Skill up Your Winter Getaway with the Best Spots for Kiddie Ski Learners
Discover the most ideal winter vacation destinations for children to learn to ski.
GRÄCHEN
Nestled high above the Mattertal valley, surrounded by the Valais Alps, lies the picturesque mountain village of Grächen.
First discovered by tourists over a century ago, Grächen has since become a beloved family vacation spot, renowned for its warm and welcoming atmosphere during winter. The car-free village is adorned with rustic Valais wooden houses, creating a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern ski facilities.
The Adventure Begins in the Sky: Children's joy kicks off in the cable car, where whimsical tales unfold. As you soar through the skies, the little ones will find themselves right in the heart of the 50,000 m² SiSu family park on the Hannigalp. At an elevation of 2144 meters, their skiing escapades are just beginning.
In between runs, they can zoom down a slide or pop in for a movie session in a six-meter igloo constructed from snow.
Once a week, Grächen invites families for a culinary flight of fancy: "Fondue in the gondola" is served every Wednesday evening at 6:15 p.m. While you stretch gooey bread in a cheese pot, you'll glide serenely through the night in the Hannigalp cable car's four-person gondolas. Tasty treats include CHF 70 for adults, who also receive wine, mineral water, and dessert, while children pay CHF 35.
➜ Deal: The all-inclusive family ski week package in Matterhorn Valley Hotels starts at 1299 euros, including 7 nights/breakfast, 6-day ski pass for adults ().
NAUDERS
In Nauders, Austria, the slopes soar to new heights, with the Nauderix Kinderland located at an impressive 2,200 meters, situated directly at the Bergkastel cable car's mountain station.
This expansive, snow-guaranteed paradise boasts four conveyor belts called magic carpets, enabling tiny skiers to safely and comfortably zip their way to the top after descending the slopes. There's also a kiddie carousel and a thrilling tubing run for an exhilarating adventure on inner tubes.
Afterward, head to the mountain station and zigzag with excitement on Tyrol's longest natural toboggan run. The racetrack ziplines through eight kilometers of winding curves and hairpin turns, eventually ending in the charming village of Nauders.
Once down in the village, at the foot of Naudersberg Castle, it’s time for family après-ski on the Gurdanatsch meadow. Kids can revel in the ice rink while parents appreciate a warm mulled wine or punch.
➜ Offer: Vacation apartment for four people at the Rosenhof Apartment Farm for as low as 626 euros (four nights; +43547386165).
GERLITZEN ALPE, CARINTHIAN ALPS
Family-friendly Gerlitzen offers a polished and inviting appeal, with its summit presenting as a vast plateau and majestic views of notable landmarks such as the Dobratsch and Karawanken.
Three large practice areas on the mountain ensure young skiers can safely tackle their first turns, as the slopes are wide and the lifts are comfortable and beginner-friendly. During lunch, families gather at the "Huaba Hittn" to relish in Carinthian cheese noodles and hearty roast pork.
➜ Deal: Double room with B&B at the 3-star Alpenrose Hotel (less than 146 euros: ).
GASTEIN VALLEY
Even in the towering peaks of Hohe Tauern, youngsters can still find plenty of winter fun on the slopes in the Gastein Valley.
The largest snow park for children is located in the Angertal ski center in Bad Hofgastein, spanning 8000 square meters and boasting mildly-inclined slopes, perfect for learning turns. Small artificial ski jumps cater to more experienced skiers.
Five magic carpets take the youngest skiers securely to the summit, ensuring exhilarating fun for every age group.
➜ Offer: The "Mini's Week Gastein" package offers two adults and one baby under 6 years of age a cozy stay in a double room at the 4-star "Alpina" hotel in Bad Hofgastein, including breakfast, ski lessons, and children's ski equipment rental for 520 euros per person (tel. +4364328475).
REIT IM WINKL, GERMANY
For a top-notch family ski resort in Germany, look no further than Reit im Winkl in Upper Bavaria.
No less than four practice lifts in the village alone prepare young skiers for their alpine adventures. The Seegatterl gondola takes you to Winklmoosalm, where Rosi Mittermaier trained. Known as a family-friendly ski resort, this area provides various easy slopes located amid the Chiemgau Alps.
Kids can also test their cross-country skiing skills in the Nordic Park at the cross-country stadium, with rental equipment available for young cross-country skiers.
➜ Offer: Family-friendly vacation rental option at the Gästehaus zum Wurm, accommodating up to five people for 76 euros per day (phone: + 08640/7964910).
