Traditional towns, sky-piercing peaks, endless adventure offerings... skiing is in Austria’s DNA. With Jet2 flights to the mountain meccas of Innsbruck and Salzburg, plus the option to add 22kg baggage and up to 22kg ski carriage, booking a winter break’s a breeze. But where’s best to base yourself? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers...

St. Anton

Fly to: Innsbruck Airport

Best for après

If your idea of piste paradise is challenging runs and pumping après bars, then St. Anton should be top of your list. Not only is it part of the country’s largest linked ski area, the Alberg, but it’s also got the pros seal of approval, regularly hosting the World Alpine Ski Championships. Maximise your time on the mountain by taking on the Run of Fame, an 85km-long circuit from St. Anton to Warth, via Stuben, Zürs, Lech and Schröcken. Then, reward yourself with a slopeside beer and a boogie in the iconic Mooserwirt. Back in town, you’ll find a bar for every style and budget, so take your pick and get set for good times galore!

Lech

Fly to: Innsbruck Airport

Best for luxury

Luxury and Lech go hand in hand. With the array of five-star hotels, designer boutiques and fine-dining restaurants, you might think that skiing plays second fiddle. But you’d be wrong! For starters, it’s part of the mammoth 305km Alberg ski area. It’s also got a great snow record, making it a popular place for off-piste escapades. The slopes are best suited to intermediates, especially the Weisse Ring route, which includes the neighbouring resort of Zürs. Despite all the glitz and glam, Lech has managed to hold onto its authentic charm.

Zell am See

Fly to: Salzburg Airport

Best for scenery

With a lake on one side and mountains on the other, Zell am See is pretty as a postcard. Delve into its box of tricks and you’ll find tree-lined trails, cosy pubs and knockout views around every corner. It’s a one-stop shop for families, with everything from bowling to climbing on offer. There’s 138km of slopes to explore between Zell am See and Kaprun, and lots of mountain restaurants for those all-important schnitzel and schnapps stops.

Obergurgl

Fly to: Innsbruck Airport

Best for families

Looking for somewhere that’s fab for families? Call off the search! Obergurgl’s kitted out for kids, with excellent ski schools, nursery slopes and high-quality hotels. Plus, thanks to its 1,930m-high location, the season starts early and finishes late – perfect for the school holidays! Little learners can build up their confidence on the gentle runs around the Hohe Mut gondola, before graduating to the reds at the top of the Festkoglbahn. Dinky daredevils will love the jumps and kickers in the Family Park and twists and turns of the Audi Quattro fun slope too.

Bad Gastein

Fly to: Salzburg Airport

Best for relaxed retreats

Say hallo to a resort where wellness is at the fore. Frame your days around the 198km of top-notch terrain, then soak away the soreness in one of the thermal spas. You’ll be in the heart of the Gasteinertal ski area, with fab transport links to the other resorts. Kick off the day on Blue 15, which runs all the way back into the village. Once you’re warmed up, make your way across to the Hohe Scharte summit and whizz down the 10.5km red.