Das Alpenhaus Gasteinertal, Bad Hofgastein

Just down the road is the centre of Bad Hofgastein, and the Schlossalmbahn lift, ski school meeting point and nursery slopes are just under 10 minutes' walk away. You can also hop on the ski bus outside to get a ride straight to the slopes.

Food is high on the agenda here and the chefs love to use fresh, local produce. Expect plenty of Austrian dishes and international specialities on the menu – perfect for refuelling after a day on the mountain. After dinner, stop by the cosy lobby bar to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine by the open fireplace.

Packing in everything from tree-lined trails to huge, sunny bowls, the 198km Gasteinertal area is an intermediate’s playground. Hop on the funicular from the town centre to start exploring – don’t miss the 10.5km red from the top of the Hohe Scharte, it’s one of the longest runs in the Alps.

Set in the heart of the wooded Gastein valley, the town itself has a laid-back feel. When you’re done for the day, take a stroll around the cobbled centre and admire the age-old buildings with their painted shutters and frescoed walls. Après is more low-key here than in other Austrian resorts, with relaxed bars and cafés where you can swap ski stories over a glühwein. Accommodation-wise, take your pick from some excellent half-board hotels, known for their friendly service and excellent wellness facilities.

When it comes to wintertime wellbeing, Bad Hofgastein leads the way. Its thermal springs are world-famous, and the Alpentherme spa is the go-to place for après-ski relaxation, with saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs galore. Prefer a little more action during your off-slope hours? Strap on snowshoes to follow a winter walking path or try your hand at ice climbing and scale a frozen waterfall.

Meals