Nestled above Sölden at 2,090m, Hochsölden, which is new to the Crystal Ski Holidays programme for winter 2016/17, is small and intimate, the perfect choice for serious skiers and boarders.

It doesn’t get more snow-sure in the Alps than here, and first tracks are pretty much guaranteed thanks to the town’s location above the busier resort of Sölden. Just step out the door in the morning and cruise down 8km of untouched, freshly-groomed piste (to join the 145km in the Sölden ski area). If you’re a beginner, you’ll definitely need to sign up for ski school as the ski-in, ski-out runs are tricky for those who don’t know what they’re doing. But intermediates and experts can immediately take advantage of the lack of crowds and lift queues.

With just a few hotels and not much else, this is a resort for those who want to spend a full day on the mountain and then simply relax in the evenings. Even better, every hotel is ski-in, ski-out so no matter where you choose to stay, you’ll be on the slopes in seconds.

Crystal’s exclusive hotels are:

Pension Ferdinand 2*: guesthouse which offers no-frills accommodation, perfect for serious skiers or those on a budget. Breakfast included. From £565 per person.

Hotel Hochsölden 4*: Professionalism and quality service are the order of the day at this family-run hotel.  There is an adults-only wellness area, a Finnish sauna and steam room and a whirlpool, which has beautiful views of the Ötzal mountains. Half-board. From £879 per person.

Alpenfriede Hotel 4*:  The hotel, run by the Lengler family since 1936, incorporates Alpine themes with rustic décor and modern comforts. Tree-trunk coffee tables accompany plush, stylish sofas in the lounge areas and ambient lighting sets the mood in the hotel bar. Half-board. From £965 per person.

Hotel Edelweiss 4*: Mealtimes are a real highlight here. They offer a delicious and varied breakfast buffet, full of wholesome food to give you plenty of energy for the day ahead. In the evenings, you can look forward to beautifully presented dishes that taste as good as they look. Half-board. From £1019 per person.

There are some great hotel restaurants and bars in Hochsölden, including the incredible Skybar, which has a huge range of drinks and arguably the best views in resort. If you want to visit Sölden, you can hop on the shuttle bus which runs several times a day, or catch a taxi for around €20.

Prices start at £565 per person (based on two sharing) for a week’s bed & breakfast at the Pension Ferdinand in Hochsölden, Austria, departing on 7 or 14 January 2017 from Gatwick including airport transfers.

To book www.crystalski.co.uk 020 8939 0726