Bregenzerwald - the snow capital of Europe – image © ineedsnow.com

With snow records for the accumulation in both a resort and a ski area that tops Europe, a stunning, stylish and authentic way of living and one of the best welcomes in the Alps – Bregenzerwald really does have it all. The snow record is staggering; I skied in a large ski area this weekend in Bregenzerwald and there was not a snow cannon in sight. The top lifts are not high by some standards but the amount of natural snow the Bregenzerwald ski resorts get make them top of the Alps in snow accumulation charts. The villages are truly immaculate, we stayed in Au and there was a really unique feel to the resorts and their architecture. They are not Swiss in feel, nor traditional Austrian but consist of immaculate small units blending old and modern in a fantastic style. And the welcome we got was great and universal, ‘guten tag’ from all staff and locals we met and when I returned to a chair lift later in the day today, the lifty who had given me a piste map some hours earlier had a wave for me from his office.

Après ski in Bregenzerwald is tame compared to some Austrian resorts, whilst those wanting huge lift linked areas can find better options. But if you need snow for scenery, to learn on or to charge through off-piste Bregenzerwald is hard to beat. If you need top quality accommodation in unassuming and immaculate villages then go to Bregenzerwald. And to top it all in these hard times, a 500ml glass of beer was just €3,10 in the local bars. One plug – the staff, the food and the accommodation at the Hotel Adler in Au were really outstanding.