Obergurgl, Austria

Last week, I tried something different.

SKIING.

I'd never been before. Other than two full day lessons at the Chill Factore (which I'd definitely recommend before booking a ski holiday if you're a beginner), I was a total novice. 

I had lessons in the morning and then met up with the 'seasoned pros' just before lunch. Funny how after a pint or two of ice cool beer your skiing rapidly improves! 

There are loads of funny stories, including a trip to lunch which involved being towed off piste, clinging onto a rope that was hanging off the back of a truck (NB swearing, shouting and screaming were mandatory here). I didn't break any bones, absolutely loved it and left each day wanting more - need to start saving up for next year asap!

Now, I know I haven't got the best benchmark to go off, but Obergurgl was an incredible place to stay. Serene is the only way I can think to describe it - except in the evenings when everyone is shotting schnapps and singing..

We stayed here, in the Edelweiss & Gurgl hotel.

I didn't manage to take any pictures of the food so you'll just have to take my word for it but my god it was good - four courses at each meal kind of good. Fondue, sausage, rosti, smoked ham, cheese, pastries, chocolates and so.much.wine. YES.

There was a spa in the hotel with saunas, pools, jacuzzis and steam rooms - actual heaven after a day on the slopes. My favourite part was an outdoor pool set in the mountainside. I've taken this pic from the hotel's website to show you what it looked like (you can imagine that after apres ski and a sauna session I wasn't really in a fit state to be cracking the lens out) -

Pretty amazing to be swimming half way up a mountain in the snow, watching people race down a run to the hotel (as this lovely lady demonstrates..!).

Safe to say despite being a beginner I had no trouble adjusting to the apres ski:

I'm keen to know what your favourite resorts are - any particular places you'd recommend for a beginner?