Featured Image: Courtesy of Tourism Austria | Skier: Katie Burrell

Austria has long held a special place in the wide world of skiing. It’s where some of the sport’s most recognizable brands have cut their teeth. It’s where racing and freeskiing shake hands, with groomers, freeride and park all meeting at the highest level. It’s been home to hundreds of legendary segments in some of the best ski films ever made. But the cameras and competitions are just the beginning. The ski scene here is an other-worldly experience in the best possible way, and like anywhere, it’s best when skied like a local. 

That’s what Katie Burrell found out during her trip across the pond last winter. In this seven-part series, Canada’s favorite leisure athlete dives into the culture and explores seven distinct areas: Paznaun-Ischgl, Arlberg, Sölden, Kitzbühel, SkiWelt, Zell am See, and Schladming.

Each region offers something original, from the terrain to the food and everything in between. Here's your chance to better explore a country truly built around skiing. Powder days, massive peaks, long nights, great food and better people; if you haven’t put Austria on your bucket list for this winter yet, it’s time to reconsider.