With picturesque towns and incredible snow records as standard; the Austrian ski resorts have all the ingredients for an unforgettable family skiing holiday. Experience some of the lesser-known ski areas that lie off the beaten track, promising quieter slopes and less crowded queues. If you are looking for family ski holidays in Austria, our ski experts are here to help you find the perfect destination. Here’s our selection of the best family ski resorts in Austria.
Family Skiing in Austria
Alpbach
One of our favourite Tirolean ski resorts, Alpbach is filled with charming, picture-perfect streets that are lined with friendly, family-run hotels. Alpbach’s charming landscape is lined with neat rows of wooden chalets, snow-dusted trees and cosy eateries. The slopes offer some of the best family skiing in Austria with 109km of superbly maintained pistes shared between Niederau-Oberau & Alpbach in the ski area, Ski Juwel. First-timers are well looked after with a choice of nursery slopes and learning facilities, as well as an excellent choice of ski schools. The Alpbachtaler Lauser-Sauser – a modern alpine coaster – is a great family activity. Starting at 1,845m the two-seater sleds take you flying down the mountain, reaching speeds of 42km/h.
Stay at: Haus Edelweiss, a family-run bed and breakfast located close to the nursery slopes.
© Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschoenau, shootandstyle.com
Niederau-Oberau
Located in the wild and beautiful Wildschonau Valley, the magical ski village of Niederau-Oberau is made for cosy Alpine family ski holidays. You’ll enjoy plenty of gentle skiing and peaceful evening activities in this wonderful ski resort. Feast on traditional, authentic Tirolean cuisine in a setting that will be far more tranquil and less crowded than some of the more mainstream Austrian ski resorts. Niederau-Oberau is one of the best family ski resorts in Austria not only for its 109km of beginner and intermediate friendly pistes across the Ski Juwel area, but also for its impressive choice of off-mountain activities. Take a magical horse-drawn carriage ride through the village’s twinkling streets. Following this, go night tobogganing on the floodlight Oberau run. Alternatively, for a unique family experience, join an igloo building course.
Stay at: Hotel Harfenwirt, which is located in an ideal position opposite the resort’s nursery slopes.
View Niederau-Oberau ski resort here
Ellmau
The tranquil village of Ellmau is located in the North-Eastern corner of the SkiWelt. As a result, the resort has access to one of Austria’s largest linked ski areas spanning an impressive 284km. Across this you will find terrain to suit every standard of skier. From the gentle nursery slopes complete with their own fun parks, to the more challenging local black runs around Söll. Ellmau is highly regarded as the perfect place to learn to ski with its wide choice of slopes. Additionally, families with younger children can enjoy the ski crèche available for those between six months and four years old.
Reconvene at the end of the day to enjoy a delicious family dinner at one of the resort’s eateries, which offer hearty local food and a pleasant atmosphere. New at the mountain station is the ‘Hartkaiser Adventure Eldorado’ with its own children’s restaurant, childcare facilities for young children and kids’ adventure ski school.
Stay at: The traditional Hotel Claudia, which benefits from a peaceful location on the edge of the village.
Westendorf
Westendorf ski resort offers some of the best family skiing in Austria. It’s part of the SkiWelt region, with 284km of varied pistes. Westendorf is exceptionally family-friendly. For instance, a practise area for beginners and children is located right in the centre of the village and provides an easy gateway to the SkiWelt area. Those who are a little more adventurous can make their way over to the connecting resorts of Ellmau and Söll. Here you can explore further pistes and try out the off-piste potential. At the exercise meadow in the valley, the “Mini Playground” is a great fun park for beginners and younger riders. It ensures endless fun with slightly smaller obstacles than those found at the Boarders Playground.
The relaxed atmosphere of the picturesque Tirolean ski village of Westendorf attracts families year after year. It has a wonderfully scenic landscape that is lined with traditional buildings such as the domed Church of St Nicholas. Make yourself at home in this glorious valley, and look forward to evenings dining on Austrian cuisine and enjoying an apéritif.
Stay at: Hotel Briem to enjoy a superb central location and a relaxed, family-run atmosphere.
View Westendorf ski resort here
Zell am See-Kaprun
Zell am See ski resort is one of our favourite destinations for family ski holidays in Austria. Firstly, the lakeside ski resort of Zell am See-Kaprun combines high-altitude skiing with a great choice of bars and restaurants. Furthermore, beginner skiers can enjoy an abundance of gentle runs, such as the 30km blue slope on the Schmittenhöhe mountain. More experienced skiers in the family can take advantage of the K-onnection and zellamseeXpress lifts. These two new lifts connect the slopes with neighbouring resorts and as a result, give way to an incredible 408km of terrain. For expert skiers we recommend trying out the Black Mamba at the Kitzsteinhorn. It will take you down an epic descent reaching an exhilarating 63% incline. Teenagers looking to practise in the park can choose between three snow parks. We also recommend trying the biggest superpipe in Austria in the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier resort.
Stay at: Sporthotel Alpenblick, a spacious family-run property with five on-site restaurants.
View Zell am See ski resort here
© Zell am See-Kaprun Tourism
Obergurgl
Obergurgl is a fantastic option for a family ski holiday. Located at the end of the Otz Valley, this Austrian ski resort has kept its traditional alpine charm. It has a very welcoming atmosphere and is easy to navigate in the village and on the slopes. If you get a full lift pass you will have access to 110km of slopes with slopes appropriate for any level of skier.
The ski school and childcare options are fantastic too. For a reasonably small resort there’s good accommodation options. We highly recommend the Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl as ideal family destination. It has a reputation as one of the best family hotels in the Alps because of its ski-in ski-out location, play area and family-friendly restaurant.
Stay at the Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl for top-class service and excellent facilities.
View Obergurgl ski resort here
Call our ski experts to find out more about family ski holidays in Austria and start planning today.
View all our Austria ski resorts here
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