Here now at the peak week of the season. According to #WePowder, 5 million people headed to the Alps this week as the UK/Dutch and German half-term weeks created a perfect storm. Yes, it is crowded; avoid the bottom lifts between 08.45 and 09.45 and take a picnic as the restaurants are chaos, But the snow is the best in years; we've had two full on powder days and may even squeeze another in before the week is over. It is true that 80% of people go to 20% of the resorts, so we had a day in Grossarl (uncrowded) a day in Schladming (big enough to take the numbers) and will ski Hochkonig on "changeover" day, so it is possible to get some great runs in despite the crowds.
I can't comment on hotels but our 8 bed apartment in the Steakhouse Rauchkuchen at €750 per week is a bloody good deal. We're only 4 so plenty of room and usable kitchen.
Love Ski Amade and the Austrian Apres so much that we're buying in Flachau.
Off ski touring next week so may post an update.