letting you watch it back at the top of the Brandstadl gondola.

Strong skiers can spend their days cruising the area on reds and testing out the trickier terrain along the way: there are some cracking black runs down from Hohe Salve to the Rigi peak, as well as challenging ski routes including the Moderer (#63), covered in deep powder before developing into a challenging mogul run on the return down to Scheffau.

SkiWelt definitely knows how to look after its snowboarders, with wide pistes and perfectly maintained snowparks. These can be found dotted all around the region, the most challenging being Pro Park, right by Westendorf's Gampenkogel lift and home to the aptly named Big Mama jump. For anyone who isn't quite ready to take on Westendorf's Boarders Playground, the Snowpark & Funslope Söll's tables and kickers are a good place have a go at some new tricks. There’s also the Intersport Kaiserpark at the Tanzbodenalmbahn in Ellmau with an Easyline, Expertline and a chill area.

You name it, SkiWelt's got it. Choose from any of the villages to suit your style of après ski, whether it's relaxing in front of a fire place or dancing on tables in ski boots…

If you're looking for the latter, head for Söll - although it's left its boozy reputation behind for a family friendly feel, venues like Whisky-Mühle prove that this place still knows how to party…

If this doesn't sound like your cup of Jägertee, and you'd rather settle down in a homely pub for a quiet fireside sherry, you'll like Scheffau or Ellmau.

For something weird and wonderful, head for the Alpeniglu's Ice Restaurant and dine surrounded by ambient lights and crystal tables. You'll find Alpeniglu at the Hochbrixen mountain station, easily accessible (for non-skiers too) from Brixen im Thale or Westendorf.

Whatever you do here in terms of food, don't leave without trying some traditional Tyrolean nosh. The Tirol is famed for its knödeln (better known to us as dumplings) and you'll leave the region dreaming Homer Simpson-style of the mouth-watering choices of cheese, or bacon, or onion, or spinach, or pumpkin, or plums, or apricots….Where were we? Ah yes, some great places to try out this grub include Scheffau's Tanzbodenalm, or the Hohe Salve Gipfelalm.

If you've still got some energy left, head for Söll, home to Austria's biggest floodlit ski area. Equally as exciting, and great for non-skiers too, are their tobogganing runs which are also open after dark. For something a little more relaxed, some of the villages offer the opportunity to admire the surroundings on horseback, or treat yourself in one of many spas and wellness centres in the region.