For the first time Austria welcomed more than 10 Million winter guests from abroad, of which 491,700 came from Great Britain. In comparison to the previous winter this represents an increase of 2,7%. Arrivals from the Irish Republic have increased by 11,4% to 56,200.

Looking back on a record-breaking winter, Oskar Hinteregger, director of the Austrian National Tourist Office, London, comments: ‘Winter 07/08 was a compact season that provided excellent occupancy levels from mid-December to the end of April, predominately due to the early Easter date. Austria’s 263 cable car companies invested more than 530 Million Euros in upgrading lift- and snowmaking equipment, pistes and infrastructure. A similar amount is earmarked in order to guarantee improvements in the overall convenience of a ski holiday. Bespoke services, online equipment hire, easy airport transfers, heated lifts, doorstep skiing and sustainable mountain and resort management are what guests demand. Austria is well positioned to satisfy these demands and forward bookings have reached unprecedented levels. All tour operators and most airlines are already accepting bookings until the end of next season.’

Timing is everything
The timing of winter holidays has been a crucial factor and with Easter Holidays starting a lot later next year, the choice of ski resorts will be reduced. Pre-Christmas winter breaks may be a good alternative, especially considering this season’s early snowfalls. Schladming and Kitzbuehel, for example, both opened well before December and early bookers enjoyed excellent conditions and affordable rates. Many operators offer early booking incentives, which constitute an excellent choice for those wanting to avoid the bustle and premium prices of high season.

Looking ahead
It is finally decided: the International Ski Federation (FIS) announced that Schladming will host the world Alpine skiing championships in 2013! Schladming, which hosted the championships in 1982, was chosen from a Vail in the United States, Italy's Cortina d'Ampezzo and the Swiss resort of St Moritz.

UK ski holiday companies are set to increase their programme ranges and will introduce new resorts, more hotels and additional flight capacity from regional airports. Ski Neilson will add new destinations in Carinthia and introduce a charter flight from London Gatwick to Klagenfurt whilst Ski Esprit, the UK family ski specialist, is increasing its range of properties in Obergurgl.

100 Million Euro are being invested in a new thermal spa in Zell am See-Kaprun. Though the new spa will not be ready in time for next season, this project is a clear sign that Austria’s winter tourism is going into next winter with confidence.

Far from the green-wash practices of other destinations, Austria’s strict environmental policies and careful management of resources make it one of the greenest winter destinations. Established resorts such as Lech, Obergurgl, Zillertal, St Anton as well as smaller resorts such as Werfenweng, will continue to develop eco-friendly accommodation and infrastructure.


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