Kesselspitze Valamar Collection Hotel, Obertauern, Austria

· ski-in, ski-out on a blue run · 1 minute's walk to the Achenrainbahn chairlift and ski school meeting point · 2 minutes' walk to the nursery slopes · 22 minutes' walk or 4 minutes' bus ride to the resort centre

With first-class facilities and luxurious décor, the Kesselspitze is the cream of the crop. It's one of our finest hotels, and the Luerzer family who run it have made it the kind of place that'll have you dreaming of booking your next stay before you even leave. It's right on the slopes too, so you can step out the door, click in to your skis and head off.

The Kesselspitze gets alpine elegance down to a T, with exposed stone walls and grooved timber panelling for a natural, rustic finish. Add in faux fur throws, spotlights and rich navy and grey tones, and you've got a swish final look that's cosy yet stylish.

One of our fave spots is the spa, which has big floor-to-ceiling windows to bring the outside in, so you can sit back and relax as you watch the flakes fall.

The food's top-notch too – there's a buffet breakfast spread to start each day, and you can ask the chefs to whip up special requests like omelettes and pancakes. Your evening meals aren't included, so you can head out to try the local restaurants or book a table in the Kesselspitze's fondue room for a cheesy feast with the gang. And afterwards, why not head to the lobby bar? Pull up a chair next to the big, open fireplace and chat about tomorrow's day on the mountain over your fave drink.

· Momenti restaurant · bar with fireplace · sun terrace · 200m² Balance Spa with heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub and 80m² fitness room · extra charge for massages and treatments · games room with pool and table football · kids' play area · hotel-run kids' club (for children aged 3-12, 2-9pm, 6 days a week) · ski room with lockers and heated boot rack · free WiFi · lift to all floors

All rooms are non-smoking and have a TV, telephone, minibar, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Twin room (approx. 23-25m²) - sleeps 2: Double bed or twin beds, private shower and WC.

Twin room (approx. 25-27m²) - sleeps 2-3: Double bed or twin beds, extra sofa bed when booked for three people, private shower and WC.

Cots are available to hire, free of charge, on request.

Minibar is filled on request.

Bed and Breakfast

· hot and cold buffet breakfast · vegetarian options available · vegan and gluten-free options are available on request · après-ski snacks including cakes, pastries, sandwiches, soup and tea and coffee · optional upgrade to half board with buffet breakfast and evening meals with menu · Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve gala meals included with half board

Many Austrian hotels do not serve free tap water with meals.