Family Favourites

Austria’s family-friendly ski resorts are masters of the alpine balancing act—combining dependable snow, diversified terrain and considerate infrastructure with a relaxed, welcoming environment. St Johann in Tirol and its SalzburgerLand namesake each supply light slopes and charming village vibes, perfect for youthful skiers and multi-generational teams. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis units the bar excessive with devoted children’ zones and slick carry methods, whereas SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental delivers huge terrain and quick access for households searching for journey with out the crowds. Whether or not it’s ski colleges, off-slope enjoyable or stress-free logistics, these resorts make household snowboarding really feel easy—and unforgettable.

However what actually units it aside is the Austrian Lebensgefühl—a singular “feeling of life” that radiates from the individuals who make your vacation particular and join with your loved ones. Whether or not it’s a ski teacher sharing native suggestions, a carry operator greeting you with a smile, or a chef plating up an ideal Kaiserschmarrn, their pleasure is infectious. So don’t simply carve turns—join with the tradition, embrace the rhythm of alpine life, and uncover your personal Lebensgefühl within the coronary heart of Austria.

St. Johann in Tirol

St. Johann in Tirol is a winter vacation spot that radiates heat, appeal, and a deep-rooted dedication to happiness! Nestled between the Kitzbühel Alps and the Wilder Kaiser, this four-village area—St. Johann, Oberndorf, Kirchdorf, and Erpfendorf—presents a wealthy mix of alpine journey and real hospitality. Whether or not you’re carving your first activates contemporary snow, gliding by silent forests on cross-country skis, or just absorbing the mountain views, this can be a place the place winter feels private. Locals name it “My Yapadu”—a philosophy of pleasure that infuses every part from the slopes to the schnapps.

Snowboarding right here is relaxed, scenic, and surprisingly reasonably priced in comparison with many different ski locations. The St. Johann ski space presents 40 kilometres of large, diversified pistes perfect for households with 17 lifts and 6 ski colleges. The terrain is light however various, and the views of the Wilder Kaiser are spectacular. It’s not simply households although, the Dynafit Ski Touring Park has marked routes and guided ascents supply a secure means for tourers to find untouched terrain having earned their turns.

You’ll discover 18 cozy huts serving regional specialties like dumplings and Kaiserschmarrn. For extra selection, the 3-Länder Freizeit-Enviornment cross unlocks 160 kilometres of slopes throughout Tirol, Salzburg, and Bavaria. And should you’re chasing critical mileage, the Tremendous Ski Card covers 23 ski areas and an unimaginable 2,840 kilometres of pistes, with St. Johann as a central launch level.

Early risers can get pleasure from “The First Observe” expertise—snowboarding from 6:59 to eight:30 a.m. on choose March dates for simply €12, adopted by breakfast within the huts. And winter begins this yr with a cut price: day passes from €41 in early December and €53 in January and March. Even novices are catered for, with three free follow areas in Kirchdorf and St. Johann.

Cross-country snowboarding is a standout right here, with 170 kilometres of trails winding by sunny valleys and forested paths. The area holds the Tyrolean seal of approval for its path high quality and skier-friendly motels. Night time trails in St. Johann and Erpfendorf add a magical contact, and you may attempt a taster biathlon should you’d like to check your goal after a scenic ski.

For panoramic views, head to the Harschbichlalm for sweeping vistas of the Kitzbüheler Horn, or go to Kaiserbachtal for close-up views of the Wilder Kaiser’s rugged cliffs. The Bichlhof additionally presents a peaceable vantage level over the valley basin.

Off the slopes, winter mountaineering and snowshoeing reveal the quieter facet of alpine life. You may be a part of a moonlight snowshoe tour or set off on any of the 100 kilometres of groomed winter mountaineering trails.

For households, the area is a dream. Little ones can meet Yappy Yapadu, the cheerful mascot, and study to ski in peaceable, uncrowded areas, like in Yappy’s Winterland. After a day within the snow, head to the Panorama Badewelt for swimming and spa time, or escape to Murmis Kinderland in Kirchdorf for indoor play.

Searching for thrills? Strive tobogganing on pure runs, ice skating on the floodlit rink, or a winter Segway tour. For aerial views and thrills, the Flying Fox course at Hornpark spans 530 metres throughout seven stations, or go for paragliding, ballooning, or perhaps a tandem leap.

Eating is a delight, with rustic huts and alpine inns serving hearty Tyrolean fare. At Grander Schupf, skiers and hikers meet over mountain views and home made dishes. Stanglalm celebrates 100 years of strudel-making, whereas Angerer Alm boasts the best wine cellar within the Kitzbühel Alps. For a culinary twist, go to Aggstein Edelbrände, a fifth-generation schnapps distillery, or pattern cheese on the Wilder Kaser present dairy. And if you want to go to exterior ski season as effectively, don’t miss the dumpling pageant in September, the place 26,000 dumplings are served in 22 varieties.

Winter occasions highlights embrace a formidable weekly SkiShow, staged each Tuesday from 5.30pm bringing thrills for the entire household. Then at first of the season there’s the St. Johann Christmas Market, the place twinkling lights and alpine treats create a festive environment. The Gondola Dinner presents a singular eating expertise between mountain and valley, whereas Elevate & Love turns ski lifts into velocity relationship venues. Retro vibes take over throughout Retro Ski Day, and custom meets enjoyable on the Dirndl & Lederhosen Ski Day.

Sustainability is woven into the area’s DNA. St. Johann in Tirol has simply been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel and has been named a Finest Tourism Village by UN Tourism—the one place in Austria to obtain this honour. Initiatives just like the Clear Alpine Area challenge and nature-focused installations within the Kaiserbachtal Outside Gallery mirror a deep dedication to local weather safety and cultural preservation.

Getting round is simple with the St. Johann Card, which incorporates free use of buses and trains plus reductions throughout the area. And with a weekly program full of free guided hikes, snowshoe excursions, and native experiences, there’s all the time one thing new to find.

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Perched on a sunny excessive plateau in Tirol, the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis area is a winter wonderland designed with households, foodies, and adventure-seekers in thoughts. With 214 kilometres of slopes, 2,000 hours of sunshine per yr, and a seamless mix of custom and innovation, it’s no marvel this trio of villages is persistently ranked among the many Alps’ most family-friendly ski locations.

Picture © Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis-Advertising and marketing-GmbH_photographer_Manuel-Kokseder

The ski space stretches from 1,200 to 2,828 metres above sea stage, providing snow-sure situations from early December to mid-April. Whether or not you’re carving large groomers, tackling freeride terrain, or watching your little ones take their first turns in Berta’s Kinderlandor or Kinderschneealm, the resort caters to each stage and age. The infrastructure is slick, with 68 lifts together with gondolas, chairlifts, and the Serfaus Underground — the world’s smallest and highest air-cushioned subway, whisking company from village centre to cable automotive in minutes.

Households are on the coronary heart of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis expertise. The area boasts 125,000 sq. metres of devoted kids’s snow areas, together with the Kinderschneealm and Murmlipark in Serfaus, and Berta’s Kinderland in Fiss-Ladis. Ski colleges use award-winning educating strategies, and the slopes are zoned to swimsuit all ages — from light nursery runs to teen-friendly terrain parks.

Off the piste, the range continues. There are 100km of winter mountaineering trails, 52km of cross-country routes, and 8km of toboggan runs. One particular expertise is an early morning trip on the Masner Specific — a transformed snow groomer that climbs to the Hexensee hut for dawn breakfasts and panoramic views.

Culinary highlights are woven into the mountain expertise. The Crystal Dice at 2,600m presents champagne breakfasts and connoisseur lunches with 360° views, whereas the Monte Mare restaurant hosts the romantic Sundown Dinner Masner, full with snowcat transport, the tip of day different to the dawn possibility. Households can refuel on the Sonnenburg, the place stone-baked pizzas and playrooms maintain everybody pleased.

Night leisure consists of the Journey Night time in Serfaus which options fireworks, laser reveals, and ski performances, whereas Nightflow in Fiss brings acrobatics and après-ski vitality. Magic Ladis transforms the fort pond right into a stage of fireplace and ice, and the SnowArt Competition blends music, meals, and alpine atmosphere.

For thrill-seekers, the area presents high-adrenaline experiences just like the Fisser Flieger and Skyswing, the Serfauser Sauser zipline, and the Pistenbully Tour, the place company trip alongside snow groomer drivers. For a quieter thrill, the First Observe lets early risers ski untouched slopes earlier than breakfast.

For photographers and view-chasers, the M1 viewing platform at 2,828m presents vistas of the Zugspitze and Ortler, whereas the Z1 platform reveals the complete sweep of the Samnaun group. The Schönjoch summit cross is one other must-snap spot.

Sustainability is a core worth. The resort runs on 100% inexperienced electrical energy, makes use of GPS-based snow depth administration, and promotes regional sourcing by the “Bewusst Tirol” initiative. The Serfaus Underground talked about earlier shouldn’t be solely a dry and environment friendly strategy to get round in winter however reduces visitors and emissions.

Lodging is diversified and welcoming, with over 600 choices from boutique motels to family-run chalets. Company can browse the complete lodging checklist and e-book straight with verified suppliers. Many properties supply ski-in/ski-out entry, wellness services, and household packages — plus the area’s signature heat and hospitality.

In Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, each day is an opportunity to create “Moments that keep.” Whether or not it’s a baby’s first ski flip, a candlelit dinner above the clouds, or a shared giggle on a toboggan run, the area delivers winter magic each day with a big selection of winter sights ready for you.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is likely one of the largest, most fashionable, and most sustainable ski areas, not simply in Austria, however the entire world. But it stays charmingly shut and unmistakably Tyrolean. Simply an hour from Salzburg, Innsbruck, or Munich, this huge alpine playground connects eight genuine villages together with Brixen, Ellmau, Going, Itter, Scheffau, Söll, Hopfgarten, and Westendorf, every providing direct entry to the slopes and a heat welcome rooted in family-run hospitality. With panoramic views of over 70 three-thousand-metre peaks and a deep dedication to ecological innovation, SkiWelt is the place custom meets trailblazing.

The snowboarding right here is huge and diversified. With 275 km of pistes—88% of that are straightforward or intermediate—plus 81 fashionable lifts and over 20 valley runs, there’s terrain for each stage. Households will love the large, forgiving slopes and 22 skilled ski colleges, whereas seasoned skiers can deal with the KitzSkiWelt Tour, the longest ski circuit on the planet, overlaying 88 km and 17,000 vertical meters. For early risers, dawn snowboarding is on the market each Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. beginning February 13, 2026, with 22 km of freshly groomed pistes. And from late January, prolonged afternoon hours imply much more time on the snow—for a similar value.

The SkiWelt Tour presents a singular strategy to discover the area, with as much as 84 km of slopes connecting all 9 villages. No carry or piste must be repeated except you select to, and each 3.5 km you’ll discover one among over 80 rustic huts serving regional specialties. Journey-seekers can dive into 4 enjoyable parks, race down velocity and ski film tracks, or expertise Austria’s largest evening snowboarding space in Söll, open Wednesday to Saturday.

For breathtaking views, the Hohe Salve summit presents a 360° panorama of the Wilder Kaiser, Kitzbühel Alps, and even the Großglockner. It’s additionally dwelling to Austria’s highest pilgrimage church and a revolving restaurant. Different scenic spots embrace Brandstadl in Scheffau, Astberg in Going, and Hartkaiser in Ellmau, every accessible through panoramic cable vehicles and winter mountaineering trails.

Off the slopes, the SkiWelt presents a wealth of winter actions. Households can get pleasure from ice skating, tubing carousels, and magical forest hikes. Tobogganing is a spotlight, with three floodlit runs together with the Hexenritt and Mondrodelbahn in Söll and the Astberg run in Ellmau/Going. For one thing actually particular, e-book the champagne gondola on the Hexenwasser carry—a night trip with glowing wine, nibbles, and views of the illuminated resort.

Eating in SkiWelt is a celebration of Tyrolean flavours and mountain hospitality. Each few kilometres, you’ll discover a hut with its personal character and culinary specialty. Don’t miss the Gipfelalm Hohe Salve, Austria’s highest revolving restaurant with panoramic views and seasonal dishes from native farms. The Rübezahl Alm in Ellmau is a country gem with open fireplaces and kooky wooden carvings, whereas Stöcklalm in Söll presents home made pasta and livestreams from the barn. For a comfy cease, attempt Filzalm in Brixen, the oldest serviced hut within the space, or Sonnalm in Westendorf, a musical hub with an open hearth.

Particular offers this winter embrace the SuperSkiWeeks (Dec 6–19, Mar 14–Apr 6), providing 15% off ski passes for adults, and FamilySkiWeeks, the place children as much as 15 ski free when a father or mother buys a 3-day cross. Younger households with toddlers can share a Younger Household Ticket, permitting two dad and mom to alternate use of a single cross. And for midweek financial savings, Males’s Day and Women’ Day supply 10% reductions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays respectively from January 7, 2026.

SkiWelt is a pioneer in sustainability. Since 2002, all lifts have run on 100% inexperienced electrical energy from Tyrolean hydropower. The world’s first solar-powered carry was constructed right here in 2008, and right now many lifts produce as much as 50% of their very own vitality through photovoltaic methods. Snowmaking makes use of 18 pure reservoirs stuffed by snowmelt and is derived, and GPS-equipped groomers optimise snow distribution, saving 25% in water and vitality. Waste warmth from lifts and snow weapons is recycled to warmth buildings, and the brand new hydropower plant in Söll now powers 25% of the lifts there.

Attending to SkiWelt is refreshingly straightforward. The Hopfgarten cable automotive is simply 100 meters from the prepare station, and the resort is a founding companion of the Nightjet sleeper prepare, providing in a single day journey from Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Amsterdam with ski cross and transfers included with new connections from London. There’s additionally a day by day ski bus from Munich to Brixen.

Winter occasions add sparkle to the season. Highlights embrace Ellmi’s Zauberhafter Bergadvent, Europe’s highest Christmas market (Dec 5–20), New Yr’s Eve on the mountain with prolonged carry hours and festive menus, and the Winterwoodstock of Brass Music from March 20–22, that includes 40 bands throughout 4 phases and huts. In Söll, the Hexenwinter brings witches on skis, snowy treasure hunts and steaming cauldrons of witch’s brew to maintain the youngsters enchanted. Higher nonetheless, the resort makes it simpler on the pockets too – with FamilySkiWeeks, the place kids as much as 15 ski free in off-season, and the Younger Household Card, letting dad and mom of toddlers share a cross between them.

St. Johann in Salzburg

Nestled simply 60 km south of Salzburg, St. Johann in Salzburg is an enthralling alpine city that blends the heat of conventional hospitality with the sophistication of city aptitude. Whether or not you’re right here for a household getaway or a romantic escape, the area presents a seamless mixture of nature, tradition, and luxury. Choices for stays right here embrace a “ski in – ski out” setup in Alpendorf which means you may step out of your resort and straight onto the slopes, with no buses or queues in sight—simply pure mountain freedom.

The Snow Area Salzburg ski space, a part of the huge Ski amadé community, delivers 210 km of groomed pistes throughout 12 peaks and 5 valleys, with 69 lifts and 4 ski colleges in St. Johann able to welcome all ranges of skiers. From light household runs to the exhilarating 12 Peaks Trophy, the terrain is as diversified as it’s scenic. Freestylers can check their abilities on the Snowpark Alpendorf, whereas cross-country skiers glide by 14 km of trails within the sunny Salzach Valley. For these searching for solitude, ski touring on the Hahnbaum presents peaceable ascents and panoramic rewards.

The views from the mountain are nothing in need of spectacular. From the Gernkogel summit, you’ll take within the Tennengebirge and Hochkönig massif, whereas the Hochgründeck reveals sweeping vistas of the Hohe Tauern and Dachstein ranges. These photograph spots are excellent for capturing the magic of the area.

Past snowboarding, St. Johann presents a wealthy palette of winter actions. Snowshoeing by quiet forests, tobogganing on the floodlit Hahnbaum run, and horse-drawn sleigh Rides wrapped in heat blankets all deliver the panorama to life. Indoors, you’ll discover procuring, cosy cafés, and cultural gems just like the Pongau Cathedral and Anna Chapel, which provide a quiet retreat and a glimpse into the city’s Gothic heritage.

Households are particularly effectively catered for, with winter playgrounds, conveyor belts, and wave tracks designed for youths, plus skilled ski colleges that make studying enjoyable. Mascot Joey is successful with the little ones, and the JoKiWo Winter Youngsters Week guarantees themed actions and snowy adventures. For one thing actually distinctive, attempt the race monitor with digital timing—loser buys the new chocolate!

Eating in St. Johann is a delight. From rustic huts like Kreistenalm and Intestine Berg Stadl to sophisticated eating places, the main focus is on regional high quality. Don’t miss the Pofesen, a conventional pastry that’s easy to make and unimaginable to overlook. For a deeper style of native craftsmanship, head to the Hedegg distillery for schnapps tasting or browse natural treats on the Pongauer Bauernladen.

This winter, make the most of particular packages just like the Winter Time-Out, providing three nights in a 4-star resort with breakfast, or the Hearty Winter, which incorporates seven nights in a slope-side 4-star superior resort. For a gentler tempo, the Mild Winter bundle consists of guided snowshoeing by serene landscapes.

Insider suggestions embrace the Fairytale Hike, a magical winter stroll that’s excellent for households, and the Sternalm, a comfy hut with views over the Salzach Valley. These hidden gems supply quiet moments away from the crowds.

Among the many season’s highlights are the Mild Creation, a luminous celebration of winter, and the Parachute Ski World Cup, the place athletes from across the globe compete in an exciting mix of snowboarding and skydiving.

St. Johann can be making huge strides in sustainability. The Inexperienced Mountain initiative goals to make Snow Area Salzburg climate-neutral by the 2025/26 season, specializing in actual emissions reductions reasonably than offsets. It’s a daring step towards eco-conscious snowboarding.

As soon as once more, getting right here is simple. The city’s central location in SalzburgerLand makes it accessible by prepare from Salzburg or through close by airports. When you arrive, the Visitor Mobility Ticket ensures clean, climate-friendly journey all through the area.