Family Favourites

Austria’s family-friendly ski resorts are masters of the alpine balancing act—combining reliable snow, varied terrain and thoughtful infrastructure with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. St Johann in Tirol and its SalzburgerLand namesake both offer gentle slopes and charming village vibes, ideal for younger skiers and multi-generational groups. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis sets the bar high with dedicated kids’ zones and slick lift systems, while SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental delivers vast terrain and easy access for families seeking adventure without the crowds. Whether it’s ski schools, off-slope fun or stress-free logistics, these resorts make family skiing feel effortless—and unforgettable.

But what truly sets it apart is the Austrian Lebensgefühl—a unique “feeling of life” that radiates from the people who make your holiday special and connect with your family. Whether it’s a ski instructor sharing local tips, a lift operator greeting you with a grin, or a chef plating up a perfect Kaiserschmarrn, their joy is infectious. So don’t just carve turns—connect with the culture, embrace the rhythm of alpine life, and discover your own Lebensgefühl in the heart of Austria.

St. Johann in Tirol

St. Johann in Tirol is a winter destination that radiates warmth, charm, and a deep-rooted commitment to happiness! Nestled between the Kitzbühel Alps and the Wilder Kaiser, this four-village region—St. Johann, Oberndorf, Kirchdorf, and Erpfendorf—offers a rich blend of alpine adventure and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re carving your first turns on fresh snow, gliding through silent forests on cross-country skis, or simply soaking up the mountain views, this is a place where winter feels personal. Locals call it “My Yapadu”—a philosophy of joy that infuses everything from the slopes to the schnapps.

Skiing here is relaxed, scenic, and surprisingly affordable compared to many other ski destinations. The St. Johann ski area offers 40 kilometres of wide, varied pistes ideal for families with 17 lifts and six ski schools. The terrain is gentle but diverse, and the views of the Wilder Kaiser are spectacular. It’s not just families though, the Dynafit Ski Touring Park has marked routes and guided ascents offer a safe way for tourers to discover untouched terrain having earned their turns.

You’ll find 18 cozy huts serving regional specialties like dumplings and Kaiserschmarrn. For more variety, the 3-Länder Freizeit-Arena pass unlocks 160 kilometres of slopes across Tirol, Salzburg, and Bavaria. And if you’re chasing serious mileage, the Super Ski Card covers 23 ski regions and an incredible 2,840 kilometres of pistes, with St. Johann as a central launch point.

Early risers can enjoy “The First Track” experience—skiing from 6:59 to 8:30 a.m. on select March dates for just €12, followed by breakfast in the huts. And winter starts this year with a bargain: day passes from €41 in early December and €53 in January and March. Even beginners are catered for, with three free practice areas in Kirchdorf and St. Johann.

Cross-country skiing is a standout here, with 170 kilometres of trails winding through sunny valleys and forested paths. The region holds the Tyrolean seal of approval for its trail quality and skier-friendly hotels. Night trails in St. Johann and Erpfendorf add a magical touch, and you can try a taster biathlon if you’d like to test your aim after a scenic ski.

For panoramic views, head to the Harschbichlalm for sweeping vistas of the Kitzbüheler Horn, or visit Kaiserbachtal for close-up views of the Wilder Kaiser’s rugged cliffs. The Bichlhof also offers a peaceful vantage point over the valley basin.

Off the slopes, winter hiking and snowshoeing reveal the quieter side of alpine life. You can join a moonlight snowshoe tour or set off on any of the 100 kilometres of groomed winter hiking trails.

For families, the region is a dream. Little ones can meet Yappy Yapadu, the cheerful mascot, and learn to ski in peaceful, uncrowded areas, like in Yappy’s Winterland. After a day in the snow, head to the Panorama Badewelt for swimming and spa time, or escape to Murmis Kinderland in Kirchdorf for indoor play.

Looking for thrills? Try tobogganing on natural runs, ice skating at the floodlit rink, or a winter Segway tour. For aerial views and thrills, the Flying Fox course at Hornpark spans 530 metres across seven stations, or opt for paragliding, ballooning, or even a tandem jump.

Dining is a delight, with rustic huts and alpine inns serving hearty Tyrolean fare. At Grander Schupf, skiers and hikers meet over mountain views and homemade dishes. Stanglalm celebrates 100 years of strudel-making, while Angerer Alm boasts the highest wine cellar in the Kitzbühel Alps. For a culinary twist, visit Aggstein Edelbrände, a fifth-generation schnapps distillery, or sample cheese at the Wilder Kaser show dairy. And if you would like to visit outside ski season as well, don’t miss the dumpling festival in September, where 26,000 dumplings are served in 22 varieties.

Winter events highlights include an impressive weekly SkiShow, staged every Tuesday from 5.30pm bringing thrills for the whole family. Then at the start of the season there’s the  St. Johann Christmas Market, where twinkling lights and alpine treats create a festive atmosphere. The Gondola Dinner offers a unique dining experience between mountain and valley, while Lift & Love turns ski lifts into speed dating venues. Retro vibes take over during Retro Ski Day, and tradition meets fun at the Dirndl & Lederhosen Ski Day.

Sustainability is woven into the region’s DNA. St. Johann in Tirol has just been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel and has been named a Best Tourism Village by UN Tourism—the only place in Austria to receive this honour. Initiatives like the Clean Alpine Region project and nature-focused installations in the Kaiserbachtal Outdoor Gallery reflect a deep commitment to climate protection and cultural preservation.

Getting around is easy with the St. Johann Card, which includes free use of buses and trains plus discounts across the region. And with a weekly program packed with free guided hikes, snowshoe tours, and local experiences, there’s always something new to discover.

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Perched on a sunny high plateau in Tirol, the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis region is a winter wonderland designed with families, foodies, and adventure-seekers in mind. With 214 kilometres of slopes, 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, and a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, it’s no wonder this trio of villages is consistently ranked among the Alps’ most family-friendly ski destinations.

Image © Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis-Marketing-GmbH_photographer_Manuel-Kokseder

The ski area stretches from 1,200 to 2,828 metres above sea level, offering snow-sure conditions from early December to mid-April. Whether you’re carving wide groomers, tackling freeride terrain, or watching your little ones take their first turns in Berta’s Kinderlandor or Kinderschneealm, the resort caters to every level and age. The infrastructure is slick, with 68 lifts including gondolas, chairlifts, and the Serfaus Underground — the world’s smallest and highest air-cushioned subway, whisking guests from village centre to cable car in minutes.

Families are at the heart of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis experience. The region boasts 125,000 square metres of dedicated children’s snow areas, including the Kinderschneealm and Murmlipark in Serfaus, and Berta’s Kinderland in Fiss-Ladis. Ski schools use award-winning teaching methods, and the slopes are zoned to suit every age — from gentle nursery runs to teen-friendly terrain parks.

Off the piste, the variety continues. There are 100km of winter hiking trails, 52km of cross-country routes, and 8km of toboggan runs. One special experience is an early morning ride on the Masner Express — a converted snow groomer that climbs to the Hexensee hut for sunrise breakfasts and panoramic views.

Culinary highlights are woven into the mountain experience. The Crystal Cube at 2,600m offers champagne breakfasts and gourmet lunches with 360° views, while the Monte Mare restaurant hosts the romantic Sunset Dinner Masner, complete with snowcat transport, the end of day alternative to the sunrise option. Families can refuel at the Sonnenburg, where stone-baked pizzas and playrooms keep everyone happy.

Evening entertainment includes the Adventure Night in Serfaus which features fireworks, laser shows, and ski performances, while Nightflow in Fiss brings acrobatics and après-ski energy. Magic Ladis transforms the castle pond into a stage of fire and ice, and the SnowArt Festival blends music, food, and alpine ambience.

For thrill-seekers, the region offers high-adrenaline experiences like the Fisser Flieger and Skyswing, the Serfauser Sauser zipline, and the Pistenbully Tour, where guests ride alongside snow groomer drivers. For a quieter thrill, the First Track lets early risers ski untouched slopes before breakfast.

For photographers and view-chasers, the M1 viewing platform at 2,828m offers vistas of the Zugspitze and Ortler, while the Z1 platform reveals the full sweep of the Samnaun group. The Schönjoch summit cross is another must-snap spot.

Sustainability is a core value. The resort runs on 100% green electricity, uses GPS-based snow depth management, and promotes regional sourcing through the “Bewusst Tirol” initiative. The Serfaus Underground mentioned earlier is not only a dry and efficient way to get around in winter but reduces traffic and emissions.

Accommodation is varied and welcoming, with over 600 options from boutique hotels to family-run chalets. Guests can browse the full accommodation list and book directly with verified providers. Many properties offer ski-in/ski-out access, wellness facilities, and family packages — plus the region’s signature warmth and hospitality.

In Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, every day is a chance to create “Moments that stay.” Whether it’s a child’s first ski turn, a candlelit dinner above the clouds, or a shared laugh on a toboggan run, the region delivers winter magic every day with a wide array of winter attractions waiting for you.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is one of the largest, most modern, and most sustainable ski areas, not just in Austria, but the whole world. Yet it remains charmingly close and unmistakably Tyrolean. Just an hour from Salzburg, Innsbruck, or Munich, this vast alpine playground connects eight authentic villages including Brixen, Ellmau, Going, Itter, Scheffau, Söll, Hopfgarten, and Westendorf, each offering direct access to the slopes and a warm welcome rooted in family-run hospitality. With panoramic views of over 70 three-thousand-metre peaks and a deep commitment to ecological innovation, SkiWelt is where tradition meets trailblazing.

The skiing here is vast and varied. With 275 km of pistes—88% of which are easy or intermediate—plus 81 modern lifts and over 20 valley runs, there’s terrain for every level. Families will love the wide, forgiving slopes and 22 professional ski schools, while seasoned skiers can tackle the KitzSkiWelt Tour, the longest ski circuit in the world, covering 88 km and 17,000 vertical meters. For early risers, sunrise skiing is available every Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. starting February 13, 2026, with 22 km of freshly groomed pistes. And from late January, extended afternoon hours mean even more time on the snow—for the same price.

The SkiWelt Tour offers a unique way to explore the region, with up to 84 km of slopes connecting all nine villages. No lift or piste needs to be repeated unless you choose to, and every 3.5 km you’ll find one of over 80 rustic huts serving regional specialties. Adventure-seekers can dive into four fun parks, race down speed and ski movie tracks, or experience Austria’s largest night skiing area in Söll, open Wednesday to Saturday.

For breathtaking views, the Hohe Salve summit offers a 360° panorama of the Wilder Kaiser, Kitzbühel Alps, and even the Großglockner. It’s also home to Austria’s highest pilgrimage church and a revolving restaurant. Other scenic spots include Brandstadl in Scheffau, Astberg in Going, and Hartkaiser in Ellmau, each accessible via panoramic cable cars and winter hiking trails.

Off the slopes, the SkiWelt offers a wealth of winter activities. Families can enjoy ice skating, tubing carousels, and magical forest hikes. Tobogganing is a highlight, with three floodlit runs including the Hexenritt and Mondrodelbahn in Söll and the Astberg run in Ellmau/Going. For something truly special, book the champagne gondola on the Hexenwasser lift—an evening ride with sparkling wine, nibbles, and views of the illuminated resort.

Dining in SkiWelt is a celebration of Tyrolean flavours and mountain hospitality. Every few kilometres, you’ll find a hut with its own character and culinary specialty. Don’t miss the Gipfelalm Hohe Salve, Austria’s highest revolving restaurant with panoramic views and seasonal dishes from local farms. The Rübezahl Alm in Ellmau is a rustic gem with open fireplaces and whimsical wood carvings, while Stöcklalm in Söll offers homemade pasta and livestreams from the barn. For a cosy stop, try Filzalm in Brixen, the oldest serviced hut in the area, or Sonnalm in Westendorf, a musical hub with an open fire.

Special deals this winter include the SuperSkiWeeks (Dec 6–19, Mar 14–Apr 6), offering 15% off ski passes for adults, and FamilySkiWeeks, where kids up to 15 ski free when a parent buys a 3-day pass. Young families with toddlers can share a Young Family Ticket, allowing two parents to alternate use of a single pass. And for midweek savings, Men’s Day and Ladies’ Day offer 10% discounts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays respectively from January 7, 2026.

SkiWelt is a pioneer in sustainability. Since 2002, all lifts have run on 100% green electricity from Tyrolean hydropower. The world’s first solar-powered lift was built here in 2008, and today many lifts produce up to 50% of their own energy via photovoltaic systems. Snowmaking uses 18 natural reservoirs filled by snowmelt and springs, and GPS-equipped groomers optimise snow distribution, saving 25% in water and energy. Waste heat from lifts and snow guns is recycled to heat buildings, and the new hydropower plant in Söll now powers 25% of the lifts there.

Getting to SkiWelt is refreshingly easy. The Hopfgarten cable car is just 100 meters from the train station, and the resort is a founding partner of the Nightjet sleeper train, offering overnight travel from Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Amsterdam with ski pass and transfers included with new connections from London. There’s also a daily ski bus from Munich to Brixen.

Winter events add sparkle to the season. Highlights include Ellmi’s Zauberhafter Bergadvent, Europe’s highest Christmas market (Dec 5–20), New Year’s Eve on the mountain with extended lift hours and festive menus, and the Winterwoodstock of Brass Music from March 20–22, featuring 40 bands across four stages and huts.  In Söll, the Hexenwinter brings witches on skis, snowy treasure hunts and steaming cauldrons of witch’s brew to keep the kids enchanted. Better still, the resort makes it easier on the wallet too – with FamilySkiWeeks, where children up to 15 ski free in low season, and the Young Family Card, letting parents of toddlers share a pass between them.

St. Johann in Salzburg

Nestled just 60 km south of Salzburg, St. Johann in Salzburg is a charming alpine town that blends the warmth of traditional hospitality with the sophistication of urban flair. Whether you’re here for a family getaway or a romantic escape, the region offers a seamless mix of nature, culture, and comfort. Options for stays here include a “ski in – ski out” setup in Alpendorf meaning you can step out of your hotel and straight onto the slopes, with no buses or queues in sight—just pure mountain freedom.

The Snow Space Salzburg ski area, part of the vast Ski amadé network, delivers 210 km of groomed pistes across 12 peaks and 5 valleys, with 69 lifts and 4 ski schools in St. Johann ready to welcome all levels of skiers. From gentle family runs to the exhilarating 12 Peaks Trophy, the terrain is as varied as it is scenic. Freestylers can test their skills at the Snowpark Alpendorf, while cross-country skiers glide through 14 km of trails in the sunny Salzach Valley. For those seeking solitude, ski touring on the Hahnbaum offers peaceful ascents and panoramic rewards.

Image © josalzburg.com_photographer_Simon-Hutter-sevenframes

The views from the mountain are nothing short of spectacular. From the Gernkogel summit, you’ll take in the Tennengebirge and Hochkönig massif, while the Hochgründeck reveals sweeping vistas of the Hohe Tauern and Dachstein ranges. These photo spots are perfect for capturing the magic of the region.

Beyond skiing, St. Johann offers a rich palette of winter activities. Snowshoeing through quiet forests, tobogganing on the floodlit Hahnbaum run, and horse-drawn sleigh Rides wrapped in warm blankets all bring the landscape to life. Indoors, you’ll find shopping, cosy cafés, and cultural gems like the Pongau Cathedral and Anna Chapel, which offer a quiet retreat and a glimpse into the town’s Gothic heritage.

Families are especially well catered for, with winter playgrounds, conveyor belts, and wave tracks designed for kids, plus professional ski schools that make learning fun. Mascot Joey is a hit with the little ones, and the JoKiWo Winter Kids Week promises themed activities and snowy adventures. For something truly unique, try the race track with electronic timing—loser buys the hot chocolate!

Dining in St. Johann is a delight. From rustic huts like Kreistenalm and Gut Berg Stadl to refined restaurants, the focus is on regional quality. Don’t miss the Pofesen, a traditional pastry that’s simple to make and impossible to forget. For a deeper taste of local craftsmanship, head to the Hedegg distillery for schnapps tasting or browse organic treats at the Pongauer Bauernladen.

This winter, take advantage of special packages like the Winter Time-Out, offering three nights in a 4-star hotel with breakfast, or the Hearty Winter, which includes seven nights in a slope-side 4-star superior hotel. For a gentler pace, the Gentle Winter package includes guided snowshoeing through serene landscapes.

Insider tips include the Fairytale Hike, a magical winter walk that’s perfect for families, and the Sternalm, a cosy hut with views over the Salzach Valley. These hidden gems offer quiet moments away from the crowds.

Among the season’s highlights are the Light Advent, a luminous celebration of winter, and the Parachute Ski World Cup, where athletes from around the globe compete in a thrilling blend of skiing and skydiving.

St. Johann is also making big strides in sustainability. The Green Mountain initiative aims to make Snow Space Salzburg climate-neutral by the 2025/26 season, focusing on real emissions reductions rather than offsets. It’s a bold step toward eco-conscious skiing.

Once again, getting here is easy. The town’s central location in SalzburgerLand makes it accessible by train from Salzburg or via nearby airports. Once you arrive, the Guest Mobility Ticket ensures smooth, climate-friendly travel throughout the region.

Find out more at austria.info

Main Image © Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis-Marketing-GmbH_photographer_Daniel-Zangerl

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