"The Alps are home to a wealth of backcountry skiing so it takes a special resort to claim it has the finest off-piste terrain. St. Anton, however, does. The Austrian resort may be known for attracting advanced skiers and no-holds-barred partiers but it’s really best for powder-lovers. A vast bowl beneath Valluga Mountain provides incredible opportunities for fresh tracks, while the backcountry at nearby Stuben offers even more untouched runs. Tip: to all but guarantee fresh powder, take to the mountains with Piste to Powder, a group of expert off-piste guides."

"Cross-country skiing in Seefeld Seefeld is a popular Tyrolean destination for cross-country skiing and was the center of the event during the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics that were hosted by Innsbruck. It's also great for beginner and intermediate skiers as well as summer hiking."

"As one of Austria’s most prestigious Alpine resort towns, Kitzbühel has a reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous. However, you don’t have to be wealthy or well-known to enjoy winter here. Medieval Kitzbühel manages to balance its historic charm with a stylish, contemporary vibe. Base your stay at the Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel, which features a fancy bistro, luxurious spa, Alpine golf course, and views of the majestic Alps. When hunger strikes, head to Huberbräu-Stübel for Austrian classics like schnitzel and dumplings, or Jagastube at the Hotel Zur Tenne for strudel. Then, hit the town for some high-end shopping, or head to the slopes for incredible skiing."

"Austrian culture is deeply rooted in skiing and Skicircus is its crowning achievement. Spread over Saalbach-Hinterglemm and Leogang, the winter sports area features nearly 170 miles of piste terrain and is extremely popular with both skiers and snowboarders. Guests can look forward to70 cableways and lifts, more than 60 cozy ski huts, numerous snow parks, floodlit slopes, andtoboggan runs. For those not staying at the resort, the Salzburg Snow Shuttle provides transportation from the city to the slopes."

"Christmastime in Vienna Vienna lights up with the warm glow of the Christmas season. Twenty official Advent Markets can be found throughout the city selling seasonal gifts, crafts and sweets, from City Hall to Maria-Theresien Platz to Schönbrunn Palace. Streets throughout the city, like Graben in the first district, are illuminated with hanging lights."

"Ice Skating on Lake Zell Sure, you can ice skate on a rink in the city, surrounded by church towers and historic architecture. But, why not go out to a lake? Lake Zell provides the ultimate ice skating experience as skaters enjoy a clear vista of the snow-covered mountains surrounding this massive natural rink."

"There’s nothing quite as magical as a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy wonderland that is the Alps in winter. For the most romantic option, head to Salzburg and take a ride through the Salzach River Valley, past snow-topped Alpine chalets, quaint inns, and huge glaciers. Panorama Tours offers excellent December tours, during which guests snuggle beneath warm blankets before warming up with traditional Styrian cuisine in Ramsau."

"Christkindlmarkt at Klagenfurt am Wörthersee As the snow glistens on the surrounding mountains and the Wörthersee sparkles with ice crystals, Klagenfurt lights up with its Christmas market. The scent of mulled wine and baked goods permeate the chilly air around Neuer Platz, while stalls sell handmade ornaments, jewelry and toys, as well as other regional specialties. It's considered one of the best Christmas Markets in Austria . An additional market focusing on crafts can be found at Domplatz in front of the cathedral."

"The Dachstein Glacier offers some ofAustria’smost incredible Alpine experiences in any season, but particularly in winter. Head to the easily accessible Ice Palace for a fun look deep inside the glacier, or brave the highest suspension bridge in the country for stunning views over the snowy Dachstein Mountains. The truly daring can explore the “Stairway to Nothingness,” which takes visitors down 14 narrow steps to a glass platform jutting out from the rock face."