When/where to book for Xmas 2019? (Lech?)

A snowHead

Hi all

This is my first post here - have done a lot of reading and my own research, but thought I'd ask a few questions...

We're a early-30s Australian couple who want to escape next Christmas to Europe. We are thinking of flying into Vienna (for a two nights from 21 December), then getting up a mountain for a true white Christmas for five nights from 23 December (would be a Saturday check-out so hopefully works in with minimum stays). Have chosen Vienna as entry point for Christmas markets and because neither of us have been there.

Firstly - when should we start looking to book accommodation for this period?

Secondly - I think we have landed on Lech as being our location. Based on the following, does this sound right? Essentially, we are looking for a picturesque ski village with a nice Christmas atmosphere. One of us is an intermediate skier, however, the other has never been on a mountain before. Will need a good school for a couple of days private lessons, then a couple of days together on some beginner-friendly runs. We also appreciate early in the season, so I have been trying to research high and more snow-sure locations. I was also considering Zermatt, but it doesn't sound as beginner friendly and some people seem to suggest it can be a bit of a harsh location in December weather-wise. Zermatt does sound gorgeous though, but from Vienna would mean a flight (vs getting a direct train to Langen am Arlberg).

I think our budget will be around 600 eur per day for accommodation for two (hopefully half-board). Based on this year's pricing, I think that would get us somewhere reasonably nice. We will also need to factor in renting gear as we don't have any and probably doesn't make a lot of sense for us to purchase and bring it all the way from Australia. We may be able to borrow some stuff - but boots and skis will definitely be rentals.

As far as I can tell, Lech fits the bill as the best all rounder given our criteria.

Would be great to get some thoughts and any other advice. Simply looking for a fun, white Christmas - but partner is also keen to try skiing!

Thanks

A snowHead

Lech should fit you quite well. The best place to look for accommodation is the Tourist Office website
https://www.lechzuers.com/
I think that's still a bit early to book for next xmas, but you can send them an email, if the search engine comes empty
Booking for 5 nights isn't going to be easy. You can always consider booking 7 nights and using only 5 (cheaper hotel maybe, but you can still get a very nice room for 2 persons for 7 nights under 3000 eur). We sometimes book for 7 nights and leave a day early, depending on the flights
Try and book the instructor for your wife early too, ski schools tend to be swamped at xmas

Help!!

When/where to book for Xmas 2019? (Lech?)

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