Family-Friendly Ski Resorts In Austria: Where To Go?

where to ski in austria with family

Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, which offer a range of pistes and slopes for all skill levels. The country's nine provinces offer a vibrant variety of experiences, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging terrain for advanced skiers. Austria's ski resorts are particularly family-friendly, with many child-friendly hotels, ski schools, and entertainment programs. The best family ski resorts in Austria include the Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser in Brixental, the Schmittenhöhe family ski area in Zell am See, and the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis resort in Tyrol, which features a huge KinderSchneelam practice area with a magic carpet, animal park, and various adventure courses. Other notable family-friendly ski resorts in Austria include Annaberg, St. Corona, Hochficht, Almenwelt Lofer, Unken Heutal, Stuhleck, and Obertauern.

Characteristics Values
Family-friendly ski resorts in Austria Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser, Schmittenhöhe, Zell am See, St. Anton/Lech/Zürs, Ischgl, Kitzbuhel, Kirchberg, Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang, Fieberbrunn, Flachau, Stuhleck, Maria Alm, Almenwelt Lofer, Unken Heutal, Katschberg-Aineck, Nassfeld, Annaberg, St. Corona, Hochficht, Neustift im Stubaital, Obertauern, Stubai Gletscher, Tauplitzalm, Bregenzerwald, Ski Arlberg, Pitztal Glacier, Venet – Landeck/Zams/Fliess, St. Jakob im Defereggental, Zillertal Arena
Ski resorts with ski-in/ski-out accommodation Less common in Austria compared to other countries, but some resorts do offer this, such as Saalbach, Hinterglemm, St. Anton, Soelden, Ischgl, and Ski Arlberg
Best time to visit for quieter slopes January is one of the quietest months of the season
Average snowfall Bregenzerwald receives an average of 9.30 meters of snow each winter
Highest ski resorts in Austria Pitztal Glacier, at an altitude of 3,440 meters
Largest ski resorts in Austria Ski Arlberg, with up to 300 kilometers of slopes

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Family-friendly ski resorts in Austria

Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, which offer a range of options for families. Many of the ski areas in the country are small and charming, with snow-covered mountain panoramas and historic villages.

The "Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser" in Brixental has been awarded several times as the best family skiing area in Austria. It offers almost 250 kilometres of slopes of easy and medium difficulty, and 10 kilometres of black slopes for experienced skiers. The SkiWelt Ellmau has extra-wide slopes, ensuring a joint skiing experience for young and old. The Kids-SkiWelt in Hochbrixen has Bobo's Miniclub and the Kids' Club, where children can gain their first experiences on skis, with lots of fun included. Brixen is ideal for getting kids started on skiing, with its own practice lift and two conveyor belts. SkiWelt also has eleven kilometres of illuminated slopes for night skiing, and three illuminated toboggan runs.

Serfaus and its neighbouring villages of Fiss and Ladis make up one of Tyrol's greatest family-friendly resorts, with three-quarters of its 161 kilometres of pistes aimed at beginners and intermediate skiers. The area is known for its child-friendly hotels and excellent ski schools, with a new 10-person lift that can carry 3,500 passengers an hour. In winter, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis offers a huge practice area with a magic carpet, animal park, Berta's Indian Land, a children's stage, a happy toboggan run, various adventure courses, and children's fun areas.

The Schmittenhöhe family ski area in Zell am See is colourful and action-packed. Zell am See has 77 kilometres of slopes for young and old, and the largest fun slope in Austria. The Kidsslope features the Schmitten mascot, Schmidolin the dragon, with whom children can learn exciting stories.

The Almenwelt Lofer and the idyllic Unken Heutal offer award-winning beginner slopes, with 24 fun parks and slopes, ensuring boredom is not an option. Stuhleck, just 100 kilometres from Vienna, is popular for its wide slopes, floodlit skiing, and children's area. The car-free village of Tauplitzalm is a quiet, magical world and one of the most snow-sure Alpine regions in Austria.

Other family-friendly ski resorts in Austria include Annaberg, with 12 kilometres of slopes, the Anna-Land fun park, and Anna-Alm for panoramic views; St. Corona, with nine slopes, a funslope, magic carpets, fun wave tracks, and cosy ski huts; and Hochficht, with 20 kilometres of slopes, fun parks, and an exciting children's area.

The Katschberg-Aineck ski area connects Carinthia and SalzburgerLand, offering wide slopes and a variety of activities off the slopes. Nassfeld is also family-friendly, with a variety of slopes, a kids' slope, a snow park, and dedicated children's areas.

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Ski resorts with ski-in/ski-out accommodation

Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, which offer a range of activities for families. Here are some of the best ski resorts with ski-in/ski-out accommodation:

Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser, Brixental

The Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser in Brixental has been awarded several times as the best family skiing area in Austria. It offers almost 250 kilometres of slopes, with a variety of difficulty levels, including 10 kilometres of black slopes for experienced skiers. The extra-wide slopes of the SkiWelt Ellmau allow for a joint skiing experience for young and old. The Kids-SkiWelt in Hochbrixen has a practice lift and two conveyor belts, making it ideal for families with children who are just starting out.

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is known as the family ski area of Austria par excellence. It offers a huge practice area with a magic carpet, animal park, children's stage, toboggan run, and various adventure courses and fun areas. There are extra-easy slopes for beginners and challenging terrain for more experienced skiers. The resort also provides child-friendly ski courses and lifts, as well as childcare services.

Stuhleck

Located just 100 kilometres from Vienna, Stuhleck offers wide slopes, floodlit skiing, and a children's area. It is a great choice for families looking for a relaxed skiing holiday, with varied pistes, modern lifts, and a long toboggan run.

Bregenzerwald

The Bregenzerwald ski resort, also known as the 'Schneereich' or 'snow realm', receives an average of 9.30 metres of snow every winter. It offers varied pistes, fun parks, and activities such as ice skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Obertauern

Obertauern is Austria's 'snowiest' ski resort and the highest in Salzburgerland. It caters to both families and party-goers, with over 100 kilometres of pistes suitable for intermediate skiers. The resort also has links to the Beatles, as they filmed 'Help!' there in 1965.

Katschberg-Aineck

The Katschberg-Aineck ski area connects Carinthia and SalzburgerLand, offering wide slopes and a variety of activities off the slopes. It is a great choice for families looking for a mix of skiing and other winter activities.

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Ski resorts with wide slopes

Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, with about 60% of the country covered in mountains. Many of these resorts are family-friendly, offering a range of activities for children and beginners, such as practice lifts, huts, fun parks, and gentle slopes.

Katschberg-Aineck

The Katschberg-Aineck ski area connects Carinthia and SalzburgerLand, offering wide slopes and a variety of activities off the slopes.

Nassfeld

At Nassfeld, families can enjoy a mix of slopes, including a kids' slope, a snow park, and dedicated children's areas. The high plateau, with its many gentle slopes, is perfect for beginners, while freestylers can enjoy one of the largest funslopes in the world.

Stuhleck

Located just 100 km from Vienna, Stuhleck is known for its wide slopes, floodlit skiing, and a children's area. The region has a long tradition as a family ski resort, offering varied pistes, modern lifts, a long toboggan run, and an easy-to-manage terrain.

Hochficht

Hochficht offers a blend of skiing fun, cosy places to stop, fun parks, and an exciting children's area. It features sunny descents, expansive slopes, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Kasberg

Kasberg offers wide slopes and adventures in Zwergenland, an alpine experience set against the backdrop of the Almtal mountains. Parents can find a variety of family-friendly slopes, and there are two thermal spas for relaxation.

Flachau

The lively resort of Flachau is located in the heart of Snow Space Salzburg, with access to 120km of pistes and connections to the wider Ski Amadé area.

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Ski resorts with good ski schools

Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, and many of them offer ski schools. Here are some of the best ski resorts in Austria with good ski schools for families:

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is the oldest and one of the most authentic ski resort villages in Europe. It offers big mountain skiing, charming hotel lodging, and a beautiful village to explore après ski. Kitzbühel’s vast mountain terrain provides plenty of prepared trails, classic chalet lunches, gorgeous scenery, and some gently sloped off-piste. Kitzbuhel also has excellent ski schools, including the original Red Devils. Daring kids may enjoy skiing the Hahnenkamm downhill course, the Strief, like a pro ski racer.

St. Anton, Arlberg Region

St. Anton is located in the beautiful Arlberg region and is considered the birthplace of alpine skiing. This authentic alpine ski village sits at the base of a vast ski resort, with 41 modern lifts and excellent ski schools for kids. There is also great mountain chalets and après ski for parents. St. Anton offers many 4-star family-friendly hotels like Hotel Valluga and Bergschlossl.

Serfaus Fiss Ladis, Tyrol

Serfaus and its neighbouring villages of Fiss and Ladis are known as Tyrol's greatest family-friendly resorts, with three-quarters of its 161km of pistes aimed at beginners and intermediate skiers. The area is known for its child-friendly hotels and excellent ski schools, with a new 10-person lift that can carry 3,500 passengers per hour.

Obertauern

Obertauern is Austria's "snowiest" ski resort and the highest in Salzburgerland. It is great for intermediate skiers, with over 100km of pistes. Obertauern caters to families and party animals, and music fans will appreciate its links to the Beatles, who filmed "Help!" there in 1965.

Almenwelt Lofer and Unken Heutal

The award-winning beginner slopes in the Almenwelt Lofer and the idyllic Unken Heutal are the perfect playground for the whole family. This ski area caters to all skill levels and offers plenty of highlights for families, with 24 fun parks and slopes, ensuring boredom is not an option.

Stuhleck

Just 100km from Vienna, Stuhleck is popular for its wide slopes, floodlit skiing, and children's area.

Bregenzerwald

The ski resort in the idyllic Bregenzerwald is known as the "Schneereich" (snow realm) for good reason: an average of 9.30 meters of snow falls here every winter. This resort offers varied pistes and free-of-charge lift tickets for children up to 15 years old.

Katschberg-Aineck

The Katschberg-Aineck ski area connects Carinthia and SalzburgerLand, offering wide slopes and a variety of activities off the slopes.

Hochficht

Hochficht offers the perfect blend of skiing fun, cosy places to stop for a break, 20km of slopes, fun parks, and an exciting children's area. It attracts visitors with its sunny descents and expansive slopes.

Annaberg

Annaberg offers 12km of slopes, the Anna-Land fun park, and Anna-Alm, which provides panoramic views.

St. Corona

St. Corona delights families with 9 slopes, a funslope, magic carpets for beginners, and the Wexl Arena, which offers sledging fun and activities for all ages.

Flachau

Flachau is a lively resort in the heart of Snow Space Salzburg, with easy access to other villages via 120km of pistes and direct connections to the wider Ski Amadé area.

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The best ski resorts in Salzburgerland

Salzburgerland is home to some of the best ski resorts in Austria, offering a range of slopes for all skill levels, breathtaking views, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Here are some of the top ski resorts in the region:

Obertauern

Obertauern is a family-friendly resort that also caters to partygoers. It is known for its connection to the Beatles, who filmed "Help!" here in 1965. The resort offers over 100km of pistes and is Salzburgerland's "snowiest" ski resort, sitting at the highest altitude in the region. Obertauern provides a range of activities for families, including Bobby Land and Bobby's Monsterpark.

Maria Alm

Maria Alm serves as the gateway to the Hochkönig ski region, with 120km of pistes, including the 35km Königstour panoramic route. The picturesque village offers unique accommodation options and restaurants. The Königstour is a highlight, providing a continuous 35km of slopes and an altitude difference of 7,500m over six mountain peaks.

Wildkogel

The Wildkogel ski resort is nestled in the heart of the Alps and offers 75km of slopes for all skill levels. It is known for its family-friendliness, featuring various children's areas, lifts, and slopes. The resort provides a diverse range of pistes and a fun atmosphere for all ages.

Flachau

Flachau is a lively resort located in the heart of Snow Space Salzburg, offering easy access to other villages via 120km of pistes. Flachau connects directly to the wider Ski Amadé area, providing a vast network of slopes for skiers of all levels.

Zell am See

Zell am See is a panoramic ski resort offering a diverse range of slopes with five valley runs covering over 5,000 vertical metres. The resort provides breathtaking views and a unique skiing experience in the Salzburgerland region.

Salzburgerland is renowned for its family-friendly ski resorts, with options like Rauris, Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang, Fieberbrunn, and Radstadt/Altenmarkt offering dedicated children's areas, ski schools, and daycare. The region boasts a vast network of slopes, with the State of Salzburg offering a total of 1,920km of pistes served by 618 ski lifts, ensuring an unforgettable skiing experience for families.

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Frequently asked questions

Pretty much all Austrian resorts are family-friendly. Some of the best options include Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser in Brixental, which has been awarded the best family skiing area in Austria several times, the Ski Circus in Saalbach/Hinterglemm/Leogang, and the Schmittenhöhe family ski area in Zell am See. Serfaus and its neighbouring villages of Fiss and Ladis are also considered one of Tyrol's greatest family-friendly resorts.

The Almenwelt Lofer and the Unken Heutal are ideal for beginners, with award-winning beginner slopes. Annaberg, St. Corona, and Hochficht also offer plenty of gentle slopes for beginners. The Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser in Brixental also offers almost 250 kilometres of easy and medium-difficulty slopes.

Obertauern, Flachau, and Maria Alm are great options for intermediate skiers. Obertauern is also known as Austria's "snowiest" ski resort and the highest in Salzburgerland, with more than 100km of pistes. Maria Alm covers 120km of pistes, including the 35km Königstour panoramic route. Flachau is in the heart of Snow Space Salzburg, where skiers have access to 120km of pistes.

The Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser in Brixental has 10 kilometres of black slopes for experienced skiers, but it also offers the Kids-SkiWelt in Hochbrixen with Bobo's Miniclub and the Kids' Club, where children can gain their first experiences on skis. The Skiwelt Ellmau also has extra-wide slopes, ensuring a joint skiing experience for young and old. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is another excellent option for families with young children, with its huge "KinderSchneelam" practice area, magic carpet, animal park, Berta's Indian Land, and children's stage.

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