Ah, that old conundrum. How to organise a skiing holiday where everyone (and that includes the adults as well) has fun? Picking the right resort can go a long way to guaranteeing a memorable break, but that in itself isn’t easy. If you’re lacking inspiration, then I can highly recommend Austria’s resort of Kitzbühel and its 215 kilometres of pistes, many of which are suitable for beginners. Not for nothing has it been recognised within the industry as a 5-star resort for families, with world-class facilities that give even first-timer skiers a confidence boost.
Still not convinced? Want to learn more? There are so many opportunities and perks for children at Kitzbühel that your little ones will never be bored, and you’ll get exactly what you want out of a holiday: plenty of R&R!
Wondering what’s on in Kitzbühel after the sun goes down? Check out our guide to its nightlife here.
Ski Courses for Kids
There are plenty of ski courses designed with children in mind, and to help them along the way, they will get free access to the ski lifts linked to beginner slopes in the resort. Once their confidence is up, the Bärenland obstacle course at Jochberg ski area is a great way for them to put into practice what they have learnt – slaloms, steering through gates and balancing on the ‘organ stairs’ are all part of the fun!
Family Lift Pass Deals
A range of affordable lift pass deals are available that will cover the whole family and even see the kids go free at some places. As mentioned, the ski lifts for beginner slopes are free to use, but at the weekend children get a discount of up to 60% on lift tickets.
Children’s Play Areas
The ski school element 3 runs Kitzi’s Kinderland, a play area with trained childcare staff that has a ‘magic carpet’– a conveyor belt to help toddlers up those pesky slopes – and an obstacle course! It can be found by the Ganslern chairlift, where friendly mascot named Kitzi will be waiting to say hello and keep the little ones entertained.
Bobo Children’s Club helps kids from as young as three find their skiing legs in a purpose-built play pen. It’s open in the mornings and afternoons, including lunch supervision. As a result, there’s nothing stopping you from having a day to yourselves, whether that’s out on the slopes or perhaps not straying too far from the hotel.
The Der Rote Teufel (or Red Devil) school lets children unleash their creative side with helmet decorating sessions, try-outs on the parallel slalom and play spaces with fairy-tale figures to light up their imagination. Video analysis is also available for really keen junior skiers to see how they’re progressing. Lunch supervision is on offer.
Wildpark Aurach
Winter is no trouble for many of the animals of Austria’s Tyrol region, hence why the Wildpark Aurach just south of Kitzbühel is open all year round. Who could resist watching such amazing creatures as the lynx and marmot, or feeding dozens of reindeer and goats? With a fantastic on-site restaurant and free entry for children under five, Wildpark Aurach is a great place for a day trip if a rest from skiing is in demand.
How to Get to Kitzbühel
The best way to reach Kitzbühel is to fly to Innsbruck Airport, which is just over an hour’s drive from the resort and serviced by regular flights from across the UK.
Start your holiday the right way with a direct transfer from Innsbruck with Shuttle Direct. Book a private transfer online and upon arrival at the airport, you and your family will be greeted by one of our friendly drivers in a vehicle that will comfortably and safely seat everyone and any ski equipment you wish to bring.
Where to Stay
Hotel Resch – A central location and comfortable, spacious rooms make this family-run hotel a great option. Perks for parents include a sauna and babysitting services, and if a day’s skiing hasn’t been enough excitement for the kids, a whirl in the playground will top the day off and (hopefully) get them ready for a good night’s sleep.
Villa Licht – Take your pick from a selection of homely apartments – although, unlike home, you won’t need to lift a finger, as there’s a daily maid service! If you fancy a change or the weather’s too poor for skiing, then the swimming pool, sauna hut and ample supply of books and DVDs will keep everyone happy.
Hotel Seebichl – If true peace and quiet is what you’re looking for, this hotel is just the one for you. It’s in a tranquil location right next to Lake Schwarzsee Nature Reserve, but also only four minutes by free shuttle to the centre of town – the shuttle also takes guests for free to nearby cable cars. A play corner will keep the kids happy while you find some time for yourselves.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct has been bringing skiers to their resort accommodation with minimum fuss and maximum convenience since 2002. Take a few moments to book online, let us know that you’re looking for a family service and one of our friendly drivers will be waiting to take you all safely and swiftly to your accommodation.
