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Ischgl is a small village in the Paznaun Valley in Tyrol (western part of Austria). Its ski resort Silvretta Arena Ischgl-Samnaun is connected with the ski resort of Samnaun across the border in Switzerland. Together this ski area belongs to the largest skiing resorts in the Alps. Ischgl is an ideal resort for family skiing, although there is also a massive amount of off-piste.

Big ski area. Small town. Surprisingly small considering that Ischgl, after a late start as a significant ski area (its first cable-car was only constructed in 1963, bringing prosperity to a struggling community) is now as popular with the Austrians as St Anton and Kitzbühel. The reason it has not sprawled farther along the Paznaun valley is simple: the avalanche danger is too great. The result is that Ischgl, in spite of its growing international reputation, remains unspoiled. Find Hotel in Ischgl

The ski area, 125 miles of pistes served by 40 lifts, links with the duty-free village of Samnaum in Switzerland, and there is a long history of smuggling celebrated brazenly today with the “Smugglers Cup” event in which participants are handed a “secret” package to smuggle past customs officials. The slopes, set in strikingly attractive scenery, are in the so-called “Silvretta Hole”, which normally guarantees good snow. The skiing area - mainly long, swooping, wellgroomed motorway runs provides superb intermediate terrain but also plenty for beginners and experts. Unfortunately all this can be marred by serious queuing at peak times. Hemmgway was a regular visitor in the mid-1920s.

Even with its reputation for après-ski and a formidable list of nightclubs, Ischgl has wider appeal as a high-quality resort to suit all-comers. The family-friendly slopes are perfect for the majority of skiers, while the grooming and snow-making are in a league of their own. Full lift and piste integration with neighbouring Samnaun over the border in Switzerland make the skiing truly extensive, and after a big fall of fresh snow, there’s off piste skiing in every direction. Only tough on-piste challenges are missing.

Kitzbuhel is the most famous ski resort in Austria, an elegant medieval city which is located along The Kitzbuhel River in Tyrol State of Austria. With amazing snow-covered scenery, the ski in Kitzbuhel were first introduced in 1892. But this sport rapidly gained popularity, and two years later a large consignment of skis arrived from Norway, paving the slopes for Kitzbuhel’s first skiing championship.

The actual village of Kitzbuhel dates back to the 13th century. Its charm is accented by painted medieval houses, colorful sidewalk cafes, and stylish shops. Festive flags and buntings adorn the streets and buildings of this little Austrian town, which plays host to international athletes, ski fans, and the rich and famous from all over the world.

There is an extensive and varied skiing area offering excellent skiing and snowboarding, both on and off-piste, but be prepared for a lack of snow in places. Due to Kitzbuhel’s low altitude, the lower slopes are rarely open. If the skiing doesn’t tire you out while on holiday in Kitzbuhel, the nightlife certainly will. The atmosphere is bright, boisterous and fun and doesn’t stop till the not-quite-so-early hours. Kitzbuhel is also Austria’s winter entertainment capital and attracts performers from all over the continent throughout the holiday season.

If possible arrive in Kitzbuhel before nightfall, when the wrought-iron entrance way lamps and flickering candles in the restaurant windows lend a special charm to the streets. You’ll hear the jingle of bells on a horse-drawn sleigh, and in the distance someone in a gasthaus will let out a hearty laugh that rises above the sound of a piano or zither. The exterior of Kitzbuhel is old, lovely and quite romantic. The interior is modern and efficient.

Even non-skiers can find plenty to do on holiday in Kitzbuhel, like ballooning, curling, hang-gliding, skating, hikes, snowmobiling or even just playing billiards. in Kitzbuhel there is gambling at the casino, art galleries to browse, concerts to attend, movies and an alpine zoo. Highlights of the winter holiday season are the Christmas Market and New Year’s Eve party.

Kitzbuhel is also well known as a spa center and is full of health farms, while the public baths in town offer a multitude of amenities including sauna, steam bath, swimming and massage. The picturesque, historic town itself offers plenty to see while on holiday, with its medieval houses, stylish shops and beautiful old churches. Visitors can also take short excursions to the museums in the area, which include the Cable Car Museum at the Hahnenkamm Mountain Station, the Farmhouse Museum and Mining Museum.

Situated 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Innsbruck and 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Munich,  the beautiful Alpine town of Kitzbuhel is easy to get to by car, bus, and train, and if you stay in a hotel in town, an automobile isn’t really necessary since there are free buses and most things are centrally located. There is a full range of accommodations, from four-star hotels and swank ski lodges to inexpensive pensions and charming rustic inns. Finding a hotel in ski city of Kitzbuhel is not hard, there are dozen of hotels with good service and management.

Salzburg, Austria is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Mozart. The city is home to numerous music and drama festivals throughout the year. The movie The Sound of Music was filmed in this city and is a popular tourist attraction. The alpine setting of this city gives it a unique charm. There are many sites to see and lots to do here.

Accommodations

There are many hotels in the city to fit every taste and budget. Prices vary widely from many affordable hotels to more luxury hotels with higher price tags. The internet is a good source of reviews of the many hotels in the city. You can view pictures and read descriptions of the various hotels before choosing your accommodations.

Vacation packages are available online or through a travel agent. These can save money, compared to booking your flight and accommodations separately. Do some research before visiting a travel agent or booking online into some of the hotels available in the city. Decide if you want to be in the inner city or farther out.

Sightseeing

Salzburg’s Old City is the center of the city and the most historic area. It is considered one of the most aesthetically beautiful cities in Europe. The area has many old footbridges to walk and pedestrian only areas for sightseeing. Horse and buggy tours of the area are also available. If you need a break from the city, consider walking the many paths outside the city to relax and enjoy the quiet and beauty of nature.

Salzburg is home to many old churches, most in the Baroque style. The cathedral in the center of town dates back to the 17th century. The architecture of these old churches gives the city its unique character. Some to see include: St. Sebastian’s, St. Michaels, St. Johns and St. Peter’s Abbey.

Mozart’s Birthplace has been renovated to the original apartments inhabited by the family. The room where he was born and the room where he composed most of his famous works are still open for tours. Guided tours are available the first Sunday of each moth. This is where the composer lived until 1773. Mozart’s Residence is located nearby and is where he lived from 1773 to 1780. There are exhibits related to the family and the works of Mozart.

Fans of the Sound of Music often love visiting Salzburg. The movie was filmed here. You can tour locations throughout the city that were featured in the film. A tour bus playing music from the movie takes you around to all the locations featured in the film.

Mirabelle Palace is open for tour. The ornate palace is also home to amazing gardens with statues of mythical figures. Heckentheater on the West Side is the oldest Hedge Theater north of the Alps. This was constructed in the 1700s as an outdoor theatre. On the same site is the Zivergegarten, which is a dwarf garden.

Hohensalzburg Fortress is another popular tourist attraction in the city. The fortress was first constructed in the year 1077 and expansions were done in 1160 and again in the 15th and 16th centuries during the Hungarian War. This is the largest fortress in all of central Europe. It was very effective and was never conquered by enemy armies. The fortress is open year round for tours.