One of the top Austrian resorts in the heart of the Arlberg and host of the Alpine Ski World Championships in 2001, St Anton attracts skiers of all standards but is particularly suited to adventurous ones. Big verticals, long runs, vast cableways and natural beauty make this a must for any serious skier.

The other side of St Anton's allure is the town itself. Lying at an altitude of 1,287m, St Anton, often compared with Kitzbühel, cultivates a less glitzy and more serious reputation. Accommodation is plentiful, with a huge number of beds available in a variety of establishments.

St Anton's 50 quality ski runs combine with the rest of Arlberg's to encompass over 440kms of pisted slopes with a longest downhill section of 10kms. Skiing is divided into 36 per cent beginner courses; 42 per cent intermediate; and 22 per cent advanced and expert. St Anton also has 37.5kms of excellent cross-country trails, and snowboarders are also catered for.

Après-ski activities include: tobogganing; hiking; curling; horse-drawn sleigh rides; paragliding; indoor tennis and squash; bowling; and a public indoor/outdoor swimming pool complex, with choice of saunas, ice-skating rink and fitness centre. The nightlife in St Anton is well advanced with several lively bars (some with live music) and discos.

The best snow is usually from mid-February to mid-March and the cheapest rates are offered at the beginning and end of the season and in mid-January.

Most travellers fly to Zürich, Munich or Friedrichshafen airports (Zürich and Munich are more popular) and take a train from the terminals. Coach services are also available and driving is a popular option, especially from Munich. The most convenient option is to fly to Innsbruck Airport and take the Skibus.