The enchanting Hotel Gotthard is steeped in history and perfectly positioned in the winter wonderland of Lech – Austria’s most exclusive destination for snow-fueled sports.

Recently voted the best ski resort in Europe by Conde Nast Traveller’s latest readers choice awards, this charming Austrian village has been beloved for years by royalty, luxury-loving jet setters and low key celebrities with refined tastes.

The hotel is ideally situated just minutes away from the ski lifts, the schnapps-laden bars, the ‘Harrods’ of ski gear rental – Strolz and boutiques brimming with the latest Prada and Moncler fur-lined designs.

The area is also home to the steep slope where Bridget Jones caused quite the stir with her shocking ski shenanigans in the blockbuster film, The Edge of Reason.

Owned by the delightfully hospitable husband and wife team, Clemens and Nicole Walch, this quaint home-from-home is the epitome of kitsch alpine chic. Made up of tastefully designed rooms and opulent suites boasting spacious living areas, walk in wardrobes and fairytale-esque mountain views, it’s no wonder satisfied guests return year after year.

Those with a naughty sweet tooth can treat themselves to sugar-dusted pastries and shamelessly tempting cakes in the hotel’s very own bakery – responsible for the continuous heavenly scent wafting temptingly around the building.

This is certainly not the place for smug, ethereal dieters with a penchant for calorie counting and carb shunning.

After lengthily ski and snowboarding sessions on the slopes, guests can ease their weary muscles in the stylish spa and wellness area, where they can indulge in a blissful massage, lounge around the pool or laze the afternoon away in the soothing steam room or one of three saunas.

Dinner is a true taste bud-tantalizing affair in either the cozy Lecher Stube or recently renovated Gotthard Stube restaurant, where dinners can gorge on traditional Austrian or international cuisine, made with the finest, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.

Delectable delicacies include vegetarian-friendly spinach dumplings, crisp chicken escalope, slow cooked beef goulash and an extremely generous cheeseboard known to make guests weep – either with pure joy or fear of potential waistline expansion.

Then there’s the fondue. After all, the perfect Austrian ski holiday wouldn’t be complete without a big bowl of fabulously boozy, piping hot melted cheese, surrounded by bite-sized hunks of freshly baked bread.

Fun (and food) filled days generally come to a merry end in the Hotel Gotthard’s elegant, yet homely bar. We recommend the pleasingly peculiar hay infused gin – always served with plenty of ice, and a welcoming Austrian smile.

Package holidays by Crystal Ski to Hotel Gotthard start from approximately £940 for one week on a half board basis and include flights and transfers. Advice on booking ski passes and lessons can be found at Lech Zurs Tourism.  Voralberg Tourism Board can be contacted for more information on things to do in the wider area.