Tyrol, Austria

Capital City: Innsbruck
Closest Airport: Innsbruck
Population: 958,897
Resort Area: Innsbruck - Arlberg - Kaunertal - Kitzbuehel - Oetztal - Paznautal - Pitztal - Seefeld - Serfaus - Stubaital - Zillertal
Snow Season: Early December - late April
Main Language: German
Currency: Euro

Arguably not only the winter capital of the world but the birthplace of skiing, Tyrol has more big mountains than you can shake a stick at and a bunch of fantastic resorts. The only problem you're ever likely to have here is deciding where to go.

Given a choice, most people probably still gravitate towards the Arlberg, a cluster of world-class resorts that includes St Anton and gives you access to over 200 kms of downhill, almost as much glacier and off-piste terrain and some of the best facilities of anywhere. If it's tradition you're after, Kitzbühel delivers in bucket loads, while some people prefer Innsbruck itself, capital of Tyrol and two-time host of the winter Olympics. With the Stubai glacier only 20kms away, being in the city doesn't have to mean missing out on the action up on the hill.