Slopes as far as the eye can see and more skiing than you could ever hope for in a holiday - that's the SkiWelt, Austria's largest interconnected ski area. In all, there are more than 150 miles of groomed slopes and more than 90 lifts to serve them - with plenty of mountain huts scattered around, many with sun terraces.

Although it is big, there are loads of blue and red runs - most intermediate skiers can head off here confident that there will be a run to suit them. The ski area is not particularly high but the snow record is good and huge investment in snow-making equipment means the SkiWelt boasts a long season.

The villages are historic and have grown gradually. Söll is somewhat cosmopolitan, with a lively nightlife, while tiny Itter is tucked away and is a good choice for beginners. Going is sleepy and romantic, while Westendorf has for many years been a firm favourite with British skiers and is linked with the rest of the SkiWelt by a five-minute bus ride, as well as having its own ski area.

Ellmau, while sizeable, is sunny and pretty and has a high-speed funicular up the mountains. Scheffau is rustic and attractive, while Brixen is famous for the elegant Maria Himmelfahrt church, and has a high-capacity gondola lift to the heart of the SkiWelt. Meanwhile, Hopfgarten is an unspoilt and friendly village with a lively atmosphere, as is the family ski area of Kelschsau.

To view more information on Ski Welt click here to go to the office website.