Hotel Das Edelweiss Grossarl (Austria): modern Alpine style hotel directly on the slopes

Are you team apartment or team hotel when you go skiing? I was always team apartment, but I have to be very honest that when you are just the two of you (or like us, the three of us), it is really very nice (and luxurious!) when you don't have to think about anything. If you check in at Hotel Das Edelweiss in Grossarl in the Salzburg region , I can tell you from experience that you won't want for anything. It is by far one of the most beautiful hotels in that lovely modern Alpine style where I have stayed in Austria. An added bonus: Hotel Das Edelweiss is located right on the slopes of the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area.

| TRAVEL TIP: Are you considering a winter sports trip to the Salzburgerland? During the research I did for our winter trip, I took a closer look at eight different ski resorts. Read blog 1 here and blog 2 here!

Family hotel right next to the ski lifts of Grossarl

What makes Hotel Das Edelweiss in Grossarltal extra special is that it is a true family hotel. Literally and figuratively. Everything is geared towards families with young children, but without compromising on luxury and style. Furthermore, it has been run by the same Hettegger family since the opening of the original hotel, making it feel like stepping into a warm bath right from check-in. Over the years, various sections have been added, the latest of which was built in a beautiful modern style featuring a spa and wellness area that is simply outstanding. And did I mention that the hotel's location couldn't be better? Hotel Das Edelweiss literally overlooks the Panorama Bahn gondola in Grossarl . Your starting point for a day on the slopes!

The rooms of Hotel Das Edelweiss in Grossarl

Do you, like me, thoroughly enjoy the luxury of a hotel, but secretly appreciate the freedom of an apartment? At Hotel Das Edelweiss , we stayed in a Deluxe suite type 'Lavender'. This suite is 70m² and features two separate bedrooms that can be combined into one open space during the day using en-suite doors. There are two bathrooms, one with a wonderfully large bathtub, and a walk-in closet where all suitcases and ski gear can be stored so the bedrooms stay nice and tidy. These suites can accommodate two to six people. There are two double beds and a sofa bed. Baby cots can be requested subject to availability as soon as you make a reservation. If you want to stay in such a beautiful room as ours, make sure to book a room in the new building when reserving. Our room had a large balcony overlooking the village, where it was already lovely to sit in the morning sun for a first cup of coffee (even though it was the middle of winter when we stayed there!). The rooms have a fridge, and because it feels like an apartment, we did some grocery shopping at the local supermarket every day to enjoy a nice drink in our own room after skiing.

babysitting and kids' club for parents with young children

Once you check in at Hotel Das Edelweiss, you don't have to worry about a thing. The hotel can help you with any special requests, such as renting a sled for the kids or booking a babysitter (for a fee) if your children are too young for the kids' club. We stayed for a long weekend and booked a babysitter for Manuel between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM for the entire day we were there. Skiing is most fun when you can do it together, and I thought it would be very unsociable if you had to take turns looking after the little one. On the other hand, you also want plenty of time to play in the snow together, so we had the babysitter come a little later each morning, often finishing around 14:30 PM so we were back "home" when Manuel woke up from his afternoon nap. Manuel also had a blast in the playroom. Climbing, clambering, coloring pages—anything that makes a toddler who's almost a toddler happy and lets them burn off some energy.

slow down and not think about anything anymore

From the moment you pick up your gear at Panorama Ski Rental, you don't have to think about a thing. Your boots are wonderfully warmed as soon as you put them on in the morning in your private ski locker in the ski depot, and as soon as you step out of the hotel, you're right at the lift. Believe me, you'll quickly get used to this luxury! It's so wonderful not to have to drive to the gondola every day during a winter sports holiday. I (secretly!) wouldn't want anything else. Especially not on a winter sports holiday with a toddler. On trips like this, where you're already busy managing a toddler in his terrible twos, it's best to make things as easy as possible for yourself (in my opinion!). Other amenities at Hotel Das Edelweiss that make your life easier from the moment you check in include the excellent restaurant (stays here are always on a half-board basis) and the fantastic spa (which is almost a reason not to go skiing). More on that later!

Stay during winter sports on a half-board basis

When you see the room rates at Hotel Das Edelweiss in Grossarl during the high season, you might be a bit shocked. If you have the chance to go just outside the season, do it! If that isn't possible, realize that a tremendous amount is already included in your half-board (such as ski lockers, parking, and use of the wellness facilities and swimming pools). I really like the philosophy of Hotel Das Edelweiss. They want to spoil guests with everything they have to offer. That means that if you stay here, no compromises are made on the culinary front. For instance, the minibar is stocked upon arrival (and included), and there is a daily wine tasting in the bar.

The restaurant of Hotel Das Edelweiss in Grossarl

If you're staying somewhere in the summer, you might not want to stay half-board, but it's so relaxing during a winter sports holiday. No grocery shopping, no worrying about who's going to cook, and sitting down every day for a delicious breakfast and four-course dinner. I could get used to it! I mentioned it briefly, but the breakfast is truly excellent and extensive. From a room where you can make your own juices to a chef who prepares your eggs exactly to your liking. There are many local products, and for those who like to put up their bunting in the morning, you can also enjoy a glass of prosecco.

The four-course dinner in the evening is one of the wonderful things about staying at Hotel Das Edelweiss. Every evening, you can choose from a menu you create yourself, featuring local traditional dishes, international cuisine, or vegan dishes. Each dish also includes a wine pairing suggestion. The wine list is extensive and includes many natural wines, which we always enjoy.

There's a special children's menu for the kids, and on busy days, something is set up for the littlest ones around six o'clock in the morning breakfast buffet area. This kind of thoughtfulness for parents with young children makes this family hotel feel like a warm blanket. The children's menu includes dishes like chicken schnitzel with rice and peas, and salmon trout with tagliatelle. Another nice feature is that you have a designated table for the duration of your stay, allowing you to sit down at a time that suits you best. We initially thought we'd put Manuel in the room with the 3G baby monitor app, but because it was so well-organized, we always ended up taking him to the restaurant for an early dinner. One evening, there was even a magician for the little ones who made a balloon dog for Manuel at the table (which Manuel then dissected into a long sausage in just a few minutes... but still. What fun he had!).

First ski and then relax in the wellness area

I have stayed in many luxury hotels, but I have never before had a wellness area like the one at Hotel Das Edelweiss in a winter sports hotel. Upon arrival in the room, one thing immediately caught my attention. Two bathrobes were waiting for me, plus a small bathrobe for Manuel. Exactly the homey and cozy feeling you want to experience during a winter sports holiday. Although my story is naturally focused heavily on our experiences with Manuel, Hotel Das Edelweiss is certainly highly recommended even if you don't have children. There is a separate wellness area for adults where children are not allowed. And a large part of the spa is actually accessible to parents with kids as well. In fact, I immediately found this to be the most beautiful section, featuring a lovely relaxation room where it is warm inside, but where the glass walls also offer a view of the wintry village and the infinity pool.

Sliding doors lead you into the heated outdoor pool, which is truly special in the dead of winter. Especially considering you have a view of the avid skiers making their rounds just before the last lift leaves. Manuel found it a fantastic adventure to go through the "gate" (naturally, he got to press the button to open the sliding doors into the pool), but he also found the skiers incredibly fascinating. There are so many different areas in the wellness center that you're likely to get a little lost on your first day. There's also a dedicated family pool with a slide that's perfect for toddlers, and for older kids, there's even an area with whitewater slides (all without making your parenting hairs stand on end). I've rarely stayed in a hotel where family friendliness and a sense of class went so hand in hand.

How to get to Hotel Das Edelweiss from Salzburg

If you are going on a winter sports trip for a full week, it is of course fun to turn it into a road trip. If you have fewer days and want to get away for a long weekend, for example, the Salzburg region is perfect for winter sports thanks to the direct Transavia flight. After all, in winter you fly directly to the city of Salzburg!

I have received quite a few questions via Instagram Stories about transport to Grossarl . From the airport, there are various taxi services you can book to take you to your final destination. Almost all villages are also easily accessible by bus from the airport. If you still find it difficult to figure this out, you can always ask if your hotel can arrange a transfer or offer advice. Tip: request a child seat suitable for the kids' age right away. If you request this in advance, almost every taxi service can arrange it.

Would we return to Hotel Das Edelweiss in Grossarl? Absolutely! Why?

Read the comprehensive travel guide about the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area here >>

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