Skiing: What about a deal with free skiing, ski hire, hotel - and a free ticket for a child? Read on

New lifts, passes, deals for children and groups. Richard Holledge on developments to watch for in Austria.

Galtur

A six-seater chair lift has been installed. Two new family tickets will enable skiers to use all lifts and cable cars, such as the Silvretta transfer between Ischgl and Wirl. Ticket No 1, for two adults and two children under 19; Ticket No 2, for one adult and three children under 19.

Kirchberg

The Maierlkette ski area can be entirely covered with artificial snow, with more snow-machines in the Gaisberg area. The toboggan run on the Gaisberg is being extended to 3.8 kilometres long. And for those who felt the charm of the resort had been ruined by traffic, the bypass will be completed.

Kitzbuhel

The Kitzbuhler Alpen Ski Pass now covers 262 lifts and cable cars, and 720km of pistes. The six-day pass, which can be used throughout a season, costs ATS 1,990 (pounds 99.50) for adults, ATS 995 (pounds 49.75) for children. It also provides free use of public swimming pools and ski buses.

The Hahnenkammbahn now offers a nightly gondola trip with candlelit dinner. And also:

The International Ladies Hahnenkamm Race (downhill and super G) is on 17 and 18 January, and the Men's Downhill between 23 and 25 January.

A new ski slope, "Maierl" has been prepared, plus 36km of country trails.

A new night cross-country trail is being inaugurated.

Snow Bunny Package, for the whole family.

Between 14 March and 19 April one adult booking comes with a free booking for a child under 16, with 50 per cent reduction for additional children. It also offers free skiing, admission to the swimming-pool, ski or snowboard hire, lessons and accommodation.

Details and booking forms: Rerservierungzentrale Kitzbuhel (0043 5356 (6) 2155-15; fax: 0043 5356 (6) 2307)

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

A 1.7-km cross-country track has been opened on the sunny side of the Glemm Valley at 1,800 metres, and a six-seater chairlift on the Reichkendelkopf in Hochalm ski area.

The Ladies' World Cup Night Slalom on the Zwolferkogel takes place on 8 January.

St Anton

Wedel weeks: St Christoph from 29 November onwards; St Anton from 6 to 20 December, one week's accommodation with breakfast and a six-day ski pass, ATS 3,920 (pounds 196).

Powder snow weeks: 10-31 January, one week's bed and breakfast and six- day ski pass, ATS 4,320 (pounds 216).

Fun in firm weeks: 21 March-4 April, one week's bed and breakfast and six-day ski pass, ATS 4,430 (pounds 221.50).

Sonnen skilauf: From 11 April. One week's bed and breakfast and six-day ski pass, ATS 3,920 (pounds 196).

Snow crystal weeks: 18-26 April, St Anton; 18 April-3 May, St Christoph. Ski passes at half low season prices; weekly packages from ATS 3150 (pounds 157.50).

Details: St Anton Tourist Office (0043 5446 22690; Fax 0043 5446 2532).

Seefeld

Special offers for families with children under six, from 7-19 December, and 7-30 January 1998. Children's theatre, riding, swimming lesson. Seefeld Tourist Office (0043 5212 2313; fax: 0043 5212 3355).

Solden

Free ski pass for under-eights.