Mayrhofen, located in the Zillertal Valey in Austria, is a firm favourite amongst winter sports enthusiasts.

Just a short hop from Innsbruck airport, the Mayrhofen resort rests under the Hintertux glacier and is sandwiched between the Penken and the Ahorn mountains.

The resort is a town itself and has proved to be very popular with British skiers and snowboarders looking to let off some steam over the winter period, with some impressive skiing going hand in hand with a hectic nightlife.

Many families are also attracted to this Austrian ski resort due to the excellent ski schools in the area, along with the equally impressive list of childcare facilities that will allow parents to enjoy some uninterrupted après ski after a hard day on the slopes.

The Mayrhofen region has over 101km of runs with the whole area occupying an area of around 455km. The resort is serviced by 49 lifts and Mayrhofen is the largest resort to be covered by the Zillertal Superski pass.

Skiing in the area is particularly good for beginners and intermediates and there are some of the best ski schools in Europe on offer for those who wish to learn some new skills or polish their old moves.

One criticism that has sometimes been levelled at Mayrhofen is that because the skiing is linked between the two mountains, there can often be a difficulty in getting to the runs as the lift facilities could be improved on. For this reason the more advanced skiers may not feel there is enough to sustain them for a long break in this resort.

However, one of the advantages of Mayrhofen's location at the base of the Hintertux glacier is that holidaymakers can enjoy year-round skiing while the resort's altitude means that you are guaranteed of some good snow on a trip here.

Perhaps one of the greatest attractions of Mayrhofen is the huge array of activities that exist in the town when you down your skis or board at the end of the day.

As a large town there are a host of shops, restaurants and bars to keep all members of the family busy, and the resort does well to strike a balance between catering for the young whilst also focussing on entertainment for families.

The nightlife is particularly good and the town caters for both the adventurous and the more traditionalist British holidaymakers.

If you like your English pubs, then The Scotland Yard which serves Guinness as well as Walker's crisps is a safe bet. However, if you feel like something a bit different head for the Trodlkeller, a local establishment, and ask for a Wobbler to warm your cockles.

If you are feeling the urge to get out of the town for a day trip, then try the Krimml Waterfalls near the Gerlos Pass - just an hour from Mayrhofen. They are the highest falls in Europe and seeing them partially frozen over in winter makes for a spectacular sight.

Mayrhofen is a great destination for families and younger people alike. With great snow guaranteed and a great deal to keep you entertained off the slopes, the only question you should be asking is: "when can I book?"