Resort of the week: Kitzbuhel, AustriaThere are snowheads who won't go anywhere else, and who could blame them?
Kitzbuhel almost has it all: a medieval walled town centre, cobbled streets, legendary hospitality, great accommodation, exceptional restaurants, pistes to suit all levels, and transport hubs not too far away. Its only fault -
its unreliable snow cover - is being managed as best as possible, with extensive snowmaking.
Kitzbuhel's many pistes, which link half a dozen cute Austrian villages, encourage cruising and on-piste touring. The slopes and routes are multidestinational, so each
day in a week's holiday is a new exploration of a well-designed, low- environmental-impact ski area.
Its a traditional resort with a fiercely loyal clientele that manages to be welcoming to new visitors - no mean achievement.
• Resort height760m.
• Range780m-2,000m.
• Lifts55.
• Total runs168km.
• Longest runSeven kilometres.
• Best runHahnenkamm. It's a must. Although classified as a red, it's got a couple of spots that are preposterously steep. Most of the course forms the route for the famous World Cup race held every January. Hit the piste first thing in the morning, when the snow is still crisp, and the quiet piste will afford the best opportunity to intermediates.
• SnowparksOne.
• Season lengthLate December to end of March.
• Snow reliability**
• Who goesWealthy urban Germans and Austrians with their top-of-the-range Porsches, Mercs, Audis and Beemers. Irish couples who fell in love with Kitzbuhel during their honeymoons. Small groups of British gentlemen who return at the same time each year.
• Value€€€. Although peppered with stand-alone designer shops selling their wares for eye-watering prices, Kitzbuhel is surprisingly good value. There are not many other places in the Alps where you could spend either €200 or €10 for, more or less, the same meal.
• Insider tipsIf the sun is out, head over to the Kitzbuheler Horn; it's a natural suntrap. Play in its snowpark and snack in the fine cafes overlooking the town.
The Red Devils ski school is one of the best in the world. Learn anew or get a top-up lesson when visiting.
• AirportsSalzburg and Innsbruck.
• Tour operatorsTopflight, Directski, Crystal.
Special events The Hahnenkamm World Cup Race extends from January 23rd to 25th, 2009. Besides the race itself, the town launches one big party, and the slopes are left relatively empty.
Kitwatch
Cold, dry hair, bright reflected sunlight, perspiration and alcohol in the system can lead to a creeping dehydration on the mountain. Most skiers and boarders drink nothing between breakfast and lunch, so by the afternoon the body is running on fumes - an uncomfortable and risky condition. Camelbak has a range of backpack hydration pouches, including a line for snowsports. Available in good outdoor stores, including Snow and Rock and 53 Degrees North.
Snow report
For up-to-date conditions, check www.skiclub.co.uk. Free six-day forecasts are at www.snow-forecast.com. Over 4,000 webcams are on www.snoweye.com.
What's on
The biggest and best amateur ski race, the International Inferno Race in Mürren, Switzerland, celebrates its 66th start on January 21st . The four-day event comprises cross-country, giant slalom and downhill, as more than 1,800 skiers battle to get their hands on the quirky wood-carved trophies. www.inferno-murren.ch.
Twin tips
• Susceptible to cold hands? Swap the heavy gloves for a combination of waterproof mitts and thin silk gloves. Certain to keep your digits toasty.
• If your New Year's resolutions include reviewing your career, how about becoming a ski and snowboard instructor? An 11-week course in Slovakia makes the dream a little more affordable. www.snow-sports.co.uk.
5 for New Year celebrations
Val d'Isere, France.
Verbier, Switzerland.
Ischgl, Austria.
Chamonix, France.
Aviemore, Scotland.
And finally
Get slope fit. Colin Gaffney, personal trainer and coach to the Irish youth Olympics and ski world championship team, has developed a pre-training programme. Focusing on balance, strength and flexibility, and using snowsport gym equipment, it aims to increase performance and decrease injuries and strains. A 30-minute one-to-one session costs €55. Call Gaffney on 087-8144455.