Westendorf Sneeuwverwachting

First time in Westendorf for a family holiday and we were very impressed overall. Pros - Massive ski area, including all of Kitzbuhel if you wish but there is more than enough for a week for most on the standard pass and I think the local slopes are better. Fairly challenging runs keeps novices away; makes for much quieter slopes even at New Year and the good overall standard makes it safer. Lots of easily accessible and safe off-piste. We were lucky to have a lot of fresh snow and the skiing was the best I've had in years. Food and drink are cheap expect to pay about €4 for a large beer and €8 for a lunch on the mountain (Kitzbuhel is more expensive). The local Austrians were unfailingly pleasant, helpful and polite. The lift staff actually wanted to help you! Following France I almost had to sit down with the shock! Cons- To get to the other areas you need to get to the main bubble (10 min walk or a short chair and ski) then up and down to Brixen which is a faff. Otherwise, take a bus. The bus service is efficient but buses only go every hour or so. The service really could do with being more frequent. Nice bars but this isn't a kicking apres-ski town. Party animals would be a bit disappointed. Smoking permitted in some bars which wasn't very nice. The Austrian food is fine but not hugely varied and not a patch on a good tartiflette... There are a couple of places where you can get trapped at the end of the day if you miss last lifts; up in the bowl and at the bottom of Choralm. We had to get a taxi one day, but it wasn't dear. Overall, I was very sold on the resort and would happily return.