Perched at an altitude of 1,600m, Galtur is the highest mountain resort in the magnificent Paznauntal Valley, part of the vast Silvretta Arena that connects Austria with the Swiss resort of Samnaun. Famous as the site where Ernest Hemingway wrote the story An Alpine Idyll in the 1920s, Galtur is proud of its traditional charm and relaxing, uncrowded ambience.

While less famous than nearby Ischgl, Galtur ski resort is not as crowded, less expensive, quieter, and has much better views of the mountains due to its elevation. Galtur is Tyrol’s first climatic health resort, is ideal for sufferers of hay fever and allergies and also boasts a spa.

The village has a few interesting buildings to seek out in between trips to the slopes. Maria Geburt Pilgrimage Church dates from the 14th century and features a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, while nearby is the enthralling Alpinarium, with Alpine-related artefacts and superb views.

With only 781 residents, it may come as a surprise that there are nearly 4,000 beds, with accommodation consisting of quality hotels, holiday apartments, inns, guesthouses, private accommodation and marketing association hotels. It’s much quieter than Ischgl after dark, with just a few bars, discos and cafés.

The uncrowded 40kms of prepared ski runs at Galtur tend to favour beginners and early intermediates, explaining the resort’s popularity as a family destination; however, there is night skiing and off-piste powder to give better skiers and boarders some challenges. The 10 lifts, located 1.8kms from the village, are a little inconvenient to get to.

There are two other ski resorts located lower in the Paznauntal Valley – Kappl and Ischgl – which can provide additional skiing and après-ski options. The most famous of these is lively Ischgl, which is connected to Galtur by an infrequent but free Skibus service. From Ischgl, you can also cross over into Switzerland for some tax-free bargains.

Galtur’s ski and snowboard season runs from mid-December to mid-April, with both ends of the season being a good time to pick up discounts. Visitors arriving by air can opt for either Innsbruck or Munich, while Landeck is the closest railway station.