The downside to Austria is that many resorts are at mid-altitude, so the snow can be a bit sketchy. Some resorts are lacking in the challenging stuff for experts, but facilities for beginners are generally pretty good.

Austria's nightlife is both lively and varied. Whether you like swilling beer to the sound of folk music or tea-dancing to disco, you'll probably find something to suit. One point to bear in mind is that Austria isn't known for its grasp on modern music.

Austria is very popular on the German market, probably helped by their proximity and language similarities – but English is also widely spoken too. It's a great country for a family ski holiday as well as for some hardcore boarding...