Gradonna Mountain Resort, Kals, Austria: Beat you to it!

That’s what you’ll be shouting with glee when you’re able to glide down freshly prepared pistes first thing in the morning, then in the afternoon swing right into the hotel bar of the Gradonna Mountain Resort.

These and all of our other winter wishes were granted at the Gradonna Mountain Resort in the sun-drenched town of Kals am Großglockner in the middle of the largest ski area in East Tyrol. After all, when we’re on holiday we want everything to be straightforward, especially in winter when our ski equipment is bulky and our clothes fill more than one suitcase.

The best bit is that we’re staying right on the slope: no shuttle buses, no trudging through the snow – simply clip in to your bindings and enjoy the gentle crunch of the freshly prepared snow on the piste. One of these pistes, the valley run towards Kals, goes straight through the Gradonna Mountain Resort past the hotel and its chalets. Here we’re just a step away from the largest ski area in East Tyrol and will be able to make the most of the 15 cable cars and lifts at up to 2,426 metres above sea level. A total of 42 kilometres of pistes are just waiting to be discovered, and no matter whether you’re a pro or a newbie, a snowboarder or a freerider, there is guaranteed to be a slope for everyone. And to top it all off, snow is a given here until spring.

All in one place

We found everything straightforward at the superior four-star resort, and not just because of the direct access to the pistes and the fact you can ski in, ski out. We got the equipment for our sporting adventure right here at the hotel, for both adults and children, and were even able to book the little ones into ski school at the same time. And because the youngsters just couldn’t wait to get started, we had a go on the magic carpet behind the hotel, where the professionals of the future captivated us as they took their first unsteady turns out on the snow with huge grins on their faces. Tobogganing, cross-country skiing, ski tours, winter hiking: at the Gradonna Mountain Resort there is so much on offer.

If the kids don’t want to go out with you, leave them to let off steam at the kids club: when we pick them up they tell us all about their trips to the enchanted forest, the action-packed adventures in nature and all the new friends they’ve made in the play area. After such a diverse programme of activities, it’s time for the more peaceful part of our holiday.

We definitely still want to have a go at the family yoga, swim a couple of laps of the pool and try out the slide in the family area. Before dinner, and after so much physical exertion, we schedule in a relaxing massage, which includes access to the sauna afterwards.That’s how couples and families alike can achieve a balance between adventure and relaxation at the Gradonna – it’s really quite straightforward.

Gradonna Mountain Resort is a Member of Lifestylehotels

Text: Nina Prehofer