Vienna first, three nights at König von Ungarn in the old town – small, private, a good bar downstairs. Days of Christmas markets, concerts and cafés. Then Salzburg for two nights at the Bristol, with Christmas dinner at the Sacher – book it.
Innsbruck next, two nights at the Weisses Kreuz in the old town, mountains at the end of every street – though the skiing and hiking take some getting to, since the city sits on the valley floor. A short train up the mountain fixes that: Seefeld, three nights at DAS MAX. A small village built around cross-country skiing, with ice skating, downhill and ski jumps in the surrounding towns, good restaurants everywhere, and everything on foot or by bus. For a group that wants less movement, pick one of Innsbruck or Seefeld rather than both.
Switzerland to finish. Two nights in St Gallen at the Einstein – the lobby bar alone justifies the stop – with a beautiful old town, the famous library, and fondue up in the hills. Make St Gallen or Zurich a single base with day trips if the train days are adding up. Two nights in Zurich at the Adler, and home.
