Winter sports in Austria with kids: The perfect destination for a family vacation

When you think of winter sports, Austria is probably one of the first countries that comes to mind. And rightfully so! Austria is known for its hospitality, vast ski areas, and kid-friendly amenities. It’s an ideal choice for families with children: ski schools with experienced teachers, fun kids’ countries, and accommodations that are completely geared toward families. But winter sports with children are not just about skiing. There are plenty of other winter activities to do in Austria, from tobogganing and sledding to winter hiking and wellness. Combine that with cozy mountain huts where you can enjoy hot chocolate and Austrian specialties, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable vacation. In this blog, I’ll take you through everything Austria has to offer for a winter vacation with kids. From the best ski resorts for beginners and advanced kids to handy tips on ski lessons, accommodations, and alternative activities. Are you ready for a winter full of fun? Then read on quickly!

winter sports in Austria with children

Overview of Austria’s Ski Resorts for Families

Austria offers an impressive variety of ski resorts, from large, bustling areas with hundreds of miles of slopes to smaller, quieter destinations perfect for families. Here you’ll find the best options geared to both beginners and advanced kids, with the most popular villages for each area.

Child-friendly ski areas for beginners

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (Tirol)

Why this area is ideal for beginners and small children:
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is one of Austria’s most child-friendly ski areas. With extensive children’s areas, Dutch-speaking ski instructors and wide, easy slopes, it offers everything you need for an enjoyable first winter sports experience. The three villages – Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis – also have a friendly atmosphere and many additional activities such as toboggan runs and indoor play areas.

Childfriendly hotels:

  • Hotel DreiSonnen (Serfaus): A 4-star superior family hotel located in the heart of Serfaus. The hotel offers spacious family rooms with connecting doors, a modern wellness center with an indoor pool and a special family sauna. For children there is a recreation room with table soccer, giant Lego and a soft play facility.
  • Schlosshotel Fiss (Fiss): Vijfsterrenhotel met kinderclub, verwarmd buitenzwembad en directe toegang tot de liften.

Apartments at the slopes:

  • Haus Landerer (Ladis): Cozy apartment with direct access to the elevators and a playground.
  • Alpenapart Alexander (Serfaus): Modern apartments with play area and close to children’s land.

Ellmau in SkiWelt (Tirol)

Why this area is ideal for beginners and small children:
Ellmau is a friendly village in the large SkiWelt area, with a children’s area right by the village. Wide, easy slopes and good ski schools make this an ideal place for first-time families. Other child-friendly villages in SkiWelt include Scheffau, Söll and Westendorf.

Childfriendly hotels:

  • Familienhotel Christoph (Ellmau): Small hotel with indoor pool, child care and a children’s buffet.
  • Kinderhotel Buchau (Maurach): Luxury family hotel with children’s club, swimming lake and children’s slopes.

winter sports in Austria with children Accommodations

Apartments at the slopes:

Hochkönig (Salzburgerland)

Why this area is ideal for beginners and small children:
Hochkönig is quiet and perfect for beginners. The wide, clear slopes in Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach are ideal for learning to ski at your leisure. The ski schools are well regarded and the area offers many additional facilities for families.

Childfriendly hotels:

  • Hotel Alpenland Maria Alm (Maria Alm): Cozy hotel with game room and direct access to the slopes.
  • EdeR FriDa (Maria Alm): A stylish and modern family hotel with playful decor and creative children’s programs. The hotel has an indoor play area and a beautiful location in Maria Alm

Apartments at the slopes:

  • Ubergossene Alm Resort (Dienten am Hochkönig): Cozy apartments with stunning mountain views.
  • Mitterwirt (Dienten am Hochkönig): Modern, spacious apartments close to the slopes and ski school.

Alpbachtal (Tirol)

Why this area is ideal for beginners and small children:
Alpbachtal is small, uncluttered and perfect for families with young children. The quiet atmosphere, wide practice slopes and excellent ski schools make it ideal for a first winter sports experience.

Childfriendly hotels:

  • Familotel Das Hopfgarten (Hopfgarten): Child-friendly hotel with child care, swimming pool and play area.
  • Hotel Pirchnerhof (Reith im Alpbachtal): This 4-star hotel offers a varied program for families with children, including wellness facilities, an outdoor pool and organized activities.

Apartments at the slopes:

  • Hotel Alphof (Alpbach): Attractive hotel with wellness and child-friendly facilities, a short distance from the elevators.
  • Galtenberg Family & Wellness resort (Reith im Alpbachtal): A luxurious 4-star superior hotel in Inneralpbach, located right next to the ski elevator and ski slopes. The hotel offers extensive facilities for families, including a kids’ club, indoor and outdoor pools, and an adult wellness center.

winter sports in Austria with children Accommodations

Ski areas for advanced children

Ski Arlberg (Tirol/Vorarlberg)

Why this area is ideal for advanced children:
Ski Arlberg is Austria’s largest ski area and offers plenty of challenge for children who can already ski well. Red and black runs, freeride opportunities and snowparks make this area particularly suitable for experienced young skiers. Villages such as Lech, Zürs and St. Anton offer access to a vast network of challenging slopes.

Childfriendly hotels:

  • Hotel Schwartzer Adler (Sankt Anton am Arlberg): Authentic Tyrolean hotel with luxurious wellness facilities and a cozy atmosphere, ideally located for families near the slopes.
  • Hotel Goldener Berg (Lech): An elegant family hotel right on the slopes, with spacious family rooms, a kids’ club and panoramic mountain views.

Apartments at the slopes:

  • Haus Braunarl (Lech): Cozy apartment with quiet location near the slopes.
  • Hotel Maiensee (St. Anton): Located right on the slopes in St. Christoph, this hotel offers ski-in/ski-out options, a wellness center and a traditional Austrian restaurant.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn (Salzburgerland)

Why this area is ideal for advanced children:
This large and versatile area, also called the Skicircus, is perfect for families with children who are already more experienced. It offers a mix of blue, red and black runs, snow parks and family-friendly amenities. Popular villages include Saalbach, Hinterglemm and Leogang.

Childfriendly hotels:

  • Familienhotel Egger (Saalbach-Hinterglemm): offers direct access to the ski slopes and features extensive wellness facilities, ideal for a relaxing family vacation.
  • Familienresort Ellmauhof (Hinterglemm): Children’s paradise with petting zoo, playground and wellness.

Apartments at the slopes:

  • Hotel Kendler (Saalbach-Hinterglemm): This 4-star superior hotel offers spacious family rooms, a child-friendly atmosphere and a wellness area where children are also welcome. Direct access to the slopes makes it ideal for families.
  • Rosentalerhof Hotel & Apartments (Hinterglemm): An excellent choice for families thanks to apartments with separate bedrooms, a playground and direct access to the slopes. The hotel also has a heated outdoor pool.

Zillertal Arena (Tirol)

Why this area is ideal for advanced children:
This area offers plenty of challenge for families with children who can already ski well. Red runs, family-fun slopes and snowparks provide variety. Villages such as Gerlos, Zell am Ziller and Königsleiten are favorites with families.

Childfriendly hotels:

  • Alpenhof (Gerlos): Cozy family hotel with a central location in Gerlos, spacious family rooms and direct access to the Zillertal Arena slopes.
  • Kinder & Gletscherhotel Hintertuxerhof (Tux): Child-friendly hotel at the foot of the Hintertuxer Glacier, with a petting zoo, play area and ski school right on your doorstep.

Apartments at the slopes:

  • Alpin Family Resort Kaltenbach (Kaltenbach): Family-friendly hotel right on the slopes in Hochzillertal, with an indoor pool, kids’ club and wonderful family rooms.
  • Hotel Neue Post (Mayrhofen): Charming hotel with spacious family rooms, a wellness area and a central location near Mayrhofen’s elevators.

Schladming-Dachstein (Stiermarken)

Why this area is ideal for advanced children:
With wide, red slopes and excellently maintained snowparks, this area is perfect for families with children who are already more daring. Popular villages include Schladming, Ramsau and Haus im Ennstal.

Childfriendly hotels:

  • Bliem’s Familienhotel (Hause im Ennstal): Cozy family hotel with extensive children’s facilities, a kids’ club and an indoor pool, perfect for families who want to enjoy Ski Amadé.
  • Kinderhotel Stegerhof (Donnersbachwald): Luxury children’s hotel in quiet surroundings with its own children’s land, ski school and wellness facilities, ideal for a relaxing family vacation.

winter sports in Austria with children Accommodations

Apartments at the slopes:

  • Appartements Tritscher (Schladming): Modern apartments close to the ski elevator and restaurants.
  • B&B Hotel die Barbara (Schladming): Cozy hotel directly opposite the Planai cable car, with comfortable family rooms, a wellness area and an extensive breakfast buffet.

Gasteinertal (Salzburgerland)

Why this area is ideal for advanced skiers (while still offering options for beginners):
The Gasteinertal, part of Ski Amadé, is a beautiful ski area that appeals especially to advanced skiers. With long red and black runs, challenging off-piste terrain and the impressive Sportgastein for freeriders, it offers plenty of adventure. Beginners and families can visit Angertal and Dorfgastein, where the wide, blue runs and good ski schools are ideal for learning to ski.

Childfriendly hotels:

  • Hotel Sonngastein (Bad Gastein): A luxury children’s hotel known for its huge arcade, childcare and activities such as crafts and games. The hotel also has an indoor pool and an extensive wellness area for parents. Perfect for families seeking comfort.
  • Hotel Salzburger Hof (Bad Gastein): a cozy family hotel with a large playground, child-friendly meals and daily activities for children, ideal for a relaxing family vacation.

Slopeside accommodations:

  • Hotel Alpenblick (Bad Gastein): Cozy hotel just 50 meters from the slopes, with a wellness center and family rooms with panoramic mountain views.
  • Chalet Wetzlgut (Bad Gastein): Charming chalet with ski-in/ski-out access, comfortable family rooms and direct connection to the Felsentherme Spa.

Winter sports in Austria: How do ski lessons work?

One of the most important parts of a winter sports vacation with children is learning to ski. In Austria, ski schools are excellently organized and completely geared toward families. Whether your kids are on skis for the first time or already have some experience, lessons are tailored to their level and taught by well-trained teachers – often even in Dutch! Here’s everything you need to know about ski lessons in Austria:

Group lessons for children

Group lessons are ideal for children who want to learn to ski in a playful way.

  • Children are divided by age and level so that everyone can learn at their own pace.
  • Many ski schools in popular areas, such as Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis or Ellmau, have Dutch-speaking ski instructors. This makes it extra easy for young children to understand instructions and feel at ease.
  • Lessons usually last 2 to 4 hours a day and take place in a children’s area or on easy slopes.

Benefits of group classes:

  • Children make new friends.
  • It is often more economical than private lessons.
  • The classes are full of fun games and activities.

winter sports in Austria with children ski lessons winter sports in Austria with children ski lessons

Private lessons for children

Private lessons are ideal if you want your child to learn to ski quickly and effectively. Because the teacher has full attention for one child, progress is often faster than with group lessons.

  • A private lesson usually lasts 1 to 2 hours and is fully adapted to your child’s level.
  • Perfect for kids who need a little more confidence or who want to learn specific techniques.
  • Many ski schools offer the option of booking private lessons with Dutch-speaking teachers.

Our experience:
We ourselves always choose private lessons for our children, because in it they learn much more in a short time. Usually we book 1 or 2 lessons of 2 hours per child. Then we spend the rest of the vacation skiing together. This not only gives a lot of flexibility, but also more time to have fun on the slopes together as a family.

Practical tips for ski lessons

  • Book ski lessons ahead of time: Especially during busy periods, such as the Christmas and Crocus vacations, popular ski schools can fill up quickly.
  • Check out the kids’ land: Most ski schools have a kids’ land with conveyor belts, obstacles and playful practice runs. This makes first lessons extra fun.
  • Rent the right equipment: Make sure your child has well-fitting ski boots, skis and a helmet. Many ski schools partner with rental companies and offer package deals.
  • State your requirements: When booking, let us know if you prefer a Dutch-speaking teacher or special concerns for your child.

With these options for ski lessons, there is a suitable option for every child. Whether you choose group lessons or a few private lessons to quickly master the basics, the fun of learning to ski in Austria is guaranteed. And what could be more fun than hitting the slopes together as a family?

Winter sports in Austria: Eating on the slopes and après-ski with kids

A day on the slopes makes you hungry, and in Austria you’ve come to the right place for that. The mountain huts are known for their cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes that make both children and adults happy. And after skiing? Then it’s time for après-ski! Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities in Austria to experience this even with children.

Eating on the slopes: Cozy and kid-friendly

Austrian mountain huts are an essential part of the winter sports experience. Here you will enjoy hearty food and a warm atmosphere.

Popular dishes:

  • Kaiserschmarrn: An airy pancake in pieces, with powdered sugar and apple sauce. Irresistible to children.
  • Wiener Schnitzel: A large breaded schnitzel with fries, a true classic.
  • Germknödel: A soft dumpling filled with plum jam, served with vanilla sauce and poppy seeds.
  • Goulash Soup: Perfect for warming up after a morning in the snow.

winter sports in Austria with children eating on the slopes winter sports in Austria with children eating on the slopes

Tips for eating on the slopes:

  • Choose a mountain lodge with a playground or kids’ corner. This gives parents some time to eat quietly while the kids play.
  • Many cabins have special children’s menus or smaller portions.
  • Bring snacks, such as cookies or fruit, to satisfy hunger between skiing.

Après-ski with kids: Cozy and relaxed

Après-ski is part of winter sports, and with kids it can be just as fun! Instead of the familiar crowded après-ski bars, there are plenty of kid-friendly options.

Family-friendly après-ski activities:

  • Outdoor bars with snow fun: Many villages have outdoor bars where parents can enjoy a drink while the children play in the snow. Older children can often even sled around these bars. This provides a relaxed and fun atmosphere for the whole family.
  • Tobogganing: Many ski resorts have lighted toboggan runs that you can toboggan down together at night.
  • Kinderdisco’s: Sommige hotels organiseren mini-après-ski feestjes voor kinderen, compleet met muziek en dans.
  • Cozy dinner together: End the day with a family dinner at a restaurant or cabin, where both children and parents can enjoy a good meal.

Our experience:

For us, winter sports are really a family vacation. Therefore, we have never used babysitting services, because we actually enjoy spending time together. But of course that is very personal! For those who do want a moment to themselves, many hotels offer excellent childcare or babysitting services.

Food, snow and fun for the whole family

Whether you are enjoying a crispy schnitzel on the slopes, ending with a drink in a cozy outdoor bar, or going down the toboggan run with the kids – Austria offers a unique combination of snow fun and family fun. It’s all about enjoying yourself together, both on and off the slopes, and creating memories you’ll remember for a long time.

Winter sports in Austria: Winter activities besides skiing

Winter sports in Austria have long ceased to be just about skiing. For families, there is a wide range of winter activities that make vacations extra special. Whether you want to do something different for a day or just don’t want to be on the skis every day, there is plenty to do. Here are the best alternatives for an enjoyable winter vacation in Austria.

1. Tobogganing

Tobogganing is one of the most popular activities besides skiing and an absolute must for families. Many ski resorts have specially built toboggan runs, sometimes even lit for an evening adventure.

  • For families: Toboggan runs are often suitable for young and old. Small children can go down the track with a parent.
  • Where? Popular toboggan runs can be found, for example, in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Saalbach-Hinterglemm and Zillertal Arena.

Tip: Rent a sled at the elevator station or in the village. Some ski resorts offer a combination ticket for the elevator and toboggan run.

winter sports in Austria with children tobogganing

2. Walking in the snow

Winter hiking is perfect for a quiet day in the fresh mountain air. Many areas have well-prepared hiking trails through snowy forests and along beautiful vistas.

  • For families: Hiking is ideal with children who are not skiing or just want to do something different. Some trails are even suitable for strollers.
  • Where? Beautiful winter hikes can be made around Zell am See, Maria Alm (Hochkönig) and Schladming-Dachstein.

Tip: Many ski areas offer themed hikes or trails with interactive elements for children.

winter sports in Austria with children

3. Sledding and tubing

In addition to the traditional sled, tubing is a fun and exciting activity. On an inflatable tire you slide down a specially constructed track.

  • For families: Tubing is safe and incredibly fun for both small and older children.
  • Where? Many children’s areas in areas such as SkiWelt or Nassfeld have separate tubing tracks.

4. Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing may not be as well known, but it is a wonderful way to enjoy nature. Many ski resorts have trails suitable for beginners and families.

  • For families: Children often enjoy experimenting with cross-country skiing. The slow movements are good for most ages.
  • Where? Good trails can be found in Seefeld (Tyrol), Ramsau (Schladming-Dachstein) and Lech (Ski Arlberg).

5. Swimming and wellness

After a day in the cold, there is nothing better than warming up in a pool or wellness center. Many children’s hotels and accommodations have extensive wellness facilities, such as heated pools or saunas.

  • For families: Many pools in Austria are geared toward children, with slides and play areas.
  • Where? For example, visit Aqua Dome in Längenfeld or Erlebnistherme Zillertal in Fügen.

winter sports in Austria with children swimming winter sports in Austria with children swimming

6. Visit a town

For a cultural day or a little shopping trip, visit one of the beautiful towns in the area.

  • For families: towns like Innsbruck, Salzburg and Hallstatt offer a nice mix of culture, history and cozy cafes.
  • What to do. Visit a Christmas market (in the winter months), a museum, or enjoy local delicacies in a konditorei.

7. Snowshoeing

For an adventurous day in nature, you can go snowshoeing. With special snowshoes, you trek through deep snow in places you wouldn’t otherwise go.

  • For families: This is suitable for slightly older children who like hiking and adventure.
  • Where? Snowshoe trails are offered in many ski areas, such as Saalbach-Hinterglemm and Zillertal Arena.

8. Skating

Ice skating is a great activity for an afternoon of fun. Many ski resorts have a skating rink in the village.

  • For families: Perfect for kids who want to do something other than skiing.
  • Where? Popular ice skating rinks can be found in Zell am See and Seefeld.

9. Horse-drawn sleigh rides

A romantic and unique activity is a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings while you are wrapped warmly under blankets.

  • For families: Children often love seeing the horses up close and riding along in the sleigh.
  • Where? These tours are offered in villages such as Seefeld, Filzmoos and Maria Alm.

winter sports in Austria with children horse-drawn sleigh ride

Something for everyone

Whether you choose an active adventure like tobogganing and cross-country skiing, or a quiet day of wellness and culture, Austria offers endless winter options for families. No matter how you plan your day, it’s all about enjoying the beautiful scenery and friendliness of a winter sports vacation together.

Winter sports in Austria: Practical tips for winter sports with children

A winter sports vacation with kids is a great experience, but it does require some extra preparation. With these practical tips, you will get the most out of your vacation and ensure that everyone – young and old – can enjoy the snow and fun.

1. Book on time

Popular ski resorts and child-friendly accommodations often fill up quickly, especially during school vacations. Be sure to book well in advance, both for your accommodation and for ski lessons and equipment rentals.

2. Choose a child-friendly ski area

Not every ski area is suitable for families. When choosing, pay attention to facilities such as:

  • Children’s lands with exercise fields and running tracks.
  • Dutch-speaking ski instructors.
  • Family-friendly accommodations, such as children’s hotels or apartments on the slopes.

Popular areas such as Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, SkiWelt and Hochkönig have everything you need for a successful vacation.

3. Bring the right equipment

Make sure everyone is well prepared for the cold and snow. What you absolutely need:

  • Waterproof skiwear (jacket, pants, gloves and hat).
  • Thermal clothing and warm socks.
  • Ski goggles and high-factor sunscreen (the sun reflects in the snow).
  • A helmet for the children (mandatory in Austria).

Tip: Rent skis and boots locally so you don’t have to bring everything yourself. Many rental companies offer children’s equipment in conjunction with ski lessons.

Winter sports in Austria with children

4. Schedule moments of rest

Children often need more time to get used to the cold and exertion of winter sports. Therefore, schedule plenty of rest periods:

  • In the afternoons, go to the kids’ land for a few hours instead of spending all day on the slopes.
  • Take breaks in a cozy mountain hut with hot chocolate or a plate of Kaiserschmarrn.
  • Alternate skiing with other activities, such as tobogganing or a day of swimming.

5. Provide off-piste entertainment

Although skiing is the highlight of a winter vacation, sometimes children are ready for something else. Bring toys, books or a tablet for quiet moments in the accommodation. Many children’s hotels have playrooms or kids’ clubs to keep the little ones entertained.

6. Avoid cold feet and hands

Nothing is more annoying than cold hands or feet in the snow.

  • Provide waterproof gloves and shoes with a good lining.
  • Bring hand warmers for extra warmth during cold days.
  • Put several layers of socks on children and check their shoes regularly to make sure they are properly fitted.

7. Take advantage of combo deals

Many ski resorts offer low-cost packages, such as a combination of ski passes, ski lessons and equipment rental. This not only saves money, but also time in booking and arranging everything locally.

8. Provide plenty of snacks and drinks

Children burn a lot of energy while skiing. Therefore, always bring some snacks and a bottle of water or tea for the road. Consider energy bars, fruit or cookies to satisfy hunger quickly.

9. Put the focus on fun, not performance

For children, a winter vacation is mostly about having fun in the snow. Don’t force them to be able to do everything right away. Let them enjoy skiing and other activities at their own pace.

10. Insure yourself well

Before departure, check whether your travel insurance covers winter sports, including medical expenses and equipment rental. This prevents unexpected costs in case of an accident on the slopes.

With good preparation on the road

Winter sports with children is a great experience, but with the right preparation you can make it even more fun and relaxing. By paying attention to accommodation, equipment and flexible planning, it will be a vacation full of fun and great memories. Enjoy the snow! ⛷️❄️

Winter sports in Austria: why so ideal for families

winter sports in Austria with children ski lessons

Austria is the perfect destination for a family winter sports vacation. The combination of child-friendly ski resorts, excellent facilities and a warm, welcoming atmosphere makes the country unique. With numerous ski areas designed specifically for families – from extensive children’s areas to Dutch-speaking ski instructors – everyone will quickly feel at home here. There is also plenty to do off-piste, such as tobogganing, hiking or a visit to a cozy mountain hut. Whether you choose a luxury children’s hotel or an apartment on the slopes, there is always an accommodation that suits your family and wishes. Moreover, winter sports in Austria are about more than just skiing. It is an experience of enjoying together, having fun in the snow and relaxing in beautiful nature. From the kids’ first ski lesson to skiing down a slope together, these are memories you will look back on with a smile for years to come. So whether you are traveling with little beginners or advanced skiers, Austria has everything you need for an unforgettable family vacation. Here winter sports fun, conviviality and family time come together in a unique way. See you in the snow! ⛷️❄️✨

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