When Irish eyes are smiling…

WHAT is it about Austria that has the Irish returning
in their droves for ski holidays year after year?

While you often hear people talk about being bitten by
the ski bug, there also seems to be something of an addictive ingredient in an
Austrian winter sports break.

There may well be cheaper destinations (Bulgaria, for
example) but it’s hard to beat Austria when it comes to getting serious bang
for your buck.

There’s no denying that skiing can be an expensive
holiday, with added extras such as ski hire and lift passes pushing the basic
package costs up.

And while most tour operators have trimmed capacity to
reflect prevailing economic conditions, the reality is that there is still
considerable value to be found. In Austrian ski resorts, you’ll find that
standards are generally very high, both on and off the piste.

Personally, I have something of a special affinity with
Soll and am planning my third ski holiday there later this month.

Its picturesque setting belies the fact that this
traditional village at the foot of the Hohe Salve and Wilder Kaiser mountains
can be a lively spot in peak season. Equally, you can find quiet, intimate bars
and restaurants if you feel so inclined.

As you walk through the pedestrianised centre of the
town, you are often struck by the prominence of Irish accents – but don’t let
that put you off!

One such Irishman, Leonard Carroll, from Rathcoole, was
so taken by the vibe of Soll that he decided to move there permanently. He now
owns and runs the Bergview Haus apartments (www.bergviewhaus.com) on the edge
of the village.

Each apartment comfortably sleeps six people and Lenny
– as he is referred to by the Austrians – often jokes that his nightly rate
works out cheaper than a youth hostel when the cost of an apartment is shared.

While each apartment is superbly appointed and well
fitted-out, an added bonus is the fact that Lenny is a qualified ski instructor
and loves to bring his guests out on a ski tour of the region.

Which brings me to Soll’s ultimate appeal – the vast
choice of ski runs is simply unparalleled. It is one of the premier resorts of
the Ski Welt, Austria’s largest ski circuit with over 250km of piste linking
Soll with Going, Ellmau, Scheffau, Itter, Hopfgarten, Brixen, Westendorf and
Kelschau.

Soll also boasts the longest illuminated ski run in
Austria and this is an experience not to be missed. There is also great fun to
be had on the toboggan run, which winds its way down the valley back to the
village.

While there is an additional charge for a night ski
pass, it is truly money well spent.

Soll has an excellent beginners’ area right in the
village, from where you will quickly progress to the higher slopes. From gentle
blue runs through the forest to challenging reds, Soll is a paradise for
intermediate skiers, although more seasoned adrenaline junkies will not be
found wanting either.

For the independent skier, Soll is highly accessible
with direct flights from Dublin to Salzburg, Innsbruck or Munich. A taxi
transfer works out at about

?¬150 each way, although this cost is minimised if
you’re travelling in a group.

If you’re more comfortable sticking with a tour
operator, I’d highly recommend Topflight who are considered the leading experts
on Austria. Not only will they arrange for all your extras and transfers, but
the standard of accommodation in Austria for Topflight guests is generally very
high.

A holiday in Soll wouldn’t be complete without
savouring the après ski scene. Our regular haunt was the Pub Austria, with
occasional post-midnight visits to the Whiskey Muhle, which is a lively
nightclub and live music venue (it’s also home to a very reasonably priced
restaurant).

If you’re undecided about where to ski in 2012, I can
assure you that Soll will tick all the right boxes.

?¢ For flights go to www.aerlingus.com or www.ryanair.com; for
accommodation we’d recommend Bergview Haus www.bergviewhaus.com; or visit
Topflight’s website for all the latest deals at www.topflight.ie