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Resort of the week

KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA

One of the Alps’ prettiest towns, complete with medieval walls, Kitzbühel has cannily swapped rulers and switched allegiances over the centuries, establishing itself in the process as Austria’s leading mountain trading town. The big ski area takes in six gorgeous villages along a meandering valley. If you like long, well-priced lunches in fantastic settings, it could be an ideal spot. Ride up the hub of the Pengelstein, where within an hour’s skiing more than 50 taverns, cafes and restaurants await you. You should start your evenings wrapped up outside one

of the wonderful cafes on Vorderstadt, a pedestrianised street in the centre of the old town, indulging in apple strudel and hot chocolate before sampling fine Bavarian beers in a local bar.

Resort height 760m.

Range780-2,000m.

Lifts53.

Total runs168km.

Longest runSeven kilometres.

Best runHahnenkamm is the world's most famous run, and you have to try it. It's a marked red run, but it has two uncomfortably steep and narrow sections. Attempting it early in the morning after a fresh snowfall is significantly easier and more enjoyable than going out late in the day, when the top snow will have been scraped off, leaving ice beneath your skis.

Snow parksOne.

SeasonLate December until the end of March.

Snow reliability**

Who goesWealthy older Germans and Austrians, keen skiers from around the world hungry to try the Hahnenkamm, and loyal Irish and British visitors who discovered the charms of the resort in the 1960s and 1970s.

Value €€€This being Austria, the ski pass and equipment hire are good value. Where Kitzbühel comes into its own is with its five-star accommodation and award-winning restaurants. The main street has an impressive row of designer shops staffed by immaculately groomed polyglots who strongly discourage browsing. Despite all that, the town has a good selection of rustic restaurants, bars and sports shops.

Insider tipsWhen the sun is out, nip over to the far side of the valley, to the Kitzbüheler Horn, a natural sheltered suntrap that overlooks the town, with gentle slopes, great views and nice cafes. It also has its own snow park.

AirportsSalzburg and Innsbruck.

Tour operatorsTopflight, Directski, Crystal.

Snow report

If you think we have had it bad these past few weeks, spare a thought for skiers in Sweden. Temperatures in Are, Scandinavia’s biggest ski resort, reached a daytime high of minus 23c this week.

Unseasonal heavyrain in the Alps over Christmas washed away some of the lower runs. The return of bitter cold and heavy snowfalls means most Alpine resorts are again fully open. Andorra is well covered, with great powder in Arinsal and Pal. Scotland's Gairngorms have superb coverage, making them worth a weekend trip.

Snow-forecast.com has forecasts for more than 2,200 resorts. Check what the snow's like at about 250 popular resorts on Skiclub.co.uk or have a peek at your mountain of choice on Snoweye.com.

Get your skates on

Directski (directski.com) is offering a week half-board in Andorra, staying in a three-star hotel in Pal/Arinsal, for €439, leaving Dublin tomorrow week. Flight and transfers included. With superb snow in the Pyrenees, this sounds like a bargain at one of the cheaper European resorts.

AOB

Snowshed (snowshed.net) is a new online market for ski and snowboard equipment, clothing and gadgets. You should be able to pick up designer gloves and leggings, top-of-the-range snowboard bindings or even an Overcome Your Skiing NervesCD at much-reduced prices. You can auction or exchange your own unwanted stuff as well.

Kitwatch

A decade ago only professional racers and small children wore helmets on the slopes. Now they are obligatory in children’s ski schools, and instructors and even holiday reps tend to tut-tut at non-wearers. With increased usage they have become lighter and more comfortable. One of the best on the market is the Uvex X-Ride Motion (right). It’s a great all-rounder, with six air vents to help control temperature, plus removable ear pads. It’s also comfortable. It costs €115 from Great Outdoors in Dublin (greatoutdoors.ie).