There are numerous benefits to skiing in the spring: warmer weather, quieter slopes and discounted prices. However, with so many resorts to choose from in the Austrian Tirol – approximately 80 – where to begin? Here are five suggestions to start…  

St. Anton am Arlberg
Known as the “cradle of alpine skiing”, St. Anton am Arlberg hosts countless winter-sports enthusiasts throughout the season. With slopes reaching 2,811 metres and more than 340 km of pistes, plus 200 km of off-piste itineraries, there are always new routes to be found. This season, a brand-new Flexebahn lift between Stuben/Rauz and Zürs opened, creating Austria's largest inter-linked ski area and the spectacular “Run of Fame”. The Run of Fame is a new circuit that winds its way through the entire Arlberg ski area, with 65 km of runs and 18,000 metres vertical. And why not visit the resort on 22 April 2017 to watch the legendary “White Thrill” race? When the lifts close, circa 555 skiers, snowboarders or telemark skiers assemble on the Valluga Ridge for the mass start, keen to beat the record of eight minutes and 14 seconds that was achieved in 2011. 
A week's stay in spring, at four-star Hotel-Garni Himmlhof, costs from €833 pp / £702 pp (two sharing) including breakfast. Transfers, other meals, ski pass and ski hire extra. Return flights (London to Innsbruck) cost from £282 pp with easyJet.
For more information, visit: www.tyrol.com/regions/a-st-anton-am-arlberg

Ötztal
Home to Tirol's highest mountain, the largest glacier ski resort in the Eastern Alps and the tallest waterfall in the region, the Ötztal Valley offers first-class spring conditions. Comprising  Sölden and Sölden Glacier, the high elevation ski resort of Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, and the family-friendly Hoch-Oetz, the hardest decision is choosing where to go. Sitting at 1,930 metres, Obergurgl is known to be one of Europe's most snow-sure resorts, and even if it's running low on the white stuff, snow cannons cover approximately 99 per cent. Sölden is also known for its reliability, especially with access to two glaciers. From 6-7 April 2017, Sölden celebrates the end of the season with the Electric Mountain Festival, and from 9-24 April 2017, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl will be taking part in the Firn, Fun & Fire event, a weekly programme with free activities such as yoga, ski mountaineering and live music.
A week's stay in spring, at Apartment Isak, costs from €768 pp / £647 pp (two sharing). Transfers, meals, ski pass and ski hire extra. Return flights (London to Innsbruck) cost from £282 pp with easyJet.
For more information, visit: www.tyrol.com/regions/a-oetztal-valley  

Paznaun-Ischgl
Renowned for its legendary Top of the Mountain closing concert, Paznaun-Ischgl showcases high slopes, a traditional-style village with a traffic-free core and a superb modern-lift system. After exploring the 238 km of pistes, skiers and snowboarders can make the most of the après-ski, with a varied number of bars and clubs. On 30 April 2017, the penultimate day of the resort's five-month long winter, Italian superstar, Zucchero will take to Ischgl's famous open-air stage at 2,300 metres for the Top of the Mountain closing concert. Here, he will launch the 2017 leg of his 'Black Cat' tour, before making his way to the Royal Albert Hall in London. His distinctive blues and rock songs will echo through the mountains and have everyone on their feet. Previous headline acts include Robbie Williams, Elton John, Kylie Minogue and Muse. (Concert entry is free with a valid lift pass, which is necessary to access the concert arena.) A week's stay in spring, at four-star Alpvita Piz Tasna, costs from €924 pp / £779 pp (two sharing) and includes half-board accommodation with afternoon tea. Transfers, other meals, ski pass and ski hire extra. Return flights (London to Innsbruck) cost from £282 pp with easyJet.
For more information, visit: www.tyrol.com/places/a-ischgl  

Innsbruck (Kühtai)
Part of the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck, a ski carousel made up of nine winter-sports areas, Austria's highest skiing village, Kühtai, is a excellent destination to squeeze in some late-season turns. Located 35 km from Innsbruck, the 41 km of well-groomed slopes are ideal for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, and 75 per cent of the runs are serviced by snowmaking machines. Freestyle skiers should head to the KPark, complete with a series of jumps and rails, while beginners and children can enjoy a more relaxed session at the KidsPark. Leave the marked slopes and check out the ski-touring terrain, especially around the Sulzkogel (3,016 m) and the Pirchkogel (2,828 m) mountains. Or try a spot of night skiing: the piste down from the Zum Kaiser Maximilian hut stays open until 11:30 pm twice a week.
A week's stay in spring, at four star Alpenrose, costs from €931 pp / £784 pp (two sharing) and includes half-board accommodation. Transfers, other meals, ski pass and ski hire extra. Return flights (London to Innsbruck) cost from £282 pp with easyJet.
For more information, visit: www.tyrol.com/places/a-kuehtai

Zillertal
Divided into four extensive skiing areas, Hochzillertal - Hochfügen - Spieljoch, Zillertal Arena, Mayrhofner Bergbahnen and Ski & Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000, this region offers guaranteed snow. Zillertal has more than 500 km of pistes ranging from beginner slopes to advanced runs, plus numerous fun parks, permanent racing and speed courses, cosy ski huts, and mountain restaurants with sun decks offering spectacular views of the valley. Head to Hintertux for incredible spring skiing: it has one of the best year-round glaciers in the world, excellent backcountry, links to the lively resort of Mayrhofen and its own theme song, which is rather catchy. Or, plan a visit around the famous Snowbombing festival in Mayrhofen. From 3-8 April 2017, artists such as Chase & Status, Groove Armada and Disciples will be entertaining the crowds. And don't miss the thrilling Ride N Seek event, here a selection of professional snowboarders throw themselves down the Penken Park course landing incredible moves.
A week's stay in spring, at four star Klausnerhof, costs from €963 pp / £811 pp (two sharing) and includes half-board accommodation. Transfers, other meals, ski pass and ski hire extra. Return flights (London to Innsbruck) cost from £282 pp with easyJet.
For more information, visit: www.tyrol.com/regions/a-zillertal-valley

For more information about the Tirol region, visit www.visittirol.co.uk. Alternatively, keep up to date on Facebook www.facebook.com/visittirol or Twitter @VisitTirol. 

ENDS – 10 January 2017

For further information and images contact:

Rosie Barcroft, Heaven Publicity
rosie@heavenpublicity.co.uk, Tel. 0203 763 5170

Angela Semrajc, Marketing UK, Tirol Tourist Board
Angela.Semrajc@TirolWerbung.at, Tel. +43 512 5320 643