Alpbach is a captivating place in summer and winter alike - one of the prettiest villages in a province that is renowned for them. It lies near the head of its valley, slightly elevated and looking south across the valley towards the Wiedersbergerhorn, where most of the skiing takes place. Traditional chalets crowd around the immaculate little church, and open fields (including the nursery slopes) are just yards away. The Inn valley is only a few miles to the north, and expeditions eastward to the Kitzbiihel area or westward to Innsbruck and beyond are possible. The Hintertux and Stubai glaciers are within reach. Alpbach's ski area, on two flanks of the Wiedersbergerhorn, is small and simple. The main gondola goes up from the isolated roadside lift-station of Achenwirt (830m), a mile from the centre; slower alternatives go up from Inneralpbach (1050m), half-way round the mountain on its east side, and they all meet at Hornboden (1890m). Two recently built drags take the skiing up to 2025m.

The small ski area down at Reith is on the ski pass. Like most low-ish resorts in Tirol, Alpbach cannot claim great snow reliability; but at least most slopes face north. The village nursery slope and a run down the top stage of the gondola have artificial snow. Although Alpbach can't generally be recommended for advanced skiers, the reds and the two (short) blacks are not without challenge, and runs of1000m vertical are not to be sniffed at. There are a couple of off-piste routes to the valley, short ski tours are also offered, and the ski schools take the top classes off-piste a lot. Terrain is ideal for intermediate skiers; the problem is that it's limited. This resort is for practicing technique on familiar slopes, not high mileage. Beginners love the sunny nursery slopes, reassuringly close to the village centre, and higher slopes can be used when snow is poor.