10 Best Family Ski Resorts in Austria 2026: The Ultimate Guide
Discover the best family ski resorts in Austria. From child-friendly slopes to ski schools and après-ski fun, here’s your guide to Austria ski holidays.
Last Updated on 19 January 2026
Nestled in the heart of Europe are some of the best family ski resorts in Austria. Catering to various tastes and budgets, we love visiting Austria for our ski trips. The snow conditions are great, the atmosphere is amazing, and our children enjoy seeing the pretty wooden chalets.
If you’re planning a ski or snowboarding trip this season, here are some of my favourite best value family ski resorts in Austria, packed with practical advice, personal experiences, and all the information you need to get the most out of your trip.
Let’s read on to find out more!
Read more: Skiing with Kids [2026]: The Best Guide for Your First Holiday
Here Are the Best Family Ski Resorts in Austria
1. St. Anton – The Alpine Gem
St Anton is an alpine gem and one of the best ski resorts in Austria. As part of the Ski Arlberg area, which boasts 305km of marked pistes, it connects you to the ski resorts of St. Christoph, Stuben, Lech, Oberlech, Zürs, and Warth-Schröcken, giving you plenty of ground to cover.
Distinguished as a beloved alpine retreat, St Anton draws in thousands of skiers annually, and was where I learnt to snowboard.
The dedicated Nasserein area is perfect for kids with its tree-lined slopes and dedicated ski schools, and is one of the best family ski resorts in Austria for beginners. More advanced skiers can tackle challenging slopes and off-piste terrain. St. Anton is also snow-sure, with wide-open pistes, and its vibrant après-ski (Krazy Kangaruh, Mooserwirt) is world-famous. Nearer the base of the main run there are quieter bars where families will feel at home.
- Personal note: The local bakery’s apple strudel is the best I’ve tasted anywhere in Austria
- Best for: Energetic families, teens, advanced skiers
- Kids’ club: Yes
- Après-ski: Vibrant, with quieter family options
2. Ischgl – High-Altitude Haven
Ischgl is a high-altitude haven and easily ranks among the best family ski resorts in Europe that delivers breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps. With 238km of pistes, extensive off-piste opportunities, and a modern lift system reaching up to 2,872m, it’s ideal for adventurous families.
The Silvretta Arena links with duty-free Samnaun in Switzerland, expanding your playground. The ski school’s kids’ programme is excellent, and the Silvretta Center indoor pool is a great option when you’ve got kids who fancy having a day off. Our girls loved the kids pool and the outdoor pool area.
The après-ski is famously vibrant with Trofana Alm, a world top après bar, but families will find plenty of friendly options. From high-altitude skiing to entertaining nightlife, Ischgl provides a well-rounded ski holiday experience for all levels of skiers.
- Personal note: We loved seeing the giant snow sculptures dotted around the village when we went a few years ago
- Best for: Families, music lovers, thrill-seekers
- Kids’ club: Yes
- Après-ski: World-class, but there are plenty of family-friendly options
Read more: 17 Best Family Ski Resorts in 2025: Ultimate Guide for Parents
3. Lech – Luxury and Romance
Lech is the definition of luxury and romance and is part of the Arlberg ski area, giving you access to 305km of pistes and 200km of off-piste. The Oberlech area, which is car-free, is perfect for families. This charming resort also offers elegant hotels, fine dining, and a sophisticated atmosphere that attracts couples worldwide. Before we had kids, we enjoyed visiting Lech for this reason.
Lech’s ski schools are some of the best family ski resorts in Austria for beginners. If you have time, don’t miss out on the White Ring circuit, a half day tour that takes you through neighbouring Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech. Here, you’ll see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Arlberg region.
- Personal note: Cosy fondue Stüblis that lines that streets was amazing as well as the warm welcome from the locals
- Best for: Luxury seekers, first-timers, couples
- Kids’ club: Yes, plus indoor play areas in many hotels
- Après-ski: Cosy cafés, fondue, and board games by the fire
4. Obergurgl – Family-Friendly Skiing
Obergurgl is a family-friendly skiing resort with 112km of pistes at high altitude (up to 3,080m) for reliable snow. The compact village means no long walks in ski boots, and the ski school instructors are incredibly patient. Our friends used one of the ski schools on a recent ski trip and found they did a great job helping their three kids progress on the snow.
Obergurgl is one of the best family ski resorts in Austria for its snow reliability and excellent facilities for young children. Off the slopes, enjoy hiking, indoor golf, and over 20 bars for adults, making it an ideal destination for a family skiing holiday in the Austrian Alps.
- Personal note: The mountain views here are some of the most spectacular I’ve seen in the Alps
- Best for: Beginners, snow reliability, families with young children
- Kids’ club: Yes, with creative workshops
- Après-ski: Relaxed, with family-friendly pizzerias and bars
Read more: The 7 Cheapest Places to Ski in Europe in 2026
5. Mayrhofen – Freestyle Paradise
Mayrhofen is a freestyle paradise and one of Austria’s largest resorts, with 142km of pistes and access to the Zillertal Valley’s 540km total. Penken is great for intermediates and freestylers (home to the Penken Park snowpark), while the Ahorn is perfect for beginners and families.
Mayrhofen is one of our favourite ski resorts and one of the best family ski resorts in Austria. We love taking our children here because it has lovely looped runs we can do with them without worrying they’ll get lost. Mayrhofen boasts almost every kind of slope the Alps have to offer, from the smooth, fast glacier runs of the Hintertux to the thrilling off-piste of Hochfugen.
The town buzzes with activities, including climbing centres, ice rinks, adventure pools, and there’s a wide choice of self-catering ski accommodation in Austria. There is also a lively après scene that attracts a young, energic crowd. The Snowbombing festival is great fun too. We’ve been to this a fair few times and love that it combines music and plenty of skiing and snowboarding.
Among the best value family ski resorts in Austria, Mayrhofen is an ideal destination for those seeking freestyle skiing and a lively atmosphere.
Personal note: Make sure you visit Hans the Butcher near the main lift. The food in there is great (according to my meat-loving family) and he sometimes has music playing
Best for: Tweens, energetic kids, freestyle skiers, and families
Kids’ club: Yes
Après-ski: Ice rink, bowling, adventure pools
6. Zell am See – Romantic Escapes
Zell am See is a romantic escape with 77km of local pistes. Thanks to its trio of interconnected ski areas: Schmittenhöhe, Maiskogel, and the glacier-covered Kitzsteinhorn, snow enthusiasts can access 408km of snow with the Ski ALPIN Card. Its lakeside setting is stunning, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere.
It’s one of the best family ski resorts in Austria for beginners and a top contender for the best family ski resorts in Europe. Enjoy gentle runs, horse-drawn sleigh rides, guided hikes, and even hot air balloon rides.
Personal note: We took a horse-drawn sleigh ride when we visited a few years ago, which our girls loved
Best for: Mixed-ability families, couples
Kids’ club: Yes
Après-ski: Sleigh rides, lakeside cafés, family-friendly events
Read more: Family Skiing for Beginners: The Best Guide for 2026
7. Saalbach-Hinterglemm – Group Getaways
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is the ultimate for group getaways and families and is one of the best family ski resorts in Austria, thanks to its 270km of pistes in the Skicircus. We spent a few days here last season, but could have easily spent more. There are adventure playgrounds, floodlit tobogganing, and English-speaking ski schools for kids.
It’s also one of the best value family ski resorts in Austria with a range of activities on and off the slopes, and a lively après-ski scene that caters to a diverse crowd.
As one of the best ski resorts in Austria, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, comes with challenging slopes for all skill levels, legendary après-ski bars for socialising and celebrating, and beautiful mountain scenery for relaxation and enjoyment.
Personal note: Check out the cosy huts and pubs after a day on the slopes to enjoy a bit of après-ski before turning in for the night. We spent a lot of time in the Soul House and enjoyed the DJ sessions
Best for: Families with kids of all ages, groups
Kids’ club: Yes
Après-ski: Night sledging, magic shows, family discos
8. Sölden – Glacier Adventures
Sölden is all about glacier adventures and has 144km of pistes, plus two glaciers for reliable snow: Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glacier. It’s also the only ski resort in Austria to have three peaks of 3,000 meters, all of which are accessible by cable cars.
The terrain is varied, with gentle family zones at Innerwald and the Giggijoch areas and challenging black runs for experts at the Gaislachkogl ski mountain. Offering an unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers, with challenging terrain and awe-inspiring views, make Sölden one of the best ski resorts in Austria for adventurous families.
Personal note: There are so many runs to explore in Sölden. We loved every minute staying here
Best for: Adventurous families, glacier skiing
Kids’ club: Yes
Après-ski: Movie nights, spa relaxation
Read more: Beginner Skiing Tips for Kids 2026: Test Your Knowledge Today
9. Söll – Budget-Friendly Fun
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly ski trip, Söll is a great option, and is part of the SkiWelt area, one of the world’s largest ski areas with 279km of pistes. The Hexenwiese beginner area is perfect for children, and the value for money is outstanding. It’s frequently listed among the best value family ski resorts in Austria, in addition to being among the best family ski resorts in Austria for beginners.
With its varied terrain, suitable for beginners and intermediates, lively après-ski scene, and affordable accommodation, Söll gives you everything you need that will keep you entertained on the slopes. We went here about four years ago with some friends who had a little girl just starting to ski and she loved following my two around in the beginner area as she got used to her skis.
Personal note: Make sure you try the tobogganing when you visit. I have never laughed so much as we raced each other
Best for: Budget-conscious families, beginners
Kids’ club: Yes
Après-ski: Themed events, torch-lit walks, great value
10. Kaprun – Family-Friendly Skiing
Kaprun is a family-friendly skiing hotspot with 61km of local pistes, plus access to 408km with Zell am See and Saalbach-Hinterglemm. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier ensures reliable snow and year-round skiing.
It’s an excellent choice for families wanting a more laid-back skiing experience, including cross-country skiing. When you’re not skiing, check out the Tauern Spa, which I love and try to always visit when we’re there.
The resort caters to all ski levels, ensuring an enjoyable skiing experience for everyone in the family. What I like about Kaprun is that it has a quieter atmosphere compared to other Austrian ski resorts, and with its family-friendly skiing options and off-slope activities, it makes for the ideal family ski location.
Personal note: The spa’s outdoor pool, surrounded by snow, was a magical experience for all of us
Best for: Families wanting guaranteed snow, beginners
Kids’ club: Yes
Après-ski: Thermal pools, snow fun, relaxed evenings
Read more: The 6 Best Budget Family Ski Resorts in France in 2026
Your Family Ski Packing List for Austria
Read more: Family Ski Packing List: The Ultimate Guide for Families in 2026
FAQs: Family Skiing in Austria
What airport do you fly to in Austria?
For most family ski holidays in Austria, Innsbruck Airport and Salzburg Airport are popular choices, especially if you’re travelling from the UK or elsewhere in Europe. For international visitors, Zurich International Airport in Switzerland is also a top option, offering excellent train and road connections to many of the best family ski resorts in Austria.
What is the main ski resort in Austria?
The Arlberg region is Austria’s largest ski area and is often considered the main ski destination. It’s home to iconic resorts like St. Anton, Lech, and Zürs, with modern lifts reaching up to 2,811m and a vertical drop of 1,507m. This makes it one of the best ski resorts in Austria for both families and advanced skiers.
Is Austria good for beginner skiers and children?
Absolutely. Many of the best family ski resorts in Austria for beginners have gentle nursery slopes, excellent English-speaking ski schools, and dedicated kids’ areas. We love going to Austria as it’s perfect for first-timers and young children.
What should I pack for a family ski trip to Austria?
Download our FREE Printable Skiing Gear Checklist to get a detailed list of what you need before your next ski and snowboarding holiday.
Can you find English-speaking instructors at Austrian ski schools?
Yes, most major Austrian ski resorts have ski schools with English-speaking instructors, and many specialise in teaching children and families.
Final Thoughts on the Best Family Ski Resorts in Austria
Whether you’re after the best family ski resorts in Austria, ones that offer incredible value, or ones with excellent ski schools for children, I hope this guide has given you some food for thought on where you can go this ski season.
Austria’s diverse ski resorts offer a wealth of options for all types of skiers and budgets. We love visiting and feel that this European country has something for everyone, from charming alpine towns to high-altitude ski resorts. With stunning scenery, a wide range of skiing options, and unforgettable après-ski experiences, it’s no wonder Austria is a top destination for ski enthusiasts.
For more outdoor inspiration, check out our related guides:
- Is Skiing or Snowboarding Easier in 2026? I Tried Both to See
- Ski in the UK: 11 of the Best Places for Families [2026]
- What Are the Different Types of Skiing? The Best Guide for 2025
Happy skiing!
Have you found this best family ski resorts in Austria guide useful? Have you skied or snowboarded in Austria before? What’s your favourite ski resort to visit? Are there any we should include on our list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
