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:
This intimate hotel has many homely features including ten cosy bedrooms and panoramic views.
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:
The hotel has an ideal location, opposite the nursery slopes and 5 minutes’ walk from the resort centre.
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 Claudia is situated in a quiet location on the edge of the village with views of the Chapel of Our Lady.
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:
The Westendorf is located in a superb central location and has a relaxed, family-run atmosphere.
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 in Zell am See is a spacious, family run property which is perfect for mixed groups looking to relax in laid-back, colourful and stylish interiors.
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 are good accommodation options. We highly recommend the Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl as an 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:
Established in 1889, Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl is one of Obergurgl’s most outstanding hotels.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
With a vast network of pistes, Saalbach-Hinterglemm offers many gentle slopes and dedicated beginner blue areas which makes it a winter paradise for families with children. Not only is the skiing family-friendly but the nearby accommodations perfectly cater for kids with slopeside locations, spacious family rooms, play areas and childcare services. There are also many off-slope activities in Saalbach for those who don’t want to spend all of their time in the skis. Try tobogganing, ice skating, snowshoeing and hiking, amongst others. With kid-friendly menus and calm atmospheres, restaurants here are the ideal place to unwind over a meal with your loved ones.
Stay At:
Bolodges Apartments in Saalbach, Austria is a luxurious apartment block in the centre of town.
Kitzbühel
Despite being known for its challenging slopes and annual Hahnenkamm race, Kitzbühel is also a solid choice for families. There is plenty of rolling terrain that suits beginners and first-timers. The Kitzbüheler Horn area offers an entire ski area of gentle slopes ideal for snowplough learners and parallel perfectors. These wide, well-groomed pistes are perfect for children and families wanting to ski and explore the Austrian mountains together. A range of ski schools and childcare services are available so parents can enjoy some time on the slopes kid-free. The medieval town is the perfect setting for quality time together as a family with a mix of traditional and modern restaurants and shops.
Stay At:
The ideal winter hotel is nestled in a peaceful corner of Kitzbühel.
Call our ski experts to find out more about family ski holidays in Austria and start planning today.
