Scantily clad milkmaids dancing on tables, beer-swilling Germans, ear-popping double-decker cable cars and snow as far as the eye can see – welcome to Ischgl, writes Joel Cooper.

MOUNTAIN resorts across Europe have been gleefully celebrating one of the best winter seasons in decades.

So when Ilfracombe businessman Paul White, owner of luxury holiday firm Ski Concierge, asked if I'd like to sample a weekend of Austria's unprecedented snowfall, I jumped at the chance.

Paul, who has worked in the ski industry for the past 20 years – in Europe, America, New Zealand and Japan – knows many of the world's finest resorts like the back of his hand.

He arranged for me to spend three nights in Ischgl, a resort renowned for its world class slopes and infamous après ski party scene.

When I arrived at Innsbruck airport, a driver was waiting for me with a card baring my name (a lifetime's ambition fulfilled).

On hearing that I had never been to Austria before my driver, Josef of Alpen Taxi, who quickly proclaimed himself my first Austrian friend, said he hasn't seen this much snow in 20 years.

We chatted away during the one-hour transfer and after waving a cheery goodbye to my first Austrian friend, I entered the four-star Solaria Hotel, my home for the first night.

A traditional wooden framed building that looks thoroughly at home nestled in the Tirol mountains, the newly refurbished Solaria has been owned and operated by the Kathrein family for generations.

It boasts spacious, comfortable rooms, spa and gym facilities, a fine restaurant and bar and some of the most spectacular panoramic views you could hope for.

The next day, the friendly, attentive staff furnished me with my golden ticket for the mountains – the liftpass.

Bidding a fond farewell to the Solaria, I made my way to my new home for the remaining two nights, the newly-built Ischgl Suite apartments ideally located just metres from the Pardatschgratbahn gondola lift. After making myself at home in the luxurious suite – complete with private bathroom, kitchen, flatscreen TV and underfloor heating – I donned my waterproofs and headed for the slopes.

When it comes to ski holidays, there is nothing better than the golden combination of snow-filled nights and gloriously sunny days, and the weather gods were kind enough to bless me with both.

The Silvretta ski area boasts 230km of freshly groomed pistes and some of the best off-piste landscapes riders could wish for.

I spent many happy hours tearing up the spacious blue and red runs and hitting the three epic snowparks, complete with kickers, rails and obstacle courses.

The Silvretta lift pass includes access to the bizarre but beautiful Swiss tax-free haven of Samnaun. Strapping my board to my eager feet, I made it my mission to reach this idyllic village, something which took the best part of two fun-filled hours.

After perusing the various duty-free boutiques and filling my backpack with enough Toblerone to give an elephant diabetes, I made my way to the lift station to return home.

The best way out of Samnaun is via its infamous 180-person double decker cable car which was the first of its kind in the world.

The lift swiftly ascends 720 metres to the peak of Alp Trida Sattel at 2,300 metres, a ride which made my ears pop several times but which also boasted some of the best mountain vistas I have ever seen.

I returned to my apartment to shower and don my finest evening wear (jeans and a shirt) before heading out to experience Ischgl's infamous nightlife.

Ischgl is most popular with beer guzzling Germans and Schnapps swilling Russians who, after the last lift of the day, will head straight to any of the numerous bars to kick-start what always promises to be a raucous night out.

My favourite tavern was Schatzi where the packed bar and lively atmosphere was complemented by table top go-go girls clad in minimalistic parodies of traditional Austrian dress.

While a few hours of this throbbing nightlife was more than enough for me, those wishing to revel into the wee hours are in for a treat with nightclubs just a short walk away.

The following morning I bid farewell to Ischgl and made my way back to Innsbruck airport. The Ski Concierge motto of hassle-free holidays really rang true. As someone who has organised ski trips in the past, I know just how difficult it can be to coordinate all the various flights, transfers, accommodation, lift passes, ski hire, food and so on.

To have all of this prearranged to the finest detail allowed me to truly relax and enjoy myself. And the fact I enjoyed such a great break while supporting a local business only sweetened the bargain.

Ski Concierge is offering weekend breaks in Ischgl from £490 per person in April, including flights, transfers and a private apartment in the Ischgl Suite. For more information visit skiconcierge.co.uk or search Ski Concierge Austria on Facebook.