Skiing in Austria with Kids: How to Plan the Perfect Family Ski Holiday

Austria makes it easier to answer these questions. With well-organised ski resorts, good infrastructure, family-friendly ski areas and plenty to do beyond skiing, it is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for a family winter holiday.

 Why Choose Austria for a Family Ski Holiday?

Austria works particularly well for families because skiing is deeply embedded in the way many mountain resorts are organised. Ski schools, lifts, equipment rental, accommodation and places to eat are often designed to work together, making it easier to build a holiday around the needs of both children and adults.

When choosing among Austria ski resorts for families, look for a few practical things:

• ski areas with slopes for different ability levels
• beginner areas where children can learn safely
• ski schools offering lessons for different ages
• convenient lifts and short distances between key facilities
• family-friendly accommodation close to the slopes
• activities for children when they need a break from skiing
• easy access to restaurants, mountain huts and other resort facilities

Another advantage is that many Austrian resorts cater to families with different levels of skiing experience. Beginners can spend time in dedicated learning areas, while more confident skiers can explore longer runs and larger parts of the resort.

And when you’re looking for an Austrian ski resort that keeps things simple for families, Obertauern is a particularly convenient choice. Its compact layout, high altitude, variety of slopes and family-friendly facilities mean less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the snow.

Here is how to plan your family ski holiday in Austria, with Obertauern as one of the destinations worth considering.

Skiing in Obertauern with Kids: Choose a Resort That Works for Everyone

When skiing with children, bigger isn’t always better. A family-friendly ski resort should give you a mix of gentle and more challenging slopes, good ski schools, convenient lifts and plenty of places to stop for lunch or a hot chocolate.

Among Austrian ski resorts for families, Obertauern ticks many of these boxes. Set at around 1,740 metres in the Salzburg Alps, it offers roughly 100 kilometres of pistes and 26 lifts for different skiing levels. The slopes form a circuit around the village, making it easy to get around without complicated transfers between different parts of the ski area.

That compact layout can make a real difference when you’re skiing with children. You can spend more time on the slopes and less time figuring out how to get from one place to another.

There’s a snow bonus too. Its high altitude makes Obertauern one of Austria’s more snow-sure destinations, which is particularly useful when you’ve booked your family ski holiday months in advance.

Not every child is starting from scratch, either. The majority of Obertauern’s slopes are blue and red, making it easy for families with mixed abilities to find runs they can enjoy together. Confident skiers can follow the Tauernrunde, the circuit that loops around the resort, while older kids and teens can head for My Track.

And remember: a good ski day isn’t measured only in kilometres. Stop for lunch at a mountain hut, warm up with a hot chocolate or share a plate of Kaiserschmarrn before heading back out for another few runs.

Because sometimes the best part of skiing is knowing when to take a break.

When to Go Skiing in Austria with Kids 

Timing can make a real difference to a family ski holiday. Christmas, New Year and school holidays are generally the busiest periods, so if your dates are tied to school breaks, it’s worth booking early.

If you have some flexibility, travelling outside school holidays can mean shorter queues and a more relaxed atmosphere on the slopes.

Obertauern is a good option throughout the winter. Its high altitude supports a long ski season, with snow from November well into spring. If you’d like to start the winter with a bang, the Obertauern Ski Opening kicks off the season with live concerts and alpine energy.

Later in the winter, longer days and more sunshine can make March an appealing time for families who want to spend more time outdoors.

Not sure when to go? Our guide to the best time to ski in Austria can help you decide.

Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Hotels in Obertauern 

With kids, a hotel is more than somewhere to sleep. It is your base camp between ski runs, meals, games, tired legs and the occasional meltdown.

When comparing family ski hotels in Austria, look for:

• ski depot facilities
• easy access to the slopes
• family-friendly rooms
• children’s facilities
• dining options
• wellness or relaxation areas for parents
• activities for children when skiing takes a break

In Obertauern, Valamar offers three different hotel experiences, so families can choose what suits them best.

Valamar Obertauern Hotel

Valamar Obertauern Hotel is a family-friendly base in the heart of Obertauern, with shops, restaurants and other resort facilities close by. The nearest ski slope is just 200 metres away, with ski lifts and a children’s snow park nearby. Back at the hotel, Maro Club gives children their own space to play, while parents can unwind in the indoor-outdoor pool or wellness area. New for winter 2026/27, the hotel also has redesigned rooms and a refreshed Lobby area.

Kesselspitze Hotel & Chalet, Valamar Collection

Kesselspitze Hotel & Chalet, Valamar Collection brings a more premium mountain experience with true ski-in, ski-out access, making it especially convenient for families. From the ski depot, you can step straight onto the snow, and with Full Board included, you can easily pop back to the hotel for a break, a meal or some time to recharge before heading back to the slopes. Maro Club keeps younger guests busy, while the hotel’s wellness facilities give everyone a chance to slow down after a day on the slopes.

Next door, the Kesselspitze Chalet offers more privacy for up to eight guests, while still giving you access to the hotel’s facilities and services. It’s a great option for families or groups who want the space and privacy of their own chalet without giving up everything the hotel has to offer.

[PLACES] Obertauern by Valamar

PLACES Obertauern by Valamar has a more social, contemporary atmosphere, with spaces for games and hanging out. It’s a natural fit for families with older children and teenagers who enjoy having plenty to do beyond the slopes. Dining is included with FLEXI Half Board, featuring buffet breakfast and buffet dinner. If you don’t make it to dinner, you can use a €30 daily credit per person on food or drinks in the bars instead, with any unused credit rolling over to the following day.

Whichever you choose, a ski depot for your gear and a garage for your car mean less to think about each morning. And on a family ski holiday, one less thing is always a good thing.

Ski lessons for kids in Obertauern 

Once you’ve chosen your base, sort out the lessons.

For beginners, booking in advance is one of the smartest things you can do. Instructors teach the basics safely and playfully, children gain confidence, and parents get some time on the slopes at their own pace.

Not sure if your little one is ready? Here’s why it pays to start kids skiing young. 

When you book your stay with Valamar, you can reserve group and private ski lessons for all ages, adults included, through the Experience Concierge before you arrive. You can also book your ski equipment in advance, so your gear is sorted before you even arrive.

If you’re staying at [PLACES] Obertauern by Valamar, there is also a ski rental and shop right in the hotel. 

Obertauern has thought of its youngest skiers. At Bobby Land, first turns happen on a magic carpet, with a children’s igloo to explore and a cosy lounge for warming up. At the Bibo Bear Family Ski Park, learning to ski feels more like play, with three slopes designed to help kids build balance and confidence.

And don’t worry if the first day is mostly about balancing, stopping and putting skis on. A few hours on the snow is plenty. The goal is to finish the day wanting to ski again tomorrow.

Getting to Obertauern with kids 

Getting to your Austrian ski resort is another important part of planning a family trip.

For Obertauern, Salzburg is the nearest airport, about 90 km away. The nearest railway station is Radstadt, around 20 km from the resort, with bus and taxi connections available.

Guests at Kesselspitze Hotel can also use a free shuttle service within the destination once they arrive.

Once you’re there, small conveniences can make the first morning easier. You can buy your ski pass at Valamar hotels, so you can skip the queue on your first morning.

Children up to their sixth birthday ski for free when accompanied by a parent, and children of this age can also receive a free lift ticket while attending a course at selected local ski schools. Check the current Obertauern ski pass conditions for the latest details.

What to Pack for a Family Ski Holiday in Austria 

The secret is layers. Children can go from freezing on the chairlift to overheated after ten minutes of skiing.

Essentials:

• waterproof jacket and trousers
• thermal base layers and a warm mid-layer
• ski socks
• waterproof gloves or mittens
• a spare pair of gloves
• helmet and goggles
• neck warmer
• sunscreen and lip balm
• swimwear for pool and spa time

Wet gloves at 3 p.m. can feel like the end of the world to a six-year-old, so that spare pair is worth its weight in gold.

For more tips, have a look at our guide on what to wear skiing in Obertauern.

Family Activities in Austria Beyond Skiing 

A family ski holiday doesn’t need to be a seven-day skiing marathon. Even the most enthusiastic little skier will need a change of pace now and then.

In Obertauern, there are plenty of ways to spend a snowy afternoon, from winter walks and snowshoeing to ice skating and tobogganing.

You can also let the hotel become part of the experience. A swim after skiing, some time in the spa, an afternoon at Maro Club or a relaxed dinner can be exactly what everyone needs after a few hours outdoors – with something for the kids and a little time for parents to switch off too.

And if you’re not sure what to do with a free afternoon, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Valamar’s Snow Experience Concierge and Snow Mastermind can help you plan your time in Obertauern, from choosing the right slopes and arranging ski activities to discovering winter experiences, local tips and places to eat.

From guided skiing and teen ski fun to snowshoeing, sledding and night skiing, there are options for different ages and energy levels.

Finally, resist the urge to plan every minute. Leave space for slow mornings, spontaneous snowball fights and afternoons when everyone simply wants to stay in.

The best memories are often the ones you didn’t schedule.

★★★★ Obertauern, Austria

Kesselspitze Hotel & Chalet, Valamar Collection

★★★★ Obertauern, Austria

Valamar Obertauern Hotel

★★★★ Obertauern, Austria

[PLACES] Obertauern by Valamar