Gartenhotel Daxer

Be first on the mountain. Gartenhotel Daxer is cosy, charming and wonderfully peaceful – a family-run retreat away from Zell's crowds. Three lifts and ski school on your doorstep, pool, sauna and hearty half-board waiting. Exactly as skiing should feel.

Gartenhotel Daxer is a family-run gem tucked quietly above Zell am See, offering the best of both worlds: peaceful Alpine surroundings away from the town's bustle, yet unbeatable access to the slopes. Three cable cars – the Schmittenhöhebahn, Sonnenalmbahn and TrassXPress – sit just a three-minute walk from the front door, connecting you to the entire Zell am See-Kaprun ski area and its 138 kilometres of terrain. The ski school meeting point is right on the doorstep, making mornings blissfully easy for families with little ones learning the ropes. If you like to be first on the mountain, this is where you want to wake up.

Run by the same family for three generations, the hotel radiates genuine Austrian warmth. The chalet-style interiors are cosy without being fussy – think wooden floors, traditional furnishings and balconies with mountain views. Rooms range from snug doubles to spacious quad rooms, all designed with comfort in mind. The half-board is generously done: a hearty breakfast buffet sets you up for the day, afternoon cake and snacks refuel you après-ski, and a four-course dinner with four mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option) rounds things off perfectly. Complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks flow throughout the day (from 7.30 am until 8.00 pm).

After a day carving up the Schmittenhöhe, the wellness area offers a welcome wind-down. Sink into the heated indoor pool, loosen tired muscles in the Finnish or herbal sauna, or simply stretch out in the relaxation room. Families will appreciate thoughtful touches like the children's play area, heated ski storage with boot warmers, and cots and high chairs on request. It's relaxed, it's welcoming, and it delivers exactly what a ski holiday should – great skiing, genuine hospitality and a base you'll genuinely look forward to coming back to.