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

Are you team apartment or team hotel when you're on a winter sports holiday? I was always team apartment, but I have to admit, if it's just the two of you (or like us, the three of us), it's incredibly nice (and luxurious!) to not have to worry about a thing. Check in at Hotel Das Edelweiss in Grossarl in the Salzburg Then I can tell you from experience that you will want for nothing. It is by far one of the most beautiful hotels in that lovely modern Alpine style that 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 exploring a winter sports holiday in Salzburgerland? During my research for our winter sports holiday, I examined eight different ski resorts. Read more here. blog 1 en here blog 2!

Family hotel right next to the ski lifts of Grossarl

What makes Hotel Das Edelweiss in Grossarltal extra special is that this hotel is a true family hotel. Literally and figuratively. Everything is geared towards families with young children, but without compromising on luxury and style. Moreover, it has been run by the same Hettegger family since the original hotel opened, so the moment you check in, you feel like you're stepping into a warm bath. Over the years, various sections have been added, the latest of which was built in a beautiful modern style with a truly exceptional spa and wellness center. And did I mention that the hotel's location couldn't be better? Hotel Das Edelweiss literally overlooks the gondola lift. Panoramabahn in GrossarlYour starting point for a day on the slopes!

The rooms of Hotel Das Edelweiss in Grossarl

Do you, like me, really enjoy the luxury of a hotel, but do you secretly also like the freedom of an apartment? Hotel Das Edelweiss We stayed in a Deluxe Suite "Lavender." This 70m² suite has two separate bedrooms that can be separated into one open space during the day by ensuite doors. There are two bathrooms, one with a lovely large bathtub, and a walk-in closet with space for suitcases and ski gear, keeping the bedrooms tidy. These suites sleep between two and six people. There are two double beds and a sofa bed. Baby cots can be requested upon reservation, subject to availability. If you want to stay in a beautiful room like ours, be sure to book a room in the new building when booking. Our room had a large balcony overlooking the village, where the morning sun was perfect for a first cup of coffee (despite it being the middle of winter when we stayed!). The rooms have a refrigerator, and because it feels like an apartment, we shopped at the local supermarket every day for groceries so we could enjoy a drink in our 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

If you check the room rates of Hotel Das Edelweiss You might be a bit taken aback by the fact that visiting Grossarl during peak season is so special. If you have the chance to go just outside of peak season, do it! If you can't, keep in mind that a lot is already included in your half-board package (like ski lockers, parking, and use of the wellness center and pools). I really like the philosophy of Hotel Das Edelweiss. They want to spoil their guests with everything they can offer. This means that when you stay here, there are no concessions when it comes to cuisine. For example, the minibar is stocked upon arrival (and included) and there's a daily wine tasting at 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 a wellness center like at Hotel Das Edelweiss I haven't experienced this before in my winter sports hotel. Upon arriving in the room, one thing immediately struck me. There were two bathrobes waiting for me, plus one for Manuel. Exactly the homely and cozy feeling you want during a winter sports holiday. Although my story is, of course, very focused on our experience with Manuel, Hotel Das Edelweiss is definitely recommended even if you don't have children. There's a separate wellness area for adults where children are not allowed. And a large part of the spa is also accessible to parents with children. In fact, I immediately found this to be the most beautiful part, with a wonderful relaxation area where it's warm inside, but where you also have a view of the winter village and the infinity pool through the glass walls.

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're going on a full week of winter sports, it's certainly fun to make it a road trip. If you have fewer days and want to go away for a long weekend, for example, then it's Salzburg Perfect for winter sports thanks to the direct Transavia flight. In winter, you fly directly to the city of Salzburg!

I've had quite a few questions about the transport to GrossarlFrom the airport, there are several 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're having trouble figuring this out, you can always ask your hotel if they arrange a transfer or can offer advice. Tip: request a child seat appropriate for the age of your children right away. If you request this in advance, almost any 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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With love,
Anne

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