Family Skiing in Austria

Most European ski resorts, like those in North America, have some facilities for children and beginning skiers. But Austrian resorts are especially welcoming to families, with lower lift prices and facilities often including slope-side childcare and lessons for toddlers. So if your family travel plans include skiing, look at these Austrian resorts.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental
Nine different villages with interconnected lifts and trails make up SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, near Kitzbuhel, so you never have to ski the same run twice. Ride the gondola to the on-mountain daycare or to one of the ski schools, where kids as young as 1 year old can begin skiing. The igloo village and on-mountain playgrounds keep young kids entertained, with teens loving the terrain parks.

Niederau
With some of Austria’s most budget-friendly resort lodging, Niederau has an excellent progression of terrain, with places for practice at each skill level. The beginners’ lift takes skiers right from the charming village. For off-slope time, there’s a tourist train, water park and toboggan course. It’s not all for kids, though; experts in the family will find plenty of challenging runs.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Lifts and trails connect these two villages near Salzburg to a vast network of mountains known as the Ski Circus, totaling more than 100 miles of ski trails. The varied terrain at Saalbach-Hinterglemm is especially good for beginning skiers and intermediates, with trails running right into the village centers. You’ll find the best budget family lodgings in Hinterglemm.

Stuben

If you’ve always dreamed of skiing the fabled Alberg, but other family members are less experienced skiers, consider Stuben. This little Alpine village is a low-key alternative to the glitzier towns, but offers lift access to the entire Arlberg ski terrain.