My toddler climbs out from the tub temperature water and runs over to the snow. She then jumps back in the pool with a splash.
As we cruise, the steam rises, and we take in the magnificent view of Leogang’s white-tipped Leogang mountain range around us. The place is ideal for active winter vacations.
The five-star, eco-friendly, oasis-like Forsthofgut Hotel is where we’ll be staying. It was built for adults, but it has been made child-friendly.
Carol and her family enjoy the hot outdoor swimming pools of Forsthofgut Hotel. (pictured).
Summit Special: Forsthofgut (pictured) is a luxurious family-run hotel featuring traditional chalet-style décor throughout, according to Carol
When Carol and her family arrive at Forsthofgut they’re ‘greeted by a large roaring fire surrounded by comfy seats and a bar serving apres-ski drinks and mugs of hot chocolate’
The drive is approximately 90 minutes from Salzburg. My three-year old will then be skiing her first ever lesson at Leo’s Kinderland.
It is a luxurious, family-run hotel with traditional chalet-style decor. The hotel is adorned with stunning bright pink flowers and snow that gleams, making it look like a postcard.
Our four-night stay is punctuated by the welcoming warmth of a large, roaring fireplace that surrounds us.
This modern Alpine family room is the perfect size. There are two bedrooms with oakwood flooring and an open-plan lounge with stunning views.
It is situated in Austria’s most extensive ski region, which has 170 km of slopes. There are also 140-, 112 and 18 black runs.
The separate kid’s bedroom has two bunk beds and includes a bright, tiled bathroom with bath and walk-in shower.
There’s also a pillow menu that will help you get the best night of sleep possible.
It is ideally located for the best views of the slopes, as the hotel was originally built in the forestry industry 400 years back.
The kids’ ski school and play area are just 150 metres away as is the Asitz gondola, which can take grown-ups directly to the Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn ski area in just minutes.
This is one of Austria’s largest ski areas. You will find 170 km of ski runs. There is 140, 112 Red, 18 Black, and 18 Blue slopes.
This is the image of the main restaurant, titled ‘1617. Carol says that you have the option of choosing from three exquisite 5-course menus.
It’s easy to rent equipment and we have a ski locker in our hotel, where you can store your gear overnight.
While my husband and I enjoy the slopes together, the other observes our daughter at the ski kindergarten.
It’s breathtaking. The vastness of the slopes makes it appear to be moderately peaceful. There is plenty of space for everyone.
You can find many great beginner runs (blue), and you build your confidence to do some exhilarating but easy reds.
Skiers who are just starting out can either hire an instructor, join a school or take lessons. For those more experienced, there are many suggested routes that will allow you to experience a variety of runs.
Double rooms cost from £191 based on a minimum five-night half-board stay
It is perfect because the sun is shining and snow is still soft.
To switch to my husband, I ski back and then watch my daughter as he attempts some more difficult black runs.
Smiley and happy, she glides down the magic carpets, rides on the carousel and creates snow angels all while being supported by her friendly instructors.
In this snowy paradise, there are nearby toboggan tracks, horse-drawn Sleigh Rides and a sledding hill.
After a fun day in soft powdery snow we are exhausted so we return to our hotel and enjoy a tasty afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes, and tea before diving into the heated pool.
Maximum perfection: Top rooms feature a lounge, balcony, and vaulted ceilings
To get some pampering I reserve the Waldwirbel Spa, a spa in a forest setting.
You can bring your children, although it is a family zone. There are also relaxation rooms and steam baths for adults.
You can recharge your batteries in this amazing place. Heaven!
After my massage, it’s back to the bedroom to get freshened up. I can then go to Botanist Bar for drinks before dinner.
While sipping herb-infused cocktails pre-dinner, my husband and I take in the beautiful 20th century pharmacy setting while we enjoy our drinks. Staff make an effort to pamper our little girl, and she is even given her very own drink.
Carol sips on herb-infused cocktails before dinner at Botanist Bar while taking in the pharmacy-inspired 20th century setting
Restaurants are another eco-friendly option at the hotel. They use sustainable and local ingredients to keep in tune with their eco ethos.
As a nod to the hotel’s past, we make our way into the 1617 luxury restaurant. Here you can choose from three delicious five-course options.
Monkfish, Kasnock traditional and other meats are all delicious options. There is also a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan choices.
The food offering is taken very seriously at Naturhotel Forsthofgut. Here’s a picture of the many cheeses on offer
Carol says the hotel offers a wide range of options for meat-eaters.
It boasts a magnificent wine cellar. A sommelier is available to help guests navigate the varieties.
There’s a huge buffet for children or you can order from the menu.
Every bite of the delicious food was a delight, and our appetites after skiing made it easy to eat full-size.
You feel like you are enjoying a grown up meal in a lovely setting. Waitresses serve delicious courses and accompany them with a couple of glasses of wine.
It is surrounded by breathtaking Leogang mountain ranges that provide an idyllic setting for life at the hotel
Naturhotel Forsthofgut, located just 90 minutes from Salzburg.
Feeling a bit shaky, we return to our bedroom and put our daughter down. We then go outside to take in the stunning view from the balcony of Leogang Mountain.
We’ll call it a late night soon, tired from the day spent on the mountain and all of that fresh mountain air.
The best thing is, we can do it again the next day.