Awesome Austria

As a country Austria has much to offer with fairytale castles, snow-capped mountains and a long history of cultural, musical and scientific achievements. But when the snows arrive, skiing is the thing to do. And there are a number of the world’s best skiing alpine resorts to choose from.

Think Saalbach, St Johann, Lech, Zell Am See, Westendorf and Kitzbuhel and your dream ski trip becomes a reality.

The Après Ski nightlife is so legendary it's a wonder anyone has time for the slopes. Excellent beer, schnapps and the echoes of "prost!" ring throughout the pubs, piano bars and beer halls, while nightclubs and discos run until the wee hours of the morning.

Looking for some incredible non-skiing action? Then look no further than Austria where most resorts offer ballooning, curling, hang-gliding, skating, hiking and snowmobiling. And if you happen to be at an Austrian Ski resort over the festive season then get set to celebrate with an awesome Christmas Market and New Year's Eve party.

If you’d like something a little more sedate then most towns have spa amenities such as saunas, steam baths and massage facilities on offer. Or you could opt for a stroll through historic villages to see medieval houses, old churches or museums.

South African travellers need a valid passport and a Schengen visa to travel to Austria. The currency is the Euro and the official language is German.

Fabulous France

Indulge your senses and excite your taste for adventure in the deep valleys and soaring snow-covered peaks when you head for a ski holiday extraordinaire in the Alps. Fabulous France is waiting to shower you in romance, sightseeing and fantastic French cuisine.

With some of the highest resorts on offer (and very reliable snow) you will enjoy kilometres of top notch skiing from November through to April every year. Tignes is one of the highest resorts in Europe and offers some of the best snow conditions. An excellent lift system links this resort to its neighbour — Val d'Isere — and the villages below the ski slopes are filled with charming chalets, narrow streets and picturesque churches.

Val d'Isere offers a free ski lift for beginners on the nursery slops and if a trip down the slopes is not on the agenda for the day then consider all the other activities at your disposal: Husky sleigh rides, snow-karting, ice climbing and snow-shoe hiking amongst others.

Skiing in France is perfect for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. From gentle nursery runs for beginners to challenging off-pistes for experts, all are catered for.

And when the sun begins to set it is time for some après ski action. Enjoy a variety of traditional restaurants, coffee bars and the lively nightlife.

South African travellers need a valid passport and a Schengen visa to travel to France. The currency is the Euro and the official language is French.

Irresistible Italy

The Italian Alps offer up lush valleys and pine forests set against the backdrop of jagged mountain peaks. Picturesque towns, villages and ski resorts dot the crevices and valleys of this beautiful region. So who could resist a ski trip to Italy when spectacular scenery and world class skiing is on offer?

With a ski season that runs from December through to March there are many opportunities for ski enthusiasts to make the most of in the Italian Alps. And let's not forget the fabulous Italian cuisine that is on offer.

Livigno is the perfect resort for adventurous skiers with over 100km of skiing to sample. And as a duty-free zone (with hundreds of outlets to choose from) the shopping is excellent value for money.

Travellers to Livigno will find excellent value for money and lots of après ski entertainment in this charming Italian village. Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Livigno or taste the extensive nightlife at the bars and nightclubs.

Non-skiing activities include parasailing, quad-biking, go-carting, snowshoeing, horse riding and many walking paths. You can also spend an afternoon in the sauna or indulging in a much-needed massage.

South African travellers need a valid passport and a Schengen visa to travel to Italy. The currency is the Euro and the official language is Italian.

Spectacular Switzerland

The land of chocolate, cheese, pristine lakes and punctuality is waiting to delight you. In November Switzerland's ski resorts begin opening, and visitors pour in throughout the Christmas season and until the snow begins to melt with the onset of spring.

With the highest pistes in Europe, Switzerland's ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

The resort of St. Moritz offers the most energetic and varied nightlife out of all the Swiss resorts. Expect to encounter some of the world’s best cuisine here and look out for other non-ski activities. These include bobsledding, ice-skating, curling, kite sailing and snow boarding. All ski slopes are serviced with restaurants so refreshment is just a stone's throw away

South African travellers need a valid passport to travel to Switzerland, and after 5 December 2008 will require a Schengen visa. Until then no visas are necessary for stays up to three months. The currency is the Swiss Franc (Switzerland is not part of the European Union) but Euros are accepted at some outlets. There are four official languages: Swiss German, French, Romansh and Italian. The language you encounter will depend on where you are in the country.

Flight Centre has a range of affordable ski packages to Europe. For more information about booking a ski holiday contact Flight Centre on 0860 400 747 or visit www.flightcentre.co.za.