Austrian ski resorts provide a beautiful backdrop for skiing holidays as winter sports enthusiasts take to the slopes for some adrenaline-fuelled action, whether on skis or a snowboard.
Best known among the country's skiing regions is the Arlberg Ski Circus, comprising Lech, Zurs, St Anton and St Christoph.
St Anton am Alberg is the most popular of these destinations with 120km of pistes providing a challenging environment for intermediate and advanced skiers.
A highly rated region for snowboarders, makes it a fine all-round choice for groups keen to try one or both disciplines.
St Anton is almost as well known for its apres-ski entertainment with cafes and boutiques for daytime entertainment, as well as bars and discos that remain open long after dark.
But if quiet and exclusive is more your thing when it comes to relaxing after a day on the slopes then this is provided by neighbouring St Christoph, which is 6km from St Anton.
St Christoph is the region's highest village at 1,800 metres above sea level, and one of the highest in all of the Alps.
Elsewhere, Lech rates strongly among Austrian ski resorts for beginners and especially for intermediate and advanced skiers.
With 180 km of open slopes and 260 km of tended pistes, Lech's slopes provide plenty of variety.
An opening ceremony during November in Lech's Schlegelkopf Square signals the start of the ski season in the resort.
And it is followed up by a series of events that run throughout the season that includes a spectacular musical firework show in nearby Zurs.
Another notable date on the calendar is the Bregenz Festival in the Snow which takes place in Lech at the end of January.
Austria's Arlberg ski circus caters for plenty of different tastes, from beginners to seasoned skiers, with routes for cross-country treks and snowboarding along with the regular downhill skiing stretches.
All in all Austria's appeal to keen skiers is illustrated by it ranking second only to France in the popularity stakes.