A medieval walled town with a ski area attached, and the contrast is the whole appeal. Kitzbühel has painted facades, serious restaurants, expensive shops and a social life that carries on whether or not it snows.

The Hahnenkamm above it hosts the most feared downhill race in the world every January. Race week is extraordinary and sells out a year ahead, and the Streif is visible from town, which adds something to watching it on television afterwards.

The skiing itself is long, well groomed and comfortable rather than demanding, spread across a wide sweep of mountainside with the lift capacity to move everyone. Eleven of the lifts run in summer as well, and the 3S cable car between Pengelstein and Jochberg is worth riding for the view alone.

The altitude is modest, so late January and February are safer than trusting December. Grand hotels fill the town, and Kirchberg and Jochberg nearby offer the same skiing for less.