The Zillertal Valley in Austria is an absolute haven for families looking to enjoy a memorable family ski holiday. With its charming alpine villages, stunning views, and world-class ski resorts, the valley has something for everyone — from first-time skiers to seasoned pros. Whether you’re planning your first family ski holiday or returning to the slopes, this guide will help you navigate all the ski experiences the Zillertal Valley offers, including the Mayrhofen ski resort.
Why Choose the Zillertal Valley for Your Family Ski Holiday?
The Zillertal Valley, located in the Tyrol region of Austria, is famous for its exceptional snow conditions, vast ski areas, and family-friendly services. Home to multiple ski resorts, including the renowned Mayrhofen ski resort, the valley offers a variety of activities that are perfect for families with children of all ages.
- Multiple Resorts: The valley boasts over 500 km of ski slopes and is served by 180 modern ski lifts, giving families plenty of options. Whether you stay in Mayrhofen or another resort in the valley, you’ll never run out of options.
- Reliable Snow: With a mix of lower-altitude slopes and the Hintertux Glacier (open year-round), you’re guaranteed snow for your family ski holiday.
- Non-Ski Activities: The Zillertal Valley isn’t just for skiing. You’ll find ice skating rinks, tobogganing runs, family-friendly hiking trails, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Skiing at Mayrhofen Ski Resort
For families, Mayrhofen ski resort is one of the most accessible and well-equipped destinations in the Zillertal Valley. The resort offers a variety of slopes, from wide, gentle beginner runs to more challenging intermediate and expert tracks.
- Beginner Areas: The Penken area in Mayrhofen is perfect for families and beginners, with wide, easy-to-navigate slopes. The ski schools here offer fantastic childcare and beginner classes for children aged 4 and up.
- Children’s Zones: There’s also a designated kids’ area where young skiers can enjoy the snow in a safe environment. Instructors are experienced and able to guide even the most nervous young skiers, making it a stress-free experience for parents.
- Family-friendly lifts: The resort’s lifts are modern, and many are designed with families in mind, including convenient conveyor belts and easy chairlifts for beginners.
Other Family Ski Resorts in Zillertal Valley
While Mayrhofen ski resort is the most famous, the Zillertal Valley offers several other family-friendly ski areas:
- Zell am Ziller: This resort is perfect for families with a variety of easy slopes and great facilities. The ski school here is ideal for beginners and families.
- Gerlos: Known for its charming village and family-friendly activities, Gerlos offers excellent child care options and ski schools tailored for children.
Each of these resorts is linked by a single ski pass, so you and your family can explore the entire valley with ease.
Non-Ski Activities for Families
While skiing is the main attraction, the Zillertal Valley has plenty of off-slope activities that will keep your family entertained. Some of the top choices include:
- Tobogganing: The valley has several tobogganing runs that are perfect for children and adults. They’re fun and a great way to experience the snow!
- Ice Skating: Families can enjoy skating at one of the local rinks, with rentals available for all sizes.
- Swimming: Indoor pools like the Erlebnisbad Mayrhofen offer slides and pools for kids, while adults can relax in the wellness areas.
- Sleigh Rides: Take a peaceful horse-drawn sleigh ride through the picturesque alpine villages — a wonderful way to see the area in a relaxed, family-friendly manner.
Accommodation for Families in Zillertal Valley
The Zillertal Valley offers a range of accommodation options for families. Many hotels cater specifically to families, offering spacious rooms and child-friendly amenities such as play areas, babysitting services, and kids’ clubs.
- Mayrhofen: Family-friendly hotels such as Hotel Neuhaus Zillertal and Alpenhotel Kramerwirt offer excellent facilities for families, including childcare, kids’ clubs, and family rooms.
- Zell am Ziller: This resort offers several family-oriented apartments and hotels with easy access to the ski slopes and other amenities.
Travel from the UK to Zillertal Valley
Reaching the Zillertal Valley from the UK is simple and straightforward. Most families fly into Innsbruck Airport, which is around an hour’s drive from Mayrhofen. Flights from the UK to Innsbruck are regular, with many options available from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Alternatively, you can fly into Munich and take a slightly longer transfer of about 2.5 hours.
Conclusion
The Zillertal Valley is an excellent choice for families looking to experience the best of Austrian skiing. With its family-oriented resorts, excellent ski schools, and countless non-ski activities, it’s an ideal destination for your next family ski holiday. Whether you’re based in the bustling Mayrhofen ski resort or another part of the valley, the Zillertal provides the perfect setting for making lifelong memories with your loved ones.