Discover the best child-friendly ski resorts in Austria!
Are you making plans for a winter sports holiday to Austria? Then, of course, you'll want to make sure it's not only an unforgettable experience for you but also for your children. How wonderful would it be if you could leave the kids with peace of mind at a cosy ski school or easily keep an eye on them yourself? A family-friendly ski resort is definitely a must. Luckily, Austria offers a wide range of places that are perfectly suited for families. We've put together a list of these areas just for you!
Why choose a smaller ski resort?
A smaller ski resort is more manageable, making it feel much safer right from the start. You don’t have to worry about your children getting lost, as everything is compact and easy to oversee. Additionally, smaller resorts often have a calm and friendly atmosphere. There are fewer après-ski bars and nightlife options, making them ideal for families who want to enjoy quality time together. These resorts are usually designed with young skiers in mind, with great ski schools, fun activities, and excellent facilities. And as a bonus, smaller resorts often feature many blue pistes, perfect for beginners to make their first turns at their own pace. Before you know it, your kids will be skiing past you, all smiles on their faces!
Five great family ski resorts
Wondering where to go? Here are five of the best child-friendly ski resorts in Austria that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
1. Fanningberg
Let’s start with Fanningberg, a real hidden gem, especially if you're looking for a compact area where everything is conveniently close together. This ski resort, located to the south of the main Alpine ridge, features gentle slopes and a base station that's always easy to reach. Perfect if you're travelling with young children! The 2-kilometre blue run is ideal for taking the little ones on their first steps on skis.
2. Katschberg-Aineck
Next, we have Katschberg-Aineck, a destination that truly has everything you could wish for. This area is rightfully one of the top ski resorts in Austria. There are special, fenced-off practice areas for children where they can safely learn to ski under the guidance of experienced ski instructors. And if you'd like to try something else, you can go tobogganing or take a magical sleigh ride. A dream destination for the whole family!
3. Ski amadé
Ski resort Ski amadé, located at the foot of the mountain of the same name, is an ideal area for families. The mountain itself is almost 3,000 metres high, and the resort offers 120 kilometres of slopes that stretch across several mountain peaks. The villages are situated at 860 metres, while the slopes reach up to 1,940 metres, and due to the altitude, the area is generally snow-sure. It not only offers breathtaking views but also great facilities for children, making it the perfect resort for families wishing to go on a ski holiday with (young) children.
4. Grosseck Speiereck
The Grosseck-Speiereck ski resort near Mauterndorf and St. Michael is ideal for families. It lies in the sunny Lungau region, between the Radstädter and Schladminger Tauern mountains, and boasts the most hours of sunshine in Austria. Due to its high altitude, it is also very snow-sure. The resort offers everything you need for a fantastic winter holiday with (young) children!
The resort has over 50 kilometres of highly varied slopes, all of which are snow-covered – plus off-piste opportunities and deep-snow descents. However, half of the slopes are relatively easy, making it a perfect spot for families, beginners, and anyone looking to get back into skiing. There are also plenty of lessons and practice lifts available, as well as support for children from the age of one and a half!
5. Wildkogel Arena
We’ll finish up at the Wildkogel Arena, a real highlight for families. This ski resort is far from small and is truly a paradise for beginners, which is why it simply had to be included in this blog. With a staggering 85% blue and red slopes, the Wildkogel Arena is a top recommendation. But that’s not all: there is so much more to do here than just skiing. How about the world’s longest illuminated toboggan run? Or other fun activities for the whole family? You’ll never be bored here.
Holiday with the whole family!
Whether you're looking for a small ski resort for a relaxing holiday with young kids, or a place full of adventure and activities for the whole family, Austria has something for everyone! The country offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy perfectly groomed slopes, fresh snow, and creating beautiful memories together. So, pack your bags and experience an unforgettable holiday in Austria!