Kitzbuhl in the Austrian Alps is a charming resort with picturesque chalets set against blue skies and snow-covered mountains.

Originally a small town with a number of guesthouses, Edward, Prince of Wales, later the Duke of Windsor, placed the resort on the international map in 1928. He returned a few years later with Mrs Simpson and the resort started to attract an upscale crowd.

Its elegant past has given Kitzbuhl a character of its own and its history as a settlement stretches back until the 9th century BC.

The area, in the northwest of Austria, has changed hands several times through the centuries and it has enjoyed several periods of prosperity, now forming part of Austria. Kitzbuhl itself still retains buildings from its mining past, parts of the old town walls and several original gates.

Lying at just 760m, Kitzbuhl is one of the lowest European ski resorts, but generally enjoys excellent snow and the annual winter season runs well into April. The grass-covered slopes, up to a height of 2,000m, provide ideal skiing conditions from a low volume of snowfall. The resort has a variety of different terrains, though a fairly limited number of nursery slopes.

The Kitzbuhl region has 145km of slopes, 18km of signposted ski routes for all levels of experience and a snow maker for 65km of piste. The resort features 54 modern cablecars and lifts, including the new 3S Bahn tricable gondola and free practice lifts in the valley. There are a number of ski schools and instructors operating in the town, catering to all ages and abilities.

For those seeking entertainment off piste, other winter sports are available in and around Kitzbuhl, including curling, ice skating, bobsledding and tobogganing, snowboarding, snowshoe hiking and cross-country skiing. The resort is family friendly, with a range of activities on offer for children, and Kitzbuhl also boasts a municipal and mountain railway museum, telling the history of the area, and a cinema.

The nightlife in Kitzbuhl is varied, from elegant cocktail bars, to laid back cafes, lively nightclubs and charming Austrian restaurants, serving hot and filling dishes. There are events on throughout the ski season and Kitzbuhl also has a number of excellent shops, selling everything from designer labels and jewellery to traditional handicrafts and colourful knitwear.

The resort lies near the beautiful Austrian city of Salzburg, the birthplace of composer Mozart and the setting for the film The Sound of Music. Salzburg is a cultural centre, with some delightful architecture, excellent shops, fine restaurants and a range of evening entertainments. The dramatic Alpine glacier at Grossglockner is also nearby, as are the Alpine resorts of Aurach and Reith and Jochberg.

Food in Kitzbuhl is plentiful and filling, with some excellent meats and cheeses. Accommodation in any of the many chalets and aparthotels is spacious, though can be expensive at the height of the winter season. The region attracts visitors year round with its dramatic scenery and character. In summer, travellers can walk, drive and cycle around the mountains and there are a number of other activities available.

Flights to Kitzbuhl are becoming increasingly cheap, with more options now available, and a large number of travel companies offer ski holidays to the region.