For those in the northern hemisphere who enjoy a winter break skiing or snowboarding, it’s that time of year when the cold weather kicks in and you start to think about your winter trip. Here are 5 reasons to start exploring locations in Salzburg.

Whether you are planning a trip with family or friends there are many things shaping where you end up. My personal view from 28 years of skiing is Salzburg offers just about “everything” you need – without compromise - whoever you are. And, here’s why:

#1 Abundance of resorts: Did you know that Austria now has the largest interconnected ski (& snowboard) area in Europe? Called Ski Amande. In close proximity to Salzburg airport you have 7 resorts and 130+ lifts comprising the “Salzburger Sportwelt” area. This includes better known resorts Flachau, Wagrain, St. Johann-Alpendorf and Zauchensee & Flachauwinkl, plus some less well known Radstadt & Altenmarkt, Eben, Filzmoos and Goldegg. Salzburger Sportwelt is the centre piece of the Ski Amande area and if you want to go a little further from Salzburg airport your options increase dramatically – to be specific the Ski Amande area comprises 28 interconnected resorts and 270 lifts. Whatever your preference in transfer time, the key thing to remember here is whilst Ski Amande wears the crown for being the biggest, the “interconnected” reference does mean some resort connections are by bus.

#2 Short transfers: Things were very different 25 years ago when most drove to their winter “ski” destination. I say “ski” as snowboarding was somewhat limited and the few partaking spent most of their time away from the mainstream skiers (“off piste” as it was). This was the era of neon clothes (now back in fashion), hot-dogging (not to be anyway linked with “Dogging”), and mono-boarding (a short-lived branch of skiing that never took off - for so many reasons). “Back then” a 12-hour drive across Europe was part of the adventure. But now we all want a short and hassle free journey. Salzburg is a small airport and before you know it you are through passport control, picking up your bag and out. There are many resorts under ONE hour away (some only 30 mins). And, best of all you can simply pick up a taxi and pay a fixed or metre fare. I’ve travelled to Salzburg many times and whilst there are a lot of winter travellers coming through the airport I’ve never had an issue picking up a taxi; and never had to wait long. There are normal saloons (or sedans) to multi-seat vans, all equipped for the winter conditions and a lot cheaper than pre-arranged “transfer” companies (take note!). So, a little under one hour and you reach your resort of choice.

#3 Best Apres-Ski: When I say “best” I mean “best-authentic”. You can go to Bulgaria or Andorra and have a blast on cheap alcohol and lively bars – but look around – you could be in anywhere. France is great on so many levels but for me, Apres-Ski is literally Apres Ski, straight after – go big and then go home. Austria really caters for the Apres ski experience and you get a real sense of doing the local way.

#4 It’s reasonably priced (in most cases!): From flights, to hotels, to transfers, to eating and drinking Austria offers all round value. So there are many places cheaper but the overall package is offered by Austria is unparalleled. France and Switzerland are equally popular countries for winter holidays however overall a lot more expensive. Especially when you consider the price of lift passes. At the 3 Vallees in France you can pay over 235 euros for a one week pass and for those on a budget this leaves a dent. Austria, with a few exceptions, has cheaper by comparison prices and prices locals pay. Again with hotels, the prices can vary greatly however at the lower end there are some bargain prices with easy access to leading resorts. When pricing your holiday, it is about cost versus return. Austria for me certainly offers the best value for money without compromise. And, dig around and there some fantastic deals to be had!

#5 Simple food done well: Austrian resorts in most part off quality local food at sensible prices. There are some expensive spots however in most cases there is consistency in good value food. Wiener Schnitzel (and chips) and Gluaschssuppe is a mountain standard; what more do you need than carbs and meat to keep you going on a cold day. There are also some local dishes not to be missed including Germknödel, a desert of sponge, jam filling with custard sauce and sugar on top - enjoyed as a single course in many cases. It’s a must for those looking for something sweet. Austria is certainly not known for food like that of France, but there are some fabulous local dishes that don’t come with inflated prices.

My favourite: Fly to Salzburg and jump in a 35minute taxi to Alpendorf, a tiny village just outside of the town St Johann. The taxi will cost you between 80-100 Euro’s – not bade if you are a group splitting the cost.

You have a number of hotels and apartments to cover just about any budget. One of the cheapest being the Chinese restaurant’s B&B at 40 Euros per night – an amazing deal if sharing between 2 people. And, “YES” its ok, its clean and well kept! At the higher end you have the 4 star spa hotel, Hotel Oberforstof (https://www.oberforsthof.at/en), just 50 yards from the piste – it’s a fabulous traditional restaurant with per night costs dropping to as low as 160 Euros.

The lift system couldn’t be easier with 2 main lifts up the mountain. Its either the “Red” or “Blue” ski schools for rental and lessons.

There are a number of restaurants and bars to keep you going for a week’s holiday. Our favourites are the Butz and Stingle for Apres Ski, the grand glass fronted Oberforsthofalm restaurant for dinner (http://www.oberforsthofalm.at/home/) and the Tenne Bar for some extended Apres Ski.

There is also plenty to choose from in the main town of St Johann. The Ski bus is regular and just 10 minutes straight to the main lift of Alpendorf. For nights out an 8 seater taxi is only 15 euros between Alpendorf and St Johann.

We hope you find this overview useful. Please drop us an email anytime if you have any questions for us – team@travelhustle.co.uk.