My husband and I would like to go on one last trip before we start to have children (although I said this a few months ago and have since been to Belguim and France!) This is really it! We want to go skiing sometime in February but not sure where to go. Thinking about Austria, Switzerland and/or Italy for 8 nights (will want to split nights up probably staying 4 nights in one town 4 in another or other possibilities). I will probably only ski 2 days (shop and sight see the others) any suggestions?

<BR>Dawn, try Zermatt in Switzerland. It's about as cute, quaint, Swiss as you can get. Stay at the Hotel Alex Schlosshotel Tenne. Our room (tiny but nice) had fireplace, balcony with view of Matterhorn, glass door to bathroom had etched drawings on it (can't think of how else to describe it). Buffet breakfast included. Convenient to everything including train station, tram up to see Matterhorn, shopping. Their ph # 0ll-4l-27-967-l80l fax 0ll-4l-27-967-l803. Can't take cars to Zermatt, park at Tasche (town right below) and take train up.

Thanks for the response, that is exactly the kind of place that I am looking for

Dawn: Zermatt is very nice, but how about Garmisch-Partenkirchen? They have many different slopes for all kinds of skiers, including "non-skiers" like myself! The countryside is beautiful and there are so many places that are close by that would be great to visit: Ettal, Linderhof castle, Oberammergau and a little further, Neuschwanstein castle. This is one great area. You could fly into Munich and be there in less than two hours. <BR> <BR>Try the Clausing's Posthotel at (08821)-709-0. It's a nice place about one mile from the train station and costs about $105.00 for a double. <BR> <BR>If you choose two spots and one is Switzerland, then maybe Baden-Baden is for you, right near the Swiss-German border. <BR> <BR>Have fun! <BR>

Dawn, it's been so long since you posted this, but I just happened to see it - we loved Kirchdorf, which is just outside St. Johann in Tyrol, Austria. There's a tour organization called Tyrolean Tours that sets up some really fun tours if you're into taking tours. The scenery is gorgeous, all kinds of different slopes from rank beginner to expert, and the people were realy friendly.

The spot for you is Garmisch-Parternkirchen! Absolutely breathtaking mountain views with tons of hiking & skying choices. Food is unbelievable, shopping is tops, lodging very reasonable. There is another post w/ lodging suggestions. I know I sound real excited about the place, but if you go there you'll know exactly why! Have the best time!! <BR>

Dawn, Zermatt is cool, but expensive. <BR>Garmisch is a good choice, and only 2 <BR>hours from Munich [the best car rates], <BR>but after 4 days in Garmisch head down <BR>thru the Brenner Pass to a wonderful <BR>place in Italy---Val Gardena. Stay at <BR>the village of Ortisei---you will love it. Go search and find the Val Gardena <BR>web site for lots of details. You are <BR>still only 4 hours from Munich for your return home, and you did not have to pay Swiss prices for 8 days.