Plan Now for a Family Ski Vacation in Austria

Family ski vacations always take some advance planning, but if yours includes travel to the Alps, it’s not too soon to begin. While ski resorts in France and Switzerland may have more glitz and name recognition, some of the best — and least expensive — family skiing is in Austria. Cozy Alpine villages, old-world charm, budget-friendly lifts and lodgings, and special facilities for young and beginning skiers make Austria especially appealing. Here are some family-friendly resorts to consider:

Although one of Austria’s largest ski domains, Saalbach-Hinterglemm is known for its abundant beginner and intermediate terrain, with plenty of variety across its entire 3,000 feet of verticals.  Kids especially love being able to ski right into the village.

One of Austria’s prettiest villages, Alpbach is also one of Austria’s most budget-friendly for skiers. While more experienced skiers appreciate the gondola links to one of the largest trail systems in the Tyrol, beginners have plenty of space on wide runs in the Skiweg area.

Child-safe ski lifts and gentle slopes combine with special kids’ facilities to make SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental popular with parents of young skiers. Ski school programs begin at age 2, and three nursery slopes are reserved for younger skiers; as children learn, they can progress to beginner trails. The whole family can enjoy the lit-up toboggan run.

The variety of gentle slopes close to the village and lodgings at Niederau makes it a popular choice for families; intermediate and expert skiers can take Markbachjoch gondola to the top of the ridge for sweeping views and long runs.

Parents looking for a bargain will appreciate the Family Euro program at Bad Kleinkirchheim/St. Oswald. The weekly winter package here offers children up to age 12 who are accompanied by their parents a chance to ski throughout its 100 kilometers of runs for the price of only €1.