Kirchberg Hotels

A close relation to glitzy Kitzbuhel, Kirchberg lies only 6km away from its upmarket cousin and enjoys much of the same ski area. In some ways, its location makes it the cheap and cheerful way to ski the riches of the big boy resort, however, Kirchberg is no longer just a small, simple village with basic accommodation. Nowadays, it's a lively, large resort in its own right, with a strong following among fun-seeking young North Europeans of all nationalities. Its attractions also lie in the many good-value restaurants and bars, serving cheaper fare than in most other Austrian resorts.

As to be expected, the skiing favours intermediates, while beginners are separately supplied with their own nursery area. Advanced skiers usually strike out for the famed Hahnenkamm Glacier, and when powder permits, the thrilling rides off-piste. Boarders are also well looked after with a specialist park and a half-pipe, and cross county skiers have their own 40km of trails. More ski miles are easily added on by investing in the 'Kitzbuheler Alpen' pass, opening a staggering total of 700km of pistes. For an unusual night to remember, there is always the 3.8-km floodlit toboggan run to hurtle down fuelled by the local firewater.