Top ski spots for families this Easter
With February half-term upon us, 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 that’s 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? Galtür, Paznaun Valley
Why? High in the Silvretta region, Galtür 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 Galtür 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 – 9pm, with the baby club for the under 4’s 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.
How much? Prices at the Alpenresidenz Ballunspitze in Galtür start from €348 for a family of 4 (based on 2 adults and 2 children under 5) per night (or total €2436 for 7 nights). Prices are all-inclusive, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon cakes as well as childcare from 9am-9pm. To book visit ballunspitze.com. For more information on Galtür visit galtuer.com.
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 Austria’s 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.
How much? The 4* Hotel Happy Stubai knows what makes families tick and provides everything you need for a hassle-free stay off the slopes. Children can let off steam in the playroom, equipped with everything from video games to crafts, whilst children’s menus and babysitting on request help families get the most out of their holiday. A 7 night holiday starts from €929.30 per adult for 7 nights, including a Stubai Glacier ski pass and from €430,50 per child aged between 7-12 years old. Children under 6 years stay for free, including half board. Children under 10 receive free lift pass, when accompanied by a parent. Departs 23th March – 30th March or from 30th April – 06th April 2013. For more information on the Stubai Valley visit stubai.at.
Best for Under 15s
Where? SkiWelt
Why? The Ski Welt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is offering special family ski weeks this season from 8th – 21st December 2012 and from 16th March – 7th April 2013, where children up to the age of 15 can ski for free*! Austria’s 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, Söll, 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. (*valid when parents buy a lift pass for the same duration)
How much?
Stay at the Sport Mayr apartments in Söll with prices starting from €1471,50 for a family of four (children up to the age of 15), 6-day lift passes in a 3-room apartment. To book email sport.mayr[at]aon.at. For more information on the SkiWelt and holiday packages visit skiwelt.at.
How to get there?
Daily flights are available from London Gatwick and twice weekly from Bristol and Liverpool to Innsbruck with easyjet.com from £60 return. British Airways (ba.com) flies five times a week from London Gatwick and new for 2012-13 Monarch (monarch.com) will fly three times a week from Manchester airport. Affordable resort transfers are available through transfer.tirol.at.
For more information on the Tirol region visittirol.co.uk or keep updated at facebook.com/visittirol.
