Child-friendly ski resorts in Austria: the guide if you want to go on winter sports with your child(ren)!

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You want your children to enjoy winter sports in Austria as much as you did. Maybe you're going on a skiing holiday with your kids for the first time and want them to have a great experience. However, you realise that there is a lot involved in winter sports with children. How can you be sure that the ski resort is safe, that your child won't get lost, and that the ski instructors will understand your child's needs? Perhaps you are concerned about the language barrier, or wondering who will look after the youngest while you are on the slopes?

At Ferienhaus Tirol, we understand these concerns better than anyone. From experience, we know how much of a difference a truly child-friendly ski resort can make.

This blog was written by René Schwarte, the initiator and co-owner of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu. In this blog, we will take you through the seven best child-friendly ski resorts in Austria, offering Dutch skiing lessons and childcare. You will find practical answers to your questions and useful tips, and we will address common concerns. This will help you to plan an unforgettable winter sports holiday for the whole family with peace of mind!

Why choosing a child-friendly ski resort really makes a difference

A skiing holiday with children can be magical, but stressful if you're in the wrong place. Imagine relaxing on the slopes while your children laugh and play on the practice slopes with an English-speaking teacher. Afterwards, they can play in the playroom at the childcare centre while you enjoy another run or relax on the terrace with your partner.
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That's the difference that a child-friendly ski resort can make. At an ordinary ski resort with no special facilities, there is a risk of children getting cold and tired and crying, or parents having to take turns babysitting. In a family-friendly resort, everything is geared towards ensuring both children and parents have a great time. The result is happy faces, increased self-confidence in the little ones, and memories that the whole family will look back on with pleasure. In short, choosing a child-friendly ski resort means choosing convenience, safety, and plenty of family fun.

What makes a ski area truly child-friendly?

Our core vision is that a ski area is only truly child-friendly when it makes everyone feel at home, from the youngest toddler to their grandparents. It's about more than just a few easy slopes. It's about creating an environment where children can learn to ski safely at their own pace, where fun is paramount, and where parents are well looked after.
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A ski resort that meets these requirements has a friendly atmosphere rather than mass crowds, staff who understand what children need, and facilities that allow parents to enjoy themselves just as much. It's a place where you can go up the mountain without a care in the world, safe in the knowledge that your children are in good hands and having the time of their lives. That is the essence of a truly child-friendly ski resort.

So, what exactly is a 'child-friendly ski resort'?

We mean a winter sports destination that caters for families and young skiers in every way.  Specifically, this means:

• English-speaking ski lessons: ski schools that employ English-speaking instructors to teach children in their mother tongue. This boosts confidence and prevents misunderstandings.
  
• Childcare: Opportunities to take care of children who do not yet ski or who need a break. Think of crèches or ski kindergartens right by the slopes, where professional supervisors look after your child with a smile.
  
• Kinderlanden and practice meadows: Safe, enclosed areas full of happy characters, running belt lifts and soft obstacles where children can learn to ski through play. They can practise here undisturbed, away from fast skiers.
  
• A cosy atmosphere and a safe environment: Areas that are not known for intense après-ski or extreme crowds, but rather for their hospitality and tranquillity. These are often medium-sized or smaller ski resorts where it is easy to keep an eye on your children, with many blue (easy) pistes.
  
• There are children's menus in mountain huts, toboggan runs and fun parks for kids, as well as a swimming pool and play area in the village. There is everything you need for fun and relaxation as a family, apart from skiing.

Such a ski resort ensures that your winter sports holiday with children is fun, relaxed and safe. With these criteria in mind, we have selected the seven best Austrian ski resorts that meet these requirements.

You should go on holiday to Austria if you...

... love nature, mountains and being active. Austria is the ideal destination for anyone who likes to be outdoors - whether on skis, by bike, on a mountain hike or by the lake. You choose Austria if you...

1. Zillertal Arena – Gerlos

Tyrol is Austria's most famous region. It is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, charming villages and superb infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for summer and winter holidays. With over 1,200 mountain lifts, 20,000 kilometres of hiking trails, and vast ski areas such as the Zillertal Arena and the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental, it is an ideal destination for active holidaymakers.
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Popular resorts such as Mayrhofen in the Zillertal Valley and Sankt Johann in Tirol attract many visitors each year who are looking for a combination of nature, sports, and Tyrolean hospitality. Whether you want to hike, ski, mountain bike or simply unwind in a cosy holiday home, Tyrol has something for everyone.

2. Ski Juwel Alpbachtal – Wildschönau

This medium-sized ski area, with approximately 109 km of slopes, is slightly off the beaten track. This means that you won't encounter hordes of partying youngsters here, but you will find a friendly atmosphere. Ski Juwel is truly ideal for children. There are plenty of good ski schools, some of which specialise in teaching children.

You will notice that the teachers are patient and responsive to children's needs. There are many blue slopes for beginners, which you can descend gently with your children. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy outside of skiing, from tobogganing in Niederau to visiting the petting zoo or going on a sleigh ride through snowy villages.

Ski Juwel is reasonably priced, with regular promotions such as free ski passes for young children and discounts on family passes. The focus here is on winter sports fun for all ages in a familiar, peaceful environment.

3. SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is one of Austria's largest ski areas, with 284 km of slopes. But don't let its size put you off — it is extremely family-friendly. In fact, spread across the different villages, you will find numerous facilities specially designed for children. Almost every village station has a free children's meadow with a magic carpet (conveyor belt) or a children's drag lift. In Ellmau, Scheffau and Hopfgarten, childcare for babies aged 5–6 months is even available right on the piste.
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This means that even parents with a baby can take turns skiing while their little one plays inside in a warm environment. Many of the ski instructors in SkiWelt speak English, particularly in popular resorts such as Westendorf and Ellmau. There is plenty of variety: older children (or fanatical parents) can enjoy fun parks and toboggan runs (e.g. the toboggan run in Söll), while younger children can have fun in places like the Hexen-Kinderland in Söll or Bobo's Kinderland in Westendorf.

4. Almenwelt Lofer

Almenwelt Lofer is a smaller, more manageable ski area in Salzburgerland with 22 km of slopes, which is precisely what makes it attractive for families. It remains relatively unknown to the general public and is therefore quiet and affordable. Lofer has received several awards for its family-friendliness in recent years.  All the lifts on Loferer Alm are modern chairlifts with child safety features and weather hoods. Of the 22 kilometres of slopes, 14 km are designated as blue, making them ideal for beginner skiers and young families.

​​​​​At the top of the mountain, near the mountain station, there are two large children's areas run by the local ski schools: Bobo's Kinderland (at Skischule Sturm) and Lofino Kinderland (at Skischule Herbst). Childcare is also available in Lofer. For example, the ski school offers a childcare service where children aged 2–3 can play indoors or rest under supervision for a few hours (useful when they are too tired to ski). As well as skiing, Lofer offers additional activities, such as the playful Hexen-Funline trail and the Lofi-Funslope with fun obstacles for slightly older children. A lovely winter hiking trail across the alpine pasture is perfect for non-skiing family members.

5. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in Tyrol is widely considered to be Austria's leading family ski resort. It seems as if this area was designed by parents and children together. There are two giant children's areas: the Kinderschneealm in Serfaus and Berta's Kinderland in Fiss/Ladis. Both are packed with attractions.

There are igloos, play equipment and a children's disco on the snow, to name a few. There are plenty of English-speaking ski instructors here, especially in the high season. The ski schools in Serfaus and Fiss-Ladis usually employ several English instructors, so there is a good chance you can get lessons in your own language (but always ask in advance!).
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For the little ones, professional childcare is available: babies and toddlers (from birth) can go to the Murmlikrippe in Serfaus or Berta's Kindergarten in Fiss, where the loving staff will entertain them indoors while you ski. The ski area itself is very versatile, with 214 km of slopes offering plenty of blue runs for beginners and plenty of red runs for more experienced skiers. The ski lifts here have child safety features.

6. Zell am See – Schmittenhöhe

Zell am See (Salzburgerland) is beautifully located on a lake and is incredibly child-friendly. Schmittenhöhe, Zell's home mountain, offers a wonderfully varied but manageable ski area (approx. 77 km of slopes), perfect for families. There are spacious blue slopes and a great children's area at the top of the mountain for beginner skiers.
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The Dragon Park on the Schmittenhöhe, inspired by the mascot dragon Schmidolin, is an absolute highlight for children. Here, children can playfully learn the rules of the piste and ski through a dragon tunnel or hop over small ramps. The ski instructors in Zell am See are accustomed to welcoming international guests. Parents can also take advantage of the childcare service available at lunchtime, where the instructors eat with the children so mum and dad can continue skiing.

7. Saalbach-Hinterglemm en Kirchberg

Finally, we present two top resorts that have been popular with Dutch families for years. Despite its size, Saalbach-Hinterglemm (Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn) is a large ski area (270 km of slopes) that is very accessible for families. Over half of the slopes are blue or light red, so novice skiers have plenty of choice. There are several children's parks scattered around the area, such as Leo's Kinderland near Leogang, as well as children's areas at the ski schools in Saalbach and Hinterglemm.

You will also regularly come across English-speaking ski instructors here; for example, Skischule Saalbach employs a number of Dutch instructors every year. Parents can enjoy skiing in a large area without worry, safe in the knowledge that their children are in good hands and in safe, child-friendly surroundings. Kirchberg in Tyrol (part of the Kitzbühel/Kirchberg ski area) is also worth mentioning for its huge popularity among beginner skiers.

Both Kirchberg and the neighbouring village of Kitzbühel place great value on being child-friendly. For instance, free ski buses run daily to transport children to and from the ski school, which is extremely convenient for parents who wish to take a different lift. Children under six can also ski for free here (free ski pass) and many accommodation providers offer special family discounts. The ski area itself is large, with 170 km of slopes, but it also has a good proportion of easy runs and fine practice slopes at the valley stations of the Fleckalmbahn and KiWest lifts.

What is the minimum age for children to take ski lessons in Austria?

Most ski schools in Austria have a minimum age requirement of around three to four years old for group lessons. From that age, toddlers can often join the ski class if they are playful.  Some areas, such as Lofer and Serfaus, already offer mini-ski games for two-year-olds, but don't expect a proper ski lesson — it's more about getting used to the snow. Private lessons are sometimes possible for younger children too, but most importantly, don't force anything. See if your child is ready.

Tip: Get them used to wearing ski boots and sliding at home or on an indoor track so they feel confident when they start.

Can I find English-speaking ski instructors for my children?

Yes, in many Austrian ski resorts you will come across English-speaking ski instructors.

When booking ski lessons, you can often indicate that you prefer an English-speaking instructor. In the SkiWelt and the Skicircus, there is a good chance that this will work. But even if you get lessons from a local instructor, he or she will explain important terms in English. Language barriers are therefore hardly a big problem anywhere. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your instructor and understand what you have to do – and that is usually fine in Austria.

Is childcare available for children who are too young to ski?

Yes, many child-friendly ski resorts offer childcare facilities for children who are not skiing. For example, in Gerlos, there is childcare on the mountain for children aged one and over, and in SkiWelt (Ellmau/Scheffau) and Serfaus, there is childcare for babies aged a few months and over. In Alpbach and Lofer, there is ski childcare for toddlers (often aged 2 or 3) at the mountain station.

​​​​​​​These are professional crèches or children's clubs with qualified instructors. They are often conveniently located next to or inside the ski school so you can drop your child off in the morning and then enjoy a day on the slopes with peace of mind. Always ask about the exact times and costs, as sometimes you can choose between a few hours or a whole day of childcare, with or without lunch.

What should I do if my child doesn't want to ski all day?

Don't worry – you don't have to force them. Many ski schools offer half-day lessons. Alternatively, you can choose to let your child take lessons in the morning only and do something else in the afternoon. There are plenty of distractions in the child-friendly areas. You could go tobogganing together on a sled run, build a snowman or visit a swimming pool (for example, in Ellmau or Zell am See). Alternatively, you could take the gondola up for a short winter walk and enjoy a hot chocolate in a mountain hut. Let your child rest if they are tired – young children take in so many new impressions that an afternoon of playing or sleeping is sometimes very welcome. Remember: the goal is for them to have fun in the snow!

Would smaller ski areas be boring for the experienced skiers in our family?

It depends, but generally speaking, smaller areas also offer enough of a challenge, especially if you are travelling with children. For example, Lofer and Ski Juwel are not huge, but they offer enough variety for a week with the family. Moreover, in such a manageable area, you can easily take the same slope a few times while watching your child practise without getting bored. Another option is to plan a day trip to a nearby larger area.

Practical tips for families

• Choose the right accommodation: Try to book somewhere with ski-in/ski-out access or close to the practice slope. The closer you are to the lift with the kids, the better. Staying in a holiday home or family room right on the slopes will make your mornings much more relaxing. For example, you will find spacious family-friendly chalets in good locations on Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu. 
• Rent good quality children's equipment: Make sure the children are well equipped. Rent skis, boots and helmets on site — these are mandatory and will protect their heads. A well-fitting helmet and ski goggles are essential. Also make sure you have layered clothing, waterproof gloves and sunscreen (yes, even in the snow!).
• Keep it fun and playful: Let children be children when it comes to winter sports. Plan enough breaks for hot chocolate and pancakes. Bring or rent a sledge so they can go sledging or play in between activities. Remember that snow fun isn't just about skiing – an afternoon building snowmen or going on a horse-drawn sleigh ride could be the highlight of their holiday. Go with other families:
• Consider going on holiday with friends or family who also have children. In a large holiday home, the children can play together while the parents cook or chat. You can also take it in turns to babysit. Fun and practical!
• Preparation is key: Prepare your children mentally for the skiing holiday. Watch YouTube videos of skiing together, read a book about skiing adventures, or let them practise walking in ski boots at home. This way, they will know what to expect, and their anticipation will build.

Conclusion

A winter sports holiday with children doesn’t have to be stressful, as long as you choose the right destination. The seven ski resorts we’ve discussed here all prove that Austria is a great option, offering everything from Dutch-speaking ski instructors and childcare to quiet slopes. In such areas, you can watch your children grow in confidence and have fun every day while enjoying skiing and spending time together. Doesn't that sound like the ideal holiday?

Now it’s up to you: which destination appeals to you the most? Would you prefer the small-scale resort of Lofer or the fully equipped resort of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis? Whatever you choose, you can be sure that you will create golden memories with your family at these resorts. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream winter sports holiday today.

Feel free to browse our range of family-friendly chalets and holiday homes – we’re here to help you find the perfect accommodation in Austria, whether that's a cosy mountain hut for four or a large house for three families.