St. Christoph, Austria

Why Ski Here: St. Anton may be the most famous village in the Arlberg, a region where the sport of skiing was born. This is where ski pioneer Hannes Schneider perfected the Arlberg Method of skiing in the 1930's and later brought it to America, teaching legions of North American ski instructors. And the Arlberg region, which includes St. Christoph Lech, Stuben and Zurs, offers miles of interconnected trails, as well as a shuttle bus system that’s welcome at day’s end.

Where to Stay: The nearby hamlet of St. Christoph is synonymous with the luxurious Arlberg Hospiz. Built as a refuge or "hospiz" for mountain travelers in the 14th century, the rooms have pine paneling and goose-down duvets. The 88-room hotel boasts what is arguably the best Bordeaux cellar in Europe, with a $4.5-million collection that includes Balthazars, Nebuchadnezzars and Jeroboams suspended like ship models overhead. And the 21,000-square-foot spa is the best facility of its kind in the Alps. The Hospiz epitomizes "gemutlichkeit," that Austrian intangible of warmth and hospitality.

For more information: Arlberg Hospiz; doubles from 400 euros/$528, including breakfast and dinner; +43-5446-2611;

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