-- Worldwide Ski Resorts - Austria - Kirchberg --

In the ski world this resort is well known for the downhill race course at Hahnenkamm and on the World Cup circuit is said to be spectacular. Here is a town which visually sets the mood for the holiday. It is medieval style, has cobbled streets and the centre has no traffic. The hotels are elegant and can be expensive but there is plenty on offer for those looking for budget accommodation. All in all it is a wonderful walled town with quaint buildings and for some compares with Gstaad. It is quite a wide spread resort and the roads are busy outside the walls, so not a little Austrian village but more urban with charm thrown in.

visit is later in the season the conditions are generally good. Access to the higher slopes has been improved with a new gondola where the snow is good and there are over 50 lifts. The slopes are attractive and big and for the experts the slopes are steep both on and off piste.

The Streif Red is the basis for the famous Downhill race. For the intermediates the alternatives are great, with some runs suited to the more timid and others for mixed skills. There are plenty of easy Reds and quite a lot of the Horn is easy cruising. The beginner's slopes are adequate and may be lacking in snow. The quick learners will be cruising from the Horn on the long Hagstein piste. At valley level there is 25 miles of cross country trails but worth checking on quality of snow. Queues are much improved with more gondolas and lifts which spread the skiers round the sectors.

Most of the runs face north east or north west and offer a mix of good open runs higher up and lower down more trees. Snowmaking covers around 40 miles on the lower slopes which is good especially on the runs to the valley. There are 20% Black runs, 43% Red and 37% Green. The slopes range from about 2,5000 feet to 6,5000 feet and the pistes about 90 miles. For the adventurous Bichlalm is entirely an off piste area with no grooming and few marked routes.

Piste signage is sometimes lacking and can cause confusion. The Downhill race is held every year in mid January and when complete other mortals can try their hand (and legs!) after the event weekend if the snow is good and the off piste Red ski route appeals. The restaurants are sunny and plentiful. They are mostly self service with excellent food at reasonable prices. If silver service is needed this is available too. The ski schools have good reports detailing professional instructors and progress of students excellent. For children, they join the appropriate class at the ski schools as there is no non-ski nursery. Individual tuition and small schools are greatly valued and provide skills and confidence.

From designer label wearing to jeans and sweatshirts all are seen here. It has a vibrant style at night but not intrusive to families. Afternoon tea when skiing is covered by pastries and cakes or straight to the bar with open fires and widescreen TV. Drive out to Hagstein and be served massive pans of food to eat with your group of friends. The Casino has a package of playing the tables and having a meal. The Londoner Pub is very crowded and great fun and is well known as a place to drink.