For our first taste of family skiing, there could be no more magical introduction than the Schlosshotel Fiss. The hotel has been welcoming visitors to Austria’s breathtaking Tyrol region since 1940; back then it was a small alpine hunting lodge, now it is a twinkling five-star hotel, perched on the powder-laden slopes of the mountain village of Fiss.
The likes of St Anton and Kitzbuhel may be better-known in the UK, but at about an hour’s drive from Innsbruck airport, Fiss, which is linked to the nearby villages of Serfaus and Ladis, is a crown jewel resort – with the Schlosshotel one of the gems at its heart. Our luxurious base was so close to the slopes you could unwind in the infinity pool and almost touch the skiers and snowboarders whooshing by, with the main cable car just a couple of hundred yards across the piste and a blue run delivering you to the doors of the hotel.
Image: Fabian Schirgi
What to expect at Schlosshotel Fiss
The Rooms
The welcoming, wood-clad rooms were extremely spacious, comfortable and toasty despite the plunging temperatures outside – ours was a family suite that included a separate area with twin beds for our two girls, while we had a queen-sized bed and a lounge.
The large bathroom included a walk-in shower and indulgent sunken bath, perfect for soaking away the aches and pains of the slopes, and there was a seemingly endless supply of fluffy towels.
And for those crisp, clear days you only seem to get in the mountains, there was a secluded balcony for a warming a coffee or hot chocolate, and loungers so you could soak up the sun.
The Facilities
Austria is globally renowned for its wellness and spas, and yes, they tend to do it better than almost anyone else. The Aqua Monte Water World is one of the highlights of the hotel, and it gave us both a relaxing space and the precious family time we needed.
The clever design means you are never longing for a secluded spot in which to curl up and escape the world. After pulling off your ski gear there is no better feeling than gliding into the long indoor pool with views over the Ötzal Alps, and for those brave enough to tackle the chilly winter air, it leads to a heated outdoor pool. From there, you can watch the action on the slopes by day, while at night the sky sparkles with stars and you can catch a glimpse of piste-bashers making their eerie way up the mountains.
There are hot-tubs-with-a-view both indoors and out, and there is also a separate soundproofed water world for children with fountains and an impressively-rapid water slide which you tackle with rubber rings.
What really elevates things however, is an incredible adults-only thermal suite, a vast sanctuary of steam rooms, plunge pools and saunas overlooking the slopes. But if you prefer pampering with your children, there is also a spacious and state-of-the-art family sauna and steam bath to enjoy, with children’s facemasks to boot.
For Families
The hotel positively celebrates children, which when you consider the levels of luxury it offers is a rare find. At the newly-refurbished kids club, attentive childminders are on hand to take care of children aged two and up. There is a programme of activities and adventures, including crafts, kite-flying, children’s cinema and treasure hunts.
For tricky teens there is a perfectly-pitched Activity Lounge with a climbing wall, table football, dance floor, computer consoles, as well as a bean bag space where they can hang out and make new friends as well as escape the adults.
SHF Kids Club: Daily Games and adventure programme for ages 2 years and over.
SHF Activity Lounge: Teenagers will enjoy the bouldering wall, dance floor, consoles and gaming areas.
Waterpark: This soundproofed splash zone boosts a 48m tube slide - and is all sealed off from the adults area
