Kitzbuhel, Austria

Kitzbühel, located in the heart of the Austrian Tyrol, dates back some 800 years. In medieval times the main business of the town was silver mining (just like Aspen, only 500 years earlier!). The village has lots of character, with quaint painted buildings, cobbled roads and a much-photographed church. The mighty Hahnenkamm run, home of the spectacular world-cup race overlooks the town.

The ski-schools have a great reputation, and beginners can make fast progress on the wide open gentle slopes just above the village. There's plenty for intermediates, with lots of slopes linked by an efficient link system - have a go at the ski safari, marked by an elephant design on signposts. Competent skiiers have to go a little further afield to find steep terrain - try the long steep mogul run under the Zweitausender chairlift.

In the evenings, the village is as lively as you want, with lively bars, and sophisticated clubs.