Picture it – you’re standing in the snow with your family, the sky is a radiant blue, and your kids make their first swooshes down the slopes – or whiz down on a sled, laughing. Family ski vacations mean so much more than just a few kilometers of ski slopes: They’re about adventures together, moments that become lasting memories, and the joy of discovering nature with one another.
But which ski area is best suited for you and your little explorers? Here are a few highlights from Germany and Austria that hold in store not only snow, but also adventure and ease for families.
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental (Austria): Where little kings and queens reign
At the Kaiser Max Kinderland (‘Kids World’), every child becomes a ski prince or princess: wave tracks, little lifts, and a lot of space for first adventures make the introduction to skiing playful and easy. And when little legs get tired? Then off you go on a sledding run or a nice break with some hot chocolate. In the meantime, Mom and Dad can check out the gentle blue slopes – or hop on a sled themselves.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (Austria): A ski resort for the daring This ski resort is a little paradise for explorers. Beginners can learn the basics in the Kinderschneealm area, while advanced skiers can refine their techniques. But the best part: There are child-friendly restaurants, an indoor playground, and the Murmlikrippe childcare facility for the littlest ones. While the kids get to discover a mini-version of the Alpine world, parents get time to make the most of the 214 kilometers (almost 133 miles) of slopes. Want to switch things up? Test your courage riding a Segway in the snow or a snow bike.
Zell am See – Kaprun (Austria): Little and big adventurers fly high
Between a snow-sure glacier and a cozy valley, the Magic Snow Funpark beckons with sledding runs and simple slopes that get adventurers’ hearts beating faster. Anyone who wants to take it higher can go to Kitzsteinhorn, where bigger kids, too, can try all kinds of tricks to their hearts’ content. A highlight for families: While the little ones are looked after in the Kitz-Club, the grownups can enjoy the breathtaking views.
Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau (Austria): Off-piste family fun
Little and big adventurers will find all their hearts desire here. You can try out wave tracks and children’s slopes, or – if you like things even wilder – ride a snowcat as co-pilot or help build an igloo. For an extra portion of fun, try the spectacular Alpbachtaler Lauser-Sauser Alpine coaster – not for the faint of heart! Who will dare brave this adventure and get to the bottom first?
Stubaier Glacier (Austria): Where winter never ends
For everyone who just can’t wait for the snow: On the Stubaier Glacier, the season already starts in October. While the littlest ones can play in the indoor childcare or try their first ski moves in the Kinderland area, easy slopes and a “Fun Slope” await their bigger siblings. And after a long day skiing, Kaiserschmarrn (an Austrian dessert of sweet, cut-up pancakes) in the family-friendly restaurant tastes twice as good.
Winterberg (Germany): Small, but… wow!
The Sauerland region is proof that it’s not the size of the mountain that counts, but the size of the fun on the mountain! In Winterberg, it’s all about the little ones: easy slopes for their first turns on skis, magic carpets, and sledding runs that have children’s laughter ringing all the way down in the valley. And when the snowflakes have melted on everyone’s tongues, stop in the rustic huts to replenish your strength with a nice hot dog or a hot chocolate with plenty of whipped cream. For the parents, there are easy descents for a relaxed day on skis. Race you to the slope!
Oberstdorf-Kleinwalsertal (Germany): Alpine adventure with a view
Welcome to the Allgäu region in southern Germany! This ski resort has everything a family could need: wide beginner slopes, children’s ski schools with a lot of patience, and kiddie lifts that are like magic (at least, that’s what the little ones say). What’s especially cool: In the Söllereck Kinderland, there’s an area that’s not just for beginners. After a day testing your courage on the slopes, family-friendly sledding runs await you – the perfect end to a day of adventure.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany): Royal fun on the slopes
The Zugspitzland region, home to Germany’s highest peak, might sound big and wild, but don’t worry: Families are the secret VIPs here! Kids can improve their technique in special classes or play in the Kinderland. And then? It’s off to the wave track on the Alpspitz mountain, or straight to the sledding run for those brave lovers of speed. Who dares to go fastest? With the Alps as an impressive backdrop, every descent feels like a heroic feat.
Spitzingsee-Tegernsee (Germany): Nature’s best for little explorers
Would you love to take it easy and avoid the hustle and bustle? At the Spitzingsee lake resort in Bavaria, families are right at home. There’s a Kinderland area where kids can master their first time on skis. Then, for a little break, the area’s idyllic nature awaits: A short hike, a yummy sandwich by the lake, and everyone’s ready to go again. And anyone who thinks they’re brave enough can try the sledding run with its steep turns. See who’s faster - Dad or the kids!
Feldberg (Germany): Winter wonders in the Black Forest
The Feldberg mountain in the Black Forest is an insider tip for families who want both adventure and calm and quiet. With 16 lifts and wide slopes, it’s got something for everyone – from beginners to speed demons. Especially charming: the Schneekinderland with magic carpets, mini-lifts, and lots of space to practice. Anyone needing a break can enjoy a warm snack in the Schneebar (snow bar) or get an adrenaline rush on a sled run. And the best part? The snow on the Feldberg somehow smells like pine needles – nature at its best!
So, off you go – the snow awaits! Family-friendly ski resorts aren’t just about slopes – they’re the stages for all your adventures. Whether on the wave track, sledding, or that first tentative run down the bunny slope, Germany and Austria offer mountain regions that are perfect for little explorers. So grab your winter boots, pull on your favorite snow pants, and off you go into the snow. Stories are written outside – your stories.
What makes a ski resort family friendly?
A great vacation requires more than just the perfect slopes. Family-friendly ski resorts think of the little, but important, details:
- Magic carpets and kids’ lifts for those first downhill runs – without frustration
- Adventure trails and playgrounds, because snow is there for playing
- Family ski passes that don’t break the bank
- Childcare and ski schools for little ones, so parents can catch their breath and relax
- And, of course, lodges with kids’ meals, diaper changing stations, and breaks for warm drinks.
Sounds like a winter adventure? Pack your skis and snowboards, snap the helmets on, and try out one – or several – of these versatile ski resorts and their special features.
