A number of key elements determine the cost of a winter holiday: Getting there, accommodation, meals, ski pass, local taxes and, for many skiers, equipment rental and ski instruction. Sounds expensive? Well, not in Austria. „Austrian resort are excellent value for money!“ The „Where to Ski and Snowboard Guide 2009-10” undertook a Resort Price Survey. The results? The initial comparisons show that prices for food and drink in ski villages differ between resorts by a factor of two or more based on current exchange rates. On-the-spot prices in Austria cost half as much as in other European resorts. According to WTSS, 19 out of 20 of the “best value for money resorts” are in Austria. What is more, many UK tour operators are currently offering tempting early bird deals in the white stuff! BA will be flying to Innsbruck five times weekly from London Gatwick from 5th December 2009 from just £55 one way, giving fast access to Western Austria's unrivalled outdoor winter playgrounds!

For the best powder conditions
Eight glacier skiing areas guarantee that the Austrian Alps are blessed with an enviably long season of the white stuff, well into the spring. Packed powder prevails on the corduroy groomed runs, while knee-deep powder is waiting off-piste. The Snow Report and Webcam Service provide you with the latest snow conditions at the top ski resorts across the country.

Take your turns with professionals
The reputation of Austrian ski instructors is simply world famous. Talented instructors and their experience of the local terrain make a difference to any skiing experience, whether as a beginner, an intermediate wishing to improve technique or an expert wishing to go off into powder terrain, creating thrill and enjoyment for every level of skier and making sure that visitors safely navigate through the terrain they want to cover is a top priority in Austria. Visit the birthplace of modern day skiing, where skiing was conceived as well as constantly developed and is simply part of everyday winter life.

Austria - the art of hospitality
Austrian ski and piste systems are built around or indeed mostly above villages that have been providing a living habitat to predominantly farming communities since the Middle Ages. Although it might not be visible everywhere, the farming is still very much ongoing. This may also explain why Austrians take great pride in offering local produce (and not just Schnapps!) and why traditions and craftsmanship in the regions are an integral part of daily life of the community and its visitors.

Food, drink and alpine living
Austrian cuisine had probably the most noticeable evolution over the recent years. It is the sum of the historical and regional dishes that portray the country that produced its ingredients. At the same time, there is a wonderful development in organic agriculture. In no other country is “organic” so much part of the mainstream that it is almost taken for granted. When the night falls what is more comfortable than a cosy room with a fluffy duvet. From the B&B or the typical Austrian “Pension” to deluxe hotels, all combine the traditional warm Austrian welcome with spa facilities, Austrian delicacies and an atmosphere that cannot fail to relax and revitalise you. It’s got to be Austria!