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A look at the top 5 luxury ski hotels in Austria 2016

Austria isn’t just the birthplace of modern ski technique, it’s the true home of alpine hospitality.
See our Ski Hotels Austria picks for luxury living at altitude.

 

1. Arlberg Hospiz, St Christoph

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This winter, Arlberg’s two heavenly halves – St Anton and Lech – unite to create Austria’s largest linked area. There is no better ski-from-the-door address than the historic Arlberg Hospiz: mountain lovers have sought refuge here since the 14th century. Today, spacious rooms and imperially proportioned suites open onto a snowy wonderland. Dip into a decadent two-level 2000m2 wellness world of pools, saunas and treatments galore. Dine in any – no, all! – their restaurants. Sip lustily from one the Alps largest collection of wines. And don’t miss the slide down to the large-bottle Bordeaux cellar in their next door piste-side Hospiz Alm restaurant. Recently opened arlberg1800 Contemporary Art & Concert Hall, the pet-project of owner Florian Wagner, brings music and modern art to an ancient and beautiful place. www.arlberghospiz.at

2. The Kristiania, Lech

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The Tirols most impeccable hostess Gertrud Schneider throws open her doors with a warm alpine welcome, Your home from home is a veritable boutique of art-lined bedrooms, elegant nooks — for reading, cocktails, dining, or simply being — and panoramic views onto Arlberg peaks. Lech’s most luxuriouslysmall and elegant ski hotel is a tonic of style and pedigree: Gertruds father and founder Othmar Schneider took ski racing gold and silver at the 1952 Olympics. Dining options range from traditional to Marais-flavoured French, to the fine haute cuisine of Otto Wagner. Soignee chic meets casual elegance at home in world-famous Lech. www.kristiania.at

 

3. Hotel Kitzhof, Kitzbühel

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A heart-lifting and contemporary retake on Tyrolean traditional, this elegant retreat is ideally located in the center of Kitzbühel. A witty blend of antlers, reclaimed wood and checked woollens makes a cozy yet modern retreat. We love the stylish chandelier-studded lobby and the excellent Tyrolean stube restaurant. Most of the 170 rooms and suites feature king-size bed and leather armchairs, as well as a balcony or terrace that opens onto the splendid Kitzbüheler Alps. The perfect setting from which to explore a region soaked in ski history and born with a natural gift for hospitality and style. www.hotel-kitzhof.com

 

4. Central, Soelden

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A favourite stop of World Cup racers and party folk, The Central is the Soelden’s one, only and most beloved five-star address. The vibe is trad chic: Trachten, dirndls and that whoosh of sexy the Austrians are so good at. Modern cozy wood-lined rooms and multi-roomed suites over two floors, plus three floors of Water and Warmth that give a whole new meaning to apres ski; 10 saunas and steams promise regeneration and relaxation in equal doses. The five-course gourmet menu has earned an ‘Eternal Toque’ from Gault Millau, well supported by a 30,000 bottle strong cellar. Save room for the most glamourous lunch for miles: the James Bond blockbuster SPECTRE was set in their mountain-top Ice Q restaurant. www.central-soelden.com

 

5. Grand Hotel Europa, Innsbruck

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The stunning old Hapsburg city of Innsbruck will not disappoint –this university town is all golden roofs and whipped cream cakes surrounded by no fewer than nine ski areas within a one hour radius. The ideal base amidst Innsbruck avant-garde architecture and lavish Baroque heritage is the Europa. Soak up the atmosphere in thelisted baroque hall, tuck into a thin, buttery schnitzel in the pine-lined Stuben, then sink into feathery heaven under a 200-year-old wooden four-poster bed. Refurbished in 2010, it remains the place to combine culture and sport. www.grandhoteleuropa.at
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