Spring 2020

LUXLIFE MAGAZINE | 17 Spring 2020 wood panels, each of which houses a unique oil painting by artist Paul Renner. The paintings depict a range of psycho- active plants that refer to historic figures, either an artist or a writer. If ski conditions are less than perfect, the Almhof offers the perfect refuge, you can happily while away the time in the spacious lounge area, library or billiard room. There is even a private cinema which you can reserve to enjoy your favourite movies. The Almhof is a mere 25 metres away from the nearest piste which allows you to put your skis on at the hotel door in the morning and get direct access to the slopes. The Spa The Spa at the Almhof was opened in December 2016 and is light and airy with a beautiful expanse of Austrian limestone which sits harmoniously alongside Oak in the floors, ceilings and walls. The Spa (which is associated with French skincare brand Biologique Recherche) offers a wide array of restful spaces (sauna, steam room, pool, relaxation room, gym and yoga room) to recover after an arduous day on the slopes. Booking a post-ski massage should be mandatory, the therapists are expertly trained to help revive those exhausted muscles for your next day on the slopes. Family Facilities The Almhof has a range of facilities for your youngsters, there is a games room for teenagers and a comprehensive kids club which includes a child-minding service with a fun programme throughout the day involving indoor and outdoor play. The kids can also dine together in the library area. Dining and Vinotheque At the Almhof breakfasts and evening meals for hotel-guests are served in the hotel restaurant, additionally there are two á la carte restaurants: theWunderkammer ( see below ) which specialises in traditional Austrian cuisine or the elegant fine dining “ Restaurant im Almhof Schneidr ” serves tasting menus which would not be out of place in the gastronomic centre of any major city. Wine connoisseurs will not be disappointed by the award-winning wine cellar and “Sommelier- of-the-Year” Josef Neulinger; the 25,000 bottle selection ensures that every meal is an opportunity to try a rare and unusual drop. Pre or post dinner cocktails are a relaxed and civilised affair at the Gidi’s Bar, the small team of bartenders show off their flair and expertise combining a very extensive collection of international spirits and ingredients. A short distance from the Almhof, on the edge of the slopes is the Ski Lodge “Schneggarei”, which is the family’s architectural award-winning project which again uses timber and traditional building techniques to great effect. It is a perfect place to stop for lunch and enjoy a superb woodfired pizzas or enjoy some après-ski at the end of the day. Staff The staff at the Almhof are a perfect combination of efficient, discreet and omnipresent, often anticipating your needs before you have the opportunity to vocalise them. No task is too trivial and no request insurmountable, they are both almost literally and metaphorically a team at the very peak of their profession. Lech & The Ski Area The Almhof is set in a prominent position overlooking the centre of Lech, giving easy access to the village, ski lifts, cross-country tracks and sledging facilities. Lech is definitely at the higher end of ski resorts with a wide choice of retail, bars and restaurants that cater to the more discerning skier. Lech is part of the Alberg ski region and one lift pass allows you access to Lech, Oberlech, Zürs, Warth, St Anton, St Christoph and Stuben, which means you can ski approaching more than 200 runs and 350km of pistes and witness some breath-taking mountain top views (some of the valleys are big, akin to Canada in scale). The runs accommodate all abilities with an excellent mix of blue, red and black routes and there is plenty of skiable off-piste directly accessible from the pistes (with a guide). The overall skiing experience at Lech is first-rate - the lifts are modern, the pistes well maintained and the dining options are good. The Alberg ski region is one of the best in the world, in terms of natural beauty, the range of skiing that it offers and its pretty much guaranteed snow (the reports average 7m of snowfall every winter). The region has a refinement and quality that many other resorts lack, the Almhof Schneider is the jewel in the crown of this superb skiing destination. Company: Hotel Almhof Schneider*****S Address: Tannberg 59, 6764 Lech / Arlberg Contact: [email protected] t: +43 5583 3500 f: +43 5583 3500 33 Website: www.almhof.at