Unleash Your Child's Winter Getaway Adventure with the Best Ski Learning Spots
Discover the top winter destinations that are perfect for introducing your kids to the thrilling world of skiing.
NAUDERS, AUSTRIA
In Nauders, the winter wonderland takes flight with heights that impress. Nauderix Kinderland, located at an astonishing 2,200 meters and directly at the Bergkastel cable car station, offers magical mountainside opportunities for small skiers. Four easy conveyor belts, or "magic carpets," enable a smooth and secure ascent, making it easier for kids to conquer their skiing escapades after their first descents. For an additional dose of adrenaline, swish down the wild tubing track and immerse yourself in the thrill of inner tubes.
Once off the tracks, head over to the mountain station and race with glee on the longest natural toboggan run in Tyrol. Experience a heart-pounding trip through eight breathtaking kilometers of zigzagging curves and hairpin bends, eventually reaching the charming village of Nauders below.
Once you're back in the village, curl up by the ice rink on the Gurdanatsch meadow and watch your children gleefully skate around while you enjoy a warming mulled wine or punch.
➜ Deal: Cozy up in a vacation apartment for four people at the Rosenhof Apartment Farm for as low as 626 euros (four nights; +43547386165).
GRAČEN, SWITZERLAND
Shrouded within the enchanting Valais Alps, the charming mountain village of Grächen whisper secrets to swirling snowflakes. With its car-free streets adorned in rustic wooden Valais houses, you'll feel like stepping back into a simpler time, while still enjoying modern skiing facilities.
The Adventure Begins in the Sky!
The high-flying adventure begins in a cable car, where fairy tales come to life. As you and your little ones soar through the heavens, you'll find yourself smack dab in the middle of the 50,000 m² SiSu family park on Hannigalp – 2144 meters above sea level.
Between ski runs, they can slide downhill or embrace a movie session inside a snow-constructed six-meter igloo. Once a week, Grächen treats families to a unique culinary experience: "Fondue in the gondola" is served every Wednesday evening at 6:15 p.m. As you stretch gooey bread in a cheese pot, you glide serenely through the night in the Hannigalp cable car's four-person gondolas, with fare priced at CHF 70 for adults, including drinks and desserts, or CHF 35 for children.
➜ Deal: Experience the all-inclusive family ski week package at Matterhorn Valley Hotels, starting at 1299 euros (includes 7 nights, breakfast, and 6-day ski pass for adults).
GERLITZEN, CARINTHIAN ALPS, AUSTRIA
Known for its polished and inviting appeal, the Gerlitzen Alps boast captivating views of renowned landmarks like the Dobratsch and Karawanken. With three large practice areas on the mountain, young skiers can confidently tackle their first turns on wide slopes. At lunchtime, families gather at the "Huaba Hittn" to relish in Carinthian cheese noodles and hearty roast pork.
➜ Deal: Enjoy cozy B&B accommodations at the Alpenrose Hotel for less than 146 euros, including two nights of stay.
GASTEIN VALLEY, AUSTRIA
Skiing Joy in the Heights of Hohe Tauern
Embracing their winter skiing journey, youngsters in the Gastein Valley will find excitement on the slopes, even amidst the lofty peaks of Hohe Tauern. The largest snow park for children is situated in the Angertal ski center in Bad Hofgastein, spanning 8000 square meters and offering mild inclines, perfect for learning turns. A few small artificial ski jumps are also available for the more experienced skiers.
Five magic carpets carry the youngest skiers to the summit securely, ensuring an endless adventure of thrills for every age group.
➜ Deal: The "Mini's Week Gastein" package offers a cozy stay for two adults and one child under the age of six at the 4-star "Alpina" hotel in Bad Hofgastein, including breakfast, ski lessons, and children's ski equipment rental for 520 euros per adult (tel. +4364328475).
REIT IM WINKL, GERMANY
Family-Friendly Ski Paradise in Germany
Perfect for a family ski holiday in Germany, the picturesque Reit im Winkl in Upper Bavaria offers an array of beginners' ski attractions. Four practice lifts in the village alone prepare your kids for their alpine adventures, while the Seegatterl gondola whisk you away to Winklmoosalm, where you can tackle the wide slopes of Chiemgau Alps.
To fine-tune their cross-country skiing skills, kids can enjoy a fun-filled obstacle course at the Nordic Park, using rental equipment provided by the park.
➜ Deal: Discover charming villa accommodations for your family at the Gästehaus zum Wurm, which offers cozy lodgings for up to five people at just 76 euros per day.
Enrichment Data:
These winter vacation destinations in Europe craft the perfect beginner-friendly environment, filled with slope-sharing fun and easy slopes, making them ideal for your little ones to embark on their skiing journey:
- Pamporovo, Bulgaria
- Cost: Adults – 98 BGN ($52), Children – 59 BGN ($31) for a ski pass[1]
- Features: Offers over 20 marked skiing trails, a dedicated children's ski park, plus child-friendly ski lessons.
- Passo Tonale, Italy
- Cost: Adults – €83 ($85), Children – €58 ($60) for a three-day ski pass[1]
- Features: Features over 62 miles (100 kilometers) of trails, including 10 beginner, 24 intermediate, and 7 expert runs.
- Bardonecchia, Italy
- Cost: Adults – €42 ($44), Children – €15 to €40 ($15.50 to $41)[1]
- Features: Showcases 62 miles (100 kilometers) of skiing slopes, a ski school for beginners, and various family-friendly activities like tubing and swimming.
- Geilo, Norway
- Cost: Adults – 605 NOK ($54), Children – 490 NOK ($43). Children under six ski free.[1]
- Features: Boasts 21 miles (34 kilometers) of beautifully groomed pistes, beginner slopes, magic carpets, easy-button lifts, and skiing schools, not to mention childcare facilities, sleigh rides, and dog-sledding excursions.
- Filzmoos, Austria
- Cost: Adults – €60 ($62), Children – €30.50 ($31.50)[1]
- Features: Enjoys 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) of perfectly groomed pistes, eight blue trails, and expert-led skiing and snowboarding schools, all set amidst a relaxing and safe atmosphere for children.
- Winterberg, Germany
- Features: Offers easy slopes for beginners, magic carpets, and sledding runs. Provides a tranquil, rustic ambiance and warm huts for hot snacks.
- Oberstdorf-Kleinwalsertal, Germany
- Features: Features wide beginner slopes, children's ski schools, and kiddie lifts. The Söllereck Kinderland area is not just for beginners, offering a multitude of activities for the whole family.
