Austria is world-renowned for its breathtaking alpine landscapes and top-notch ski resorts, making it a perfect destination for family-friendly winter holidays. With plenty of activities for children and adults alike, Austria offers a wide variety of resorts that cater to families looking for a perfect mix of skiing, relaxation, and fun. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teenagers, these Austrian ski resorts provide excellent facilities, ski schools, and kid-friendly entertainment to make your family’s winter getaway unforgettable.
Here’s a list of some of the best ski resorts in Austria for families:
1. Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a fantastic family-friendly resort, offering a great mix of beginner slopes, dedicated children’s ski schools, and a wide variety of activities beyond skiing. The resort features family fun parks, tobogganing runs, and adventure snow parks, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment. The resort also offers free ski passes for children under a certain age, making it an affordable option for families. This is where Maxi learned to ski on his school skiing trip.
Family Highlights:
• Excellent children’s ski schools
• Tobogganing and snow parks for off-slope fun
• Family-friendly accommodation and dining options
2. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is often considered one of the most family-oriented ski resorts in Austria. This resort offers a “children’s paradise,” with dedicated kids’ ski areas, adventure parks, and even a children’s fun slope. The ski schools are well-equipped to teach kids of all ages, while the “Murmli Park” in Serfaus and “Bertas Kinderland” in Fiss are magical spots for little ones to enjoy snow play while parents hit the slopes.#00b4f2Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is often considered one of the most family-oriented ski resorts in Austria. This resort offers a “children’s paradise,” with dedicated kids’ ski areas, adventure parks, and even a children’s fun slope. The ski schools are well-equipped to teach kids of all ages, while the “Murmli Park” in Serfaus and “Bertas Kinderland” in Fiss are magical spots for little ones to enjoy snow play while parents hit the slopes.
Family Highlights:
- Murmli Park and Bertas Kinderland for kids
- Family-friendly hotels with kids’ clubs and babysitting services
- Great for beginners and intermediate skiers
3. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
Nestled high in the Alps, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is a peaceful and picturesque resort that’s ideal for families seeking a quieter atmosphere. Known as one of the most snow-sure resorts in Austria, it offers wide, gentle slopes that are perfect for beginners and families. The ski schools are top-rated, and there are dedicated kids’ areas for snow play, making it a stress-free destination for families.
Family Highlights:
- Gentle slopes perfect for beginners and young skiers
- Childcare services and kids’ snow parks
- A quieter, relaxed atmosphere ideal for families
4. Alpbach
Alpbach is a charming, traditional village with a family-friendly ski area that combines a welcoming atmosphere with excellent skiing. It’s perfect for families looking for a smaller resort where everything is close by. The “Ski Juwel” area offers a range of slopes for all levels, while the village itself has plenty of non-ski activities, such as horse-drawn sleigh rides and winter hikes. The relaxed vibe and stunning scenery make Alpbach a great family choice.
Family Highlights:
- Smaller resort with easy access to slopes
- Variety of off-slope activities like sleigh rides
- Great ski schools for children and beginners
5. Zell am See-Kaprun
Zell am See-Kaprun is an ideal family ski resort, offering a beautiful lakeside town combined with a fantastic ski area. Families can enjoy skiing on the Schmittenhöhe mountain, which has dedicated children’s zones and fun slopes. For non-ski days, the nearby Tauern Spa offers thermal pools and relaxation areas, perfect for family downtime. Zell am See also has a reputation for being very accommodating to beginners and families.
Family Highlights:
- Excellent family ski areas with dedicated children’s zones
- Nearby Tauern Spa for relaxation and family-friendly pools
- A picturesque lakeside setting with plenty to explore
6. Ellmau (SkiWelt)
Ellmau is part of the SkiWelt area, one of the largest linked ski areas in Austria, and it’s particularly well-suited for families. The Ellmi’s Kids’ Club offers fun and safe experiences for children learning to ski, while the whole family can enjoy the well-maintained blue slopes. Beyond skiing, Ellmau offers tobogganing runs, winter hiking trails, and charming Alpine villages to explore.
Family Highlights:
- Large ski area with plenty of blue slopes for beginners
- Ellmi’s Kids’ Club with excellent ski instructors for children
- Tobogganing and winter walking trails for off-slope fun
7. Lech-Zürs
Lech-Zürs, part of the prestigious Arlberg ski region, is known for its luxurious amenities and fantastic ski conditions. While it’s a high-end resort, it still offers a warm, welcoming environment for families. The ski schools are excellent, and there are family-friendly slopes, as well as numerous non-ski activities such as ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and winter hikes.
Family Highlights:
- High-quality ski schools and facilities for kids
- Luxurious yet family-friendly accommodations
- Plenty of off-slope activities like ice skating and carriage rides
8. Bad Kleinkirchheim
Bad Kleinkirchheim offers a combination of great skiing and relaxation, making it perfect for families. The resort is famous for its thermal spas, so after a day on the slopes, families can unwind in the warm waters. The ski schools are geared towards young learners, and the gentle, wide slopes make it a comfortable and safe environment for kids.
Family Highlights:
- Relaxing thermal spas for post-ski relaxation
- Wide, gentle slopes perfect for children
- Great combination of skiing and wellness for families
Austria’s ski resorts are renowned for their family-friendly facilities, excellent ski schools, and a variety of non-ski activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re looking for gentle slopes for beginners, fun snow parks for children, or luxurious yet family-friendly accommodations, Austria has a resort that fits your needs. From the peaceful slopes of Obergurgl to the bustling, family-oriented Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, these resorts ensure that your family ski holiday will be one to remember.