🗺️ Skiing in the Alps: how to choose a resort with kids and when to go

Austria welcomes skiers almost all year round. Glaciers open as early as October, and regular resorts operate from December through April. The country has more than a hundred resorts, and picking one in a single evening is tough. For a family with kids, the decision comes down to three things: how close the slopes are, the children's ski school, and the price of a ski pass.

We've rounded up the resorts most often chosen for winter holidays with children. For each one you'll find the skiing level, children's infrastructure, and a practical detail: where to leave the car, how to get up to the glacier, and when to visit.

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How to choose a ski resort in Austria

💡 In short:

Look at the resort's altitude: the higher it is, the more reliable the snow in January and March.
For small children, go with Mayrhofen or Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis.
If you want to ski from October, choose the glaciers of Sölden or Kaprun.

Skiing Austria is divided into several regions: Pinzgau, Zillertal, Ötztal, and Arlberg. Each has its own logic. In some places altitude and reliable snow are the deciding factors, in others children's ski schools, in others nightlife. Below we've broken down the resorts that families choose most often and added a comparison by season and skiing level.

Also check what's included in the ski pass. One ticket often covers several valleys at once. This expands your choice of runs and saves time at ticket offices.

Skis and poles on snow, snow-covered mountains

Zell am See: lake, glacier, and gentle slopes

Zell am See sits on the shore of Lake Zell in the Pinzgau region, in the state of Salzburg. The resort consists of two parts: the local mountain Schmittenhöhe and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in neighboring Kaprun. One Ski ALPIN CARD pass covers both areas and adds Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm.

Zell am See street with painted houses and mountains

The glacier season runs from October to late spring, while Schmittenhöhe is skiable from December through April (according to the official Zell am See-Kaprun website). Beginners get wide, gentle slopes here, and ski schools operate for children. In the evening the town comes alive: cafes, bars, and restaurants serving Alpine cuisine.

Getting there: from the railway station you walk to the Schmittenhöhe lift.
Who it's for: families with beginners, couples, people who enjoy skiing near the water.
The catch: the glacier is in Kaprun, so you take a ski bus to get there.

Hotels in Zell am See on Trip.com

Mayrhofen: children's ski schools and a big cable car

Mayrhofen lies in the Zillertal valley. Ski schools and kindergartens operate right in the village, so you can book lessons for your child from day one. The resort is connected by modern lifts to the Penken and Ahorn areas.

During the day you ski runs of varying difficulty. The town stays lively in the evening too: discos, a cinema, and clubs. This sets Mayrhofen apart from the quiet neighboring villages. The season usually runs from December to April (according to the official Mayrhofen website).

How to get there: the Penkenbahn gondola takes you from the town center up to the main slopes.
Who it's for: families with children, groups who want to ski during the day and go out in the evening.
The catch: during peak weeks the lifts can get crowded.

Hotels in Mayrhofen on Trip.com

Sölden: glaciers and a long season

Sölden sits in the Ötztal valley and is known for two glaciers, Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. Every year in late October it hosts the opening of the Alpine Ski World Cup season. That is why the resort attracts athletes and anyone who wants to start skiing earlier than everyone else.

The season here is long: from October to May (according to the official Sölden website). Beyond the slopes, you will find mountain trails and views over the Ötztal valley. The skiing suits both couples and families, but the runs here are steeper than in Zell am See.

How to get there: from Innsbruck to Sölden you travel through the Ötztal valley by bus or car.
Who it's for: confident skiers, snowboarders, fans of high-altitude snow.
The catch: during World Cup days hotels get booked up well in advance.

Hotels in Sölden on Trip.com

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis: a resort for children

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is made up of three villages connected by a network of lifts. Children's ski schools operate in the Kinderland and Kinderschneealm parks, and in Fiss there is the Berta's Kinderland children's world. Everything here is built for kids.

Snow-covered slopes and a lift above Serfaus

For little ones there are dedicated slopes, ski carousels, a playground, and an amusement park. Adults will appreciate the modern snowboard arena, runs of varying lengths, and cafes serving European cuisine. An underground railway runs between the stations, quickly taking you from the center to the slopes.

How to get there: from the village to the first runs you go up by lift or by the underground railway.
Who it's for: families with small children, beginner skiers.
The catch: getting between the three villages takes time.

Hotels in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis on Trip.com

Lech am Arlberg: quiet premium

Lech sits on the Arlberg and is considered the most prestigious snow village in Austria. It is quiet premium. Despite its small size, it has its own atmosphere, expensive hotels, and a high standard of hospitality. In Lech you can meet well-known athletes, musicians, and figures from the world of science.

Snow-covered mountain resort of Lech am Arlberg in winter

The Ski Arlberg pass connects Lech, Zürs, St. Anton, and neighboring villages (according to the official Ski Arlberg website). It is one of the largest ski areas in the country, so you will have enough runs for a whole week. For families there are gentle walking routes, and in the evening you can go to the cinema.

How to get there: from Bregenz or Innsbruck to Lech you travel by bus or car.
Who it's for: experienced skiers, couples and families who like quiet premium.
The catch: accommodation prices here are among the highest in the country.

Hotels in Lech on Trip.com

Bad Gastein and Ischgl: who they suit

Bad Gastein lies in the Gastein valley and is known for its thermal springs. After skiing you relax in warm water, which is especially pleasant on frosty days. The resort suits those who want to combine skiing with recovery.

Field and farm in the Austrian municipality of Pettenbach

Ischgl is chosen for the long runs of the Silvretta Arena network and for its lively nightlife. It's an option for those who ski all day and then head to the square for music. Both resorts are part of large regional ski passes, so check the ticket composition in advance.

Comparison of Austrian resorts

Resort	Region	Season	Who it's for
Zell am See	Pinzgau	December-April, glacier from October to late spring	families, beginners
Mayrhofen	Zillertal	December-April	families with children
Sölden	Ötztal	October-May	advanced skiers
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis	Tyrol	December-April	children
Lech	Arlberg	December-April	experienced skiers, premium
Bad Gastein	Salzburg	December-April	spa and skiing
Ischgl	Tyrol	November-May	nightlife, long runs

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to Austria with kids?

The best period for families is January and February. Snow covers all elevations, all lifts and kids' ski schools are running. March gets warmer and brighter, but snow is already melting at lower resorts. During the New Year holidays and school breaks, resorts are packed and prices are higher.

How much does a ski pass cost in Austria?

The price depends on the resort and season. A day pass at a large resort costs several tens of euros, and the child rate is noticeably lower. Check exact prices on the official resort websites, such as Zell am See-Kaprun and Sölden. Online you buy a ticket cheaper than at the ticket office on site.

Where should you ski if your child is getting on skis for the first time?

Start with Mayrhofen or Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. They have kids' ski schools where your child joins a group from day one. In Serfaus, there are dedicated Kinderland and Kinderschneealm parks for little ones. Lessons run several hours a day, and after lunch you ski together.

Can you ski in Austria in October or May?

Yes, but only on glaciers. On the Sölden glaciers (Rettenbach and Tiefenbach) and on the Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun, skiing runs from October until late spring. Regular low-altitude resorts are closed in the off-season, and lifts are not running. Check trail status on the official resort websites before you travel.

What should you keep in mind when traveling by train or car?

Check your documents' validity in advance. In winter, it's convenient to fly to Vienna, Munich, or Innsbruck, then continue by train or car. Driving on Austrian autobahns requires a vignette. Book your ski pass and accommodation online: spots go fast in high season. Make sure you have winter sports insurance.

In short: what to book

If you're traveling with small children, go for Mayrhofen or Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. If you want a long season and reliable snow, choose Sölden or Kaprun. For a quiet premium experience, Lech is a good fit, and for thermal springs right by the slopes, go for Bad Gastein.

Book accommodation and ski passes in advance: in January and February, the best options get snapped up quickly. Check prices on the official resort websites and compare hotels on Trip.com.

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