Luxury Lech for less
A much-loved resort in Austria is good value for a family skiing holiday
If you’re looking for indulgent, majestic, have-it-all skiing, then Lech is for you – as it has been for us, many times. Three hundred miles of varied pistes, super-fast modern lifts, walking, shopping, gourmet food and everything in between is on offer in this famous resort known to be frequented by European royalty and once visited by Princess Diana.
This world-class ski area in Austria is easily accessible. Lech, once a farming village, forms part of the Arlberg region, a collection of five connected villages often dubbed the ‘cradle of Alpine skiing.’ We flew from Heathrow into Zurich and from there it took just two hours on the Arlberg Express – the only transfer name that you need to know. They offer the full gamut from VIP limousines to group shuttles.
Lech is heaving with upmarket accommodation but not all are created equally. Some become the victims of success, where cash is king and service seems forgotten. Not so at the long-established Hotel Gotthard, where the supremely hospitable Walch Family and their wonderful staff enhanced every moment of our stay.
This 4* hotel delivers on every level, at a very reasonable price. Well-placed in the village, at a quiet end of the road, beside a gushing mountain stream – the soundtrack to a peaceful night’s sleep – a couple of minutes to the ski lifts and even less to the many shops and restaurants. Our tastefully decorated corner suite with views to die for was perfect for a family of four. Plenty of space for storage (Jews are not known for travelling light but this is of the utmost importance with ski gear), a large, spotless, modern bathroom with bath and shower, a living room and a luxurious bedroom area separated by sliding doors, with very comfortable beds.
With the OMES culinary world of delights, the Walchs have all gourmet bases covered. The ultra-modern lower ground floor houses a fascinating in-house bakery, behind floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Wonderful aromas fill the corridors and homemade biscuits beckon irresistibly at reception all day long. The wine cellar and state-of-the-art micro-brewery, the passion project of Clemens Walch, sit next door in the refurbished old bakery and play host to home-made gin and schnapps tastings, enjoyed together with delicious home-smoked meats. Having bought the adjoining hotel and turned it into an annexe, guests now have plenty of choice and better availability. From breakfast to the restaurant to the ultra-cosy a la carte Gotthard Stube, wherever we ate we had the same exacting standards throughout. Cafe Gotthard is also a standalone business with locals packing it out daily; it’s just an added bonus for hotel guests.
Facilities are also first rate, offering something for everyone in a space that feels homely enough for children to roam freely, which is a big bonus for the parents. After a day on the slopes, coming home to unwind is a pleasure. There’s a small but perfectly formed spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a lovely sauna area and a modern gym. The children spent hours playing table-tennis (there’s a playroom for younger guests) and in addition to the upstairs bar, complete with plenty of games to choose from, there’s the gorgeously luxurious, clublike snooker and TV room, where guests congregate to watch the football in style, sipping on home-brewed beer.
A lot has been said about poor snow conditions this year and although the start of the season wasn’t great, it’s worth bearing in mind that Lech has a record of the highest average snowfall of any major ski area in the Alps, excellent snow- making facilities and a real array of off-piste opportunities for those looking for thrills. Although we are a family of proficient skiers, we took the opportunity to spend a morning with Christian at Alpin Pro, a tight-knit team of professional skiers offering bespoke skiing experiences at the highest level. Book for the day or for the week and you will learn more than you ever thought possible.
Lech is also a real village with a buzzy atmosphere and wonderful walks for those not on skis, so with that in mind pack some good snow boots and thermals and prepare for the outdoors.
A Suite Comfort at Hotel Gothard sleeping two adults with two children for seven nights half board from eur 4,473 www.gotthard.at.en
Skiing comes with luggage. We chose a luxury transfer to Heathrow with www.blacklane.com. App-based booking is quick and easy, with free changes up to 60 minutes before pick-up.
For a comprehensive selection of quality ski gear head to www.manbi.com
Snow boots options in the UK can be depressingly poor. For an amazing array of choice, check out Austrian brand Superfit www.superfit.com
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