4. Sölden, Tyrol
This gorgeous resort in Tyrol is a fantastic family-friendly area that has a high elevation providing the mountains with enough snow for a fulfilling season.
For those first strapping on their skis, there are wonderful wide and well groomed slopes in Innerwald and at Giggijoch, but there are also a couple ski and freestyle parks – one of which lies in Giggijoch - for those seeking a little more risk and adventure.
The brilliant Yellow Power ski school offers lessons to kids with a maximum of eight per group all day or during a particular morning/afternoon session. For those high achievers the ski kindergarten by the Giggijochbahn lift has a final race and award ceremony.
Insider tip: After a day out on the slopes, there is nothing like relaxing at the luxurious Aqua Dome thermal spa. Kids can also have their share of fun at the separate water world especially designed for them. Shuffles to and from the ski slopes are available every ten minutes.
3. St. Anton, Arlberg region
With ample terrain for advanced skiers with ski and freestyle parks and superb off piste skiing, St. Anton may not be the traditional image of a family resort. In actuality, the variety of slopes in the region provides kids with ample opportunity to learn and improve at lightening rates, especially over in the Nasserein.Experts and novices will both thrive .
At the base of the Gampen and Kapall mountains there are gentler slopes that are perfect for transitioning from walking to gliding. On the Schinderspitze and higher up on the Kapall there are more challenging slopes for superior skiers, but for those serious risk takers there are more extreme routes such as the Valfagehr that should be attempted with a guide.
The impressive Arlberg ski school offers ski and snowboard tuition from 3 years of age and up, as well as a Kindergarten that takes kids from 2.5 years old.
Whilst there, why not try an incredible luxury chalet or hotel? The amazing Apartment Alisma is wonderfully family friendly with plenty of rooms, optional full catering, close proximity to the Nasserein ski lift, and a ski in/out route. The Hotel Himmlhof has very friendly staff, easy access to ski lifts and a quiet location.
Insider tip: Seeking some quality girl time with spectacular scenic views? Female skiers and boarders should consider hitting the more spacious slopes during ‘Ladies Week’ at the beginning of January.
2. Lech/Zürs, Arlberg region
These two beautiful resorts are connected by an easy ski route for those willing to venture out a little further. There is also the expansive White Ring, a popular circuit for avid skiers that encircles the villages around both Lech and Zürs.
Both are extremely child-friendly with tons of gentle slopes that are wide and well groomed, Lech especially. However, both also provide excellent off piste skiing and challenging black slopes.
In Zürs, for the brave at heart, there is a snowboarder’s area, a freestyle park, a half pipe and even heli-skiing.
Skischule Lech and Skischule Zürs are perfect for both adults and children. Youngsters have helpful nursery slopes right by the village as well as a Kinderland, a Miniclub, and children’s racing.
If you desire showing off your brand new skills, Zürs has a permanent slalom race course fitted with timer. If new to this particular resort here are some stellar slopes for all levels.
Oberlech is an ideal area for young children and beginners whereas Zürs has the Trittkopf for advanced skiers and the Hexenboden for intermediates.
Insider tip: After a tiring day out on the mountain try relaxing and being pampered at Hotel Aurelio Lech. This family friendly hotel has gourmet cuisine and a spa, but it also happens to be surrounded by a mountain playground for the kids.
1. Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Salzburger Land
Saalbach is a large and wondrous resort with plenty to offer. There are snow/freestyle parks, frequent racing, minimal queuing at all the lifts, and floodlit slopes allowing the action to go well into the night. Besides skiing and snowboarding there is tubing and tobogganing for the whole family.
The stellar Snow Academy is one of many ski schools in the area that provides its young learners with conveyer belt lifts, carousels, snow igloos, and child snow mobiles. The ski school takes care of kids’ safety with free safety vests and helmets offered.
There are beginner groups with a maximum of five people, a Kindergarten for ones not yet old enough to ski and Bambini courses for three year olds and up. At the end of the set lessons there is a great children’s race and awards show.
The north side of the valley is the more popular with skiers and snowboarders with longer lasting slopes. For the experts there is the north facing slope, the Zwölferkogel, that offers a 3km long black run with moguls.
One amazing hotel is the Alpine Palace New Balance Luxus Resort with a skilift just a minute walk away. There is of course a spa, warm outdoor swimming pools, a steam room, Wi-Fi, and a fitness facility.
Insider tip: One of the most breath catching activities that the whole family can do is the Flying Fox which is one of the biggest and fastest zip lines in Europe.
