Hotel Samson, Obertauern

Obertauern is 'a very friendly resort with Austrian charm', according to one visitor. Even though it is mostly a purpose-built village, Obertauern doesn't remind you of the French 1960s concrete monstrosities. It's at high altitude (1740m) and often provides excellent snow, so queues can build up when lower resorts have limited snow cover. There are 120km of pistes, but only a 600m vertical drop. As a result, there isn't a great variety of terrain for experts and better intermediates, but beginners and lower intermediates will flourish. Added to that are a great ski school, decent lift links to the skiing on both sides of the town and good slope maintenance - this is an excellent place to learn and improve. There's also scope for plenty of off-piste, so better skiers and boarders aren't completely neglected.

Off the slopes, things are reasonable, with a wide variety of accommodation, most of which is hotel-based. The same goes for eating out, with the majority of restaurants located in hotels. Après-ski is friendly and relaxed, if that's to your tastes, but there is also a more hectic side, with busy bars and clubs. Non-skiers won't find too much to do during the days. Overall, Obertauern is one of Austria's top five winter venues, best suited to families, as well as those looking for decent skiing and nightlife.