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5 of the best family ski resorts in Austria
Family ski holidays in Austria are all about relaxed, cruisy slopes, incredible convenience for kiddos, and truly epic alpine surrounds. If that all sounds like a bit of you, then keep reading.
For a truly epic family getaway the kids will remember for years to come, Austria has you covered. From the warm and welcoming family ski area of Kaprun and its snow-sure Kitzsteinhorn Glacier 3000m up, to the exciting Fun Parks for little rippers at St Johann in Tirol and Obergurgl - kids will be spoilt for choice on a dream family holiday to Austria.
Whether it's your kid's first family ski trip or you already have a herd of little mountain goats in the making, here are some of the top places to ski in Austria designed for convenient, chilled-out family fun.
1. Seefeld
The Austrian resort of Seefeld is a haven for family ski weekends, offering the perfect blend of adventure and convenience. Situated just a short 30-minute transfer from the highly accessible city of Innsbruck, this resort provides a stress-free family skiing holiday from the start.
Seefeld family ski holidays are a treasure trove of traditional Austrian charms, offering snow-dusted alpine peaks, quiet, car-free streets, and delicious alpine feasts in the town's many fantastic mountain restaurants. On the slopes, beginner skiers can grab a lesson at one of the best ski schools in Austria before heading to the small skiing area of Geigenbühel to practise their snow ploughs. Meanwhile, intermediate skiers and snowboarders will be thrilled with the 34km of cruisy corduroy to carve on the extensive Gschwandtkopf and Seefelder mountains. There are also 245km of cross-country or langlauf trails to explore overlooking the majestic Austrian Alps, including plenty of beginner runs for newbies.
Seefeld is about more than skiing too. From serene winter hikes to thrilling toboggan races down the mountains, friendly competitions on the curling rinks, to relaxation at the swimming pool or spa, there's something for everyone at this family-friendly Austrian skiing paradise.
When to go: We recommend planning a Seefeld half-term ski holiday in February to witness the season's best snow cover and watch the mesmerising Fasching celebrations!
2. Kaprun
Kaprun family ski holidays are nothing short of first-class, packed with mellow greens and cruisy blues that are perfect for beginners and mini-skiers. Set within a scenic river valley surrounded by historic brick buildings, panoramic glacier views, and traditional Austrian charm, Kaprun is the picture-perfect family ski trip you'd slap on a postcard to send back home to the grandparents.
With a warm and welcoming family ski area, gentle nursery slopes, and a sweet mix of cruisy and quiet blues on the Miaskogel piste, there's plenty to keep first-timers entertained at Kaprun. While kids are off at ski school, seasoned parents can carve up blues and reds down the scenic Kitzsteinhorn Glacier or test their mettle on the few gnarly blacks 3000 metres up. This glacier is one of Austria's most snow-sure spots, helping keep Kaprun's ski season fresh and powdery from October to July - making it ideal for a cheap late-season escape even in the Spring!
When your kids aren't busy skiing, they can soak up the panoramic views alongside you at the Gipfelwelt glacier viewpoint or chase winter thrills on the MaisiFlitzer toboggan ride.
When to go: Go on a family ski holiday to Kaprun in December to experience the magical Advent Markets.
3. Saalbach
Charming, lively, and with incredible skiing and snowboarding for all abilities - Saalbach family ski holidays are nothing short of perfect. Set against the enchanting alpine forests of the Glemm Valley, Seefeld’s wooden chalets, traditional mountain huts, and horse-drawn carriages pin it down as THE quintessential Austrian ski resort.
Mini-skiers will be spoilt for choice on the miles of wide, snowboard-friendly beginner pistes at Saalbach. Once ready, take to Austria’s second largest ski area, the ‘Ski Circus’, conveniently located near the resort. This proximity ensures easy access to super cruisy greens, tree-lined forest blues, easy-to-access nursery areas, and over 270km of pistes. You can even take a gondola to nearby Zell am See! The sky-high 2100m altitudes mean great snow flurries are commonplace here all season long - ideal not just for skiing but for tobogganing, winter hiking, and relaxing in the hotel saunas and spas.
Sallbach is all about good food and good company too. When you’re done skiing, head to one of the 60 local mountain huts to enjoy a variety of dishes, including plates of delicious curried sausage, oh-so-cheesy Kasnock’n dumplings, and buttery Kaiserschmarrn pancakes.
When to go: Plan a Christmas ski trip to Saalbach to sip steaming mugs of glühwein at the festive markets and enjoy incredible mountain skiing with the kids.
4. St Johann in Tirol
St Johann is THE destination for families keen to carve their first runs. With plenty of easy slopes for beginners, cruisy blues and reds for seasoned skiers, and even a fun park for budding little freestylers - St Johann in Tirol family ski holidays are perfect for all abilities.
The cosy counterpart to the glitzy party town of Kitzbühel, St Johann in Tirol's 43km of primarily blue and red long, gentle groomers offer the perfect playground for families seeking sugar-sweet corduroy turns. Set between the Kitzbüheler Horn and the Wilder Kaiser and just an hour from Salzburg airport, St Johann in Tirol is one of Austria's best weekend family ski trips. Come here for a large, dedicated kids-only area, top-rated ski schools, and even a fun park for young freestylers looking to cut loose on boxes, bumps, and banked turns with some air time.
On afternoons away from the slopes, this ancient medieval mining town offers plenty to see and do. Explore onion-domed Baroque churches, local heritage museums, and fresco-painted buildings around town, or head out to the town's broad open valleys to explore the 70km of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing trails.
When to go: To enjoy the season's best snow, we recommend a half-term ski holiday at St Johann in Tirol.
5. Obergurgl
One of Austria's most snow-sure resorts, Obergurgl's high altitudes ensure incredible skiing all season long - even during the Easter school holidays. Super family-friendly, Obergurgl's easy-to-access nursery slopes and traditional alpine feel sets it apart from the competition. No wonder it's often called 'The Diamond of the Alps'!
Start your days herding mini-skiers onto the easy-to-access bunny slope close to the resort before letting the whole family loose on oodles of uncrowded, tree-lined trails and wide-open pistes 3000m up. Experienced little rippers will love hitting the mini jumps and sliders at the Funpark, while for older kids and teenagers, the Fun Cross Course on the berms, tunnels, and kickers is nothing short of epic.
The village is a smorgasbord of fantastic alpine eats - offering various options to cater to different tastes. Dine on sumptuous cheese fondues and crusty hunks of baguette, or enjoy the proximity to the Italian border by dining on hearty slices of pepperoni pizza and bowls of warming pasta and polenta.
When to go: With 3000m altitudes ensuring snow until May, Obergurgl family ski holidays are an excellent pick for Easter school holidays.
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