It's in a peaceful spot a snowball’s throw from the pistes on the Schmittenhöhe mountain, and you can click straight into your skis each morning and glide a few hundred metres to the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car. Then when you’re done, cruise back to the boot room door. Once you’ve dropped off your gear, grab a few tasty treats from the afternoon tea before making tracks to the bar for laid-back après. Or if you prefer to go from the slope to the spa, you can make the most of the indoor pool, sauna and steam room.

When it’s time to eat, the hotel restaurant definitely steps up to the plate. The day starts with a huge breakfast buffet packed with eggs, bacon, fruit, cereal and lots of fresh bread. Then to round off the day, there’s a 5-course dinner where you can choose from four different main dishes – from fish and meat to vegetarian options.

Gentle slopes and an excellent ski school make Zell a favourite for families and first-timers. On the mountain, there’s a mix of pretty, tree-lined trails and wide-open pistes where you can take in views of the lake. There are some great kids’ ski areas dotted around, and intermediates can hop on the bus to nearby Kaprun for skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.

The town has a picture-postcard feel. Frescoed buildings line the cobbled main square, and a waterfront promenade looks out across the lake to the Hohe Tauern mountains beyond. The old centre is filled with shops and cafés, as well as some excellent bars – from après hotspots with packed-out dancefloors to cosy pubs where you can catch up over a quiet drink. There’s a great range of accommodation too, and whether you choose a high-end hotel or a little, family-run place, you can expect a friendly welcome and personal service.

For some more off-slope fun, whizz down the alpine coaster in neighbouring Kaprun, scale the climbing wall at the leisure centre and cheer on the local ice hockey team at the rink. Or enjoy a bit of leisurely downtime with afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel, before snuggling under a blanket on a horse-drawn sleigh ride.

• Ski-in, ski-out
• Peaceful location above the town
• 3 minutes' walk to the Schmittenhöhe lift
• 3 minutes' walk to the Fallegglift and the nursery slopes
• 25 minutes' downhill walk to the resort centre
• 35-40 minutes' walk back up to the hotel

• Bar and lounge area (accepts cash only)
• Indoor pool
• Wellness area with sauna, steam room and relaxation area
• Lift to all floors
• 68 rooms
• Free WiFi throughout
• Small ski room