While the ski season has just started in many French resorts, Le Petit Montagnard has taken a look at other European countries (Austria, Switzerland, Italy...) where it is also possible to stay and spend a pleasant holiday in the snow.
The first issue in this series: Austria.
Considered as the destination of choice for winter sports fansEvery year, this land of many hills attracts thousands of ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
With its sublime landscapes, incredible snow cover, quality of welcome and attractive prices, Austria has many exceptional resorts.
Le Petit Montagnard has selected five of them for you. Here are some extracts.
1. Sölden
Quite simply, it is one of the best resorts in the world. A veritable legend in international alpine skiing competitions, Sölden is one of the country's most famous ski resorts.
With a total of 144km of pistes, the highest peak of which is perched at an altitude of 3,340 metres, the Tyrolean resort is a paradise for skiers of all abilities, whether you're a beginner or an expert.
The resort also has 3.8km of night skiing and two snowparks. There's a little special feature that applies to several Austrian resorts: the date on which the season starts.
Sölden generally opens in September or October. The season then finishes at the end of April. For more information about the resort, click here.
2. Kitzbühel
It is also one of the legendary resorts on the international alpine ski circuit, with the most difficult downhill run in the world (La Streif) according to the experts.
The world-famous resort in the town that bears its name has been in existence for almost 100 years.
The Kitzbühel ski area is divided into four distinct sectors, all accessible by shuttle bus. In total, the ski area covers 179 km, with 60 ski runs.
The ski season in Kitzbühel generally lasts 150 days, from late October to early May. For more information about the resort, click here.
3. Ischgl
Opened fifty years ago, the ski resort of Ischgl is more recent than its counterparts. This resort is ideal for excellent skiers.
There are 40 red runs and 25 black runs, and only 20 blue runs. In total, the resort offers 239 kilometres of pistes. Its highest peak is 2,872 metres above sea level.
Ischgl also has two snow parks with over 30 obstacles and a permanent half-pipe. For sledging fans, a 7km toboggan run is open throughout the ski season.
The Ischgl ski season is open for an average of 158 days a year, between the end of November and the beginning of May. For more information about the resort, click here.
4. Lech Zürs
It's the pioneer of the Top 5 ski resorts. But also the largest. Opened in 1906, Lech Zürs boasts magnificent facilities and is located in Lech am Arlberg.
Lech Zürs has 141 pistes, totalling 305 km. There are numerous slopes for beginners and intermediates, as well as four snowparks.
On average, the resort is open 143 days a year. With its highest peak at 2,811 metres, you have to wait until early December to ski.
The season runs until the end of April. For more information about the resort, click here.
5. Kelchsau-SkiWelt
With a total of 224 pistes and three snowparks, Kelchsau-SkiWelt offers a huge playground.
Located in the town of Söll, the resort has been open for 73 years and welcomes tens of thousands of skiers every year.
Ideal for beginners, the resort also boasts 12% of black runs. The highest peak in Kelchsau-SkiWelt is just 1,957 metres high.
The ski season is shorter than its neighbours, averaging 120 days a year. The season generally runs from the beginning of December to the end of April, in the same way as our French resorts. For more information about the resort, click here.
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