Families restricted by school holiday dates should look at Easter as a more affordable option to take a family skiing holiday. With Easter falling favourably at the end of March, there are even more resorts to choose from and with sound historical snow records at this time of year means thats one less thing to worry about.
A one-size-fits-all approach to family skiing is never going to work as different resorts suit the various stages of family life. Here are three suggestions from the Tirol Tourist Board whether you have under 5s, under 10s or under 15s.
Best for under 5s
Where? Galtr, Paznaun Valley
Why? High in the Silvretta region, Galtr is located at the end of the Paznaun valley after See, Kappl and its energetic big brother Ischgl. The resort is a charming, traditional village and the skiing is excellent for mixed ability groups, with 40 kilometres of pistes and reliable snow. Just a short ski bus ride to Ischgl, where you can enjoy an impressive 238km of pistes in the Silvretta arena. The Alpenresidenz Ballunspitze in Galtr is ideal for parents who want to enjoy their skiing safe in the knowledge that their little ones are taken care of. There is a full childcare programme from 9am to 9pm, with the baby club for the under 4s to the mini-club 4-7 and the adventure club for children aged 6-14. As well as indoor games and crafts, there is also the opportunity for plenty of snow play.
Best for under 10s
Where? Neustift, Stubai Valley
Why? The resort of Neustift is ideal for families and spring skiing, thanks to its location and proximity to the Stubai glacier. As Austrias largest glacier ski area there are a total of 110kms to explore and some quiet intermediate slopes at Elfer, which are great to practice on. For the third year running, the Stubai valley resorts were awarded the “most family friendly ski resort in the Alps” in 2012, according to the ADAC ski guide.
Best for under 15s
Where? SkiWelt
Why?Austrias largest skiing area, the SkiWelt, gives you access to 279km of pistes and can be reached by a system of 91 cable cars and lifts from the villages of Going, Ellmau, Scheffau, Sll, Itter, Hopfgarten, Westendorf and Brixen im Thale. The ski area is perfect for competitive teens, you can measure your own personal Skiline, detailing the lifts you used, total metres you climbed and how many kilometres you covered on the descent or you can have a go on the Ski Movie route in Scheffau and check out your video online or you can head through the gate and find out how fast you are going on the timed speed run.
