If I decide to plan ski holidays with my kids, it’s always Austria. Why? Because when it comes to finding the perfect ski resort that the whole family can enjoy, Austria tops the list. With its many family-friendly and fun resorts, picturesque surroundings, charming villages, and unbeatable world-class skiing facilities, it’s no wonder Austria is considered one of the top ski destinations in the world.
As winter ski holidays approach, I’m always on the lookout for where to ski in Austria with my family. Fortunately, Austria is renowned for its thrilling skiing conditions and pristine slopes that cater to families.
This time, we decided to check out Wildkogel Arena situated in the Salzburg region of Austria in the heart of the Austrian Alps.
If you are travelling from Salzburg then I would definitely recommend to read how you can spend One Perfect Day in Salzburg.
Family Ski Vacation in Austria: Wildkogel-Arena
Wildkogel Arena is definitely a hidden gem! The Wildkogel-Arena offers 75 kilometres of snow-assured slopes for beginners and advanced skiers. And of course it offers an unparalleled skiing experience for families even if it’s your first time family ski holiday. With it’s stunning alpine landscapes, extensive ski slopes, and warm hospitality, Wildkogel Arena has earned it’s reputation as one of the top destinations for family ski holidays in Austria.
One of the key advantages of visiting Wildkogel Arena is the accessibility and affordability of ski passes. Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or an extended family vacation, the range of ski pass options ensures convenience and affordability for all. One of the highlights of Wildkogel Arena is the scenic cable car rides that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Austrian Alps from a unique perspective, adding to the magic of the ski holiday experience.
Wildkogel Arena boasts one of the biggest ski areas in Austria. This vast expanse of terrain offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. For families embarking on their first ski holiday, Wildkogel Arena provides the perfect introduction to skiing. With dedicated ski schools and experienced instructors, beginners can learn at their own pace in a supportive environment.
It is also exceptionally kid-friendly, with lessons available for both grown-ups and children. My son attended the ski school for two hours for the first time, and he had a blast. Seeing him enjoy himself and learn new skills added to the overall experience.
There is a wide range of ski hotels in Austria near Wildkogel Arena. But I want to share with you my experience staying at Hotel Gassner. It definitely added beautiful memories and enjoyment to our ski holiday.
Family Friendly Ski Hotel in Austria: Hotel Gassner
We really were looking forward to this holiday to escape the busy life and immerse into tranquility. Already the journey from Airport Munich where we rented a car to the hotel was itself a picturesque adventure. We arrived late and it was already dark but on the next morning the view from our window took our breath away. As you gaze out, you observe panoramic vistas of the majestic Austrian Alps, with snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. Surrounded by pretty traditional small Austrian village.
The Hotel Gassner is situated in Neukirchen am Großvenediger, 700 metres from Wildkogelbahn. From the moment we stepped through the doors of Hotel Gassner, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. Family-owned and operated, the hotel exuded a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with charming alpine décor and modern amenities ensuring a comfortable stay for our family. Whether we were lounging in the spacious lobby area or unwinding in our elegantly appointed guest room, Hotel Gassner truly felt like a home away from home.
I personally highly recommend hotel Gassner to nature and mountain lovers, whether you’re here for skiing in winter or hiking in summer. It’s conveniently located next to the ski slope and chairlift, there is even a free bus that can pick up and bring back. The hotel is in a peaceful area, ensuring a restful sleep for you and your kids. In summer and winter you can join guided hikes and even get free hiking equipment.
Important to mention: Parking outside the hotel is complimentary, and to make our stay even more delightful, we were provided with complimentary sleighs for our kids to enjoy sliding down the nearby slopes. It’s these thoughtful touches that truly set this hotel apart and make it a standout choice for a mountain getaway.
Things to Do for Kids
For our children, Hotel Gassner provided plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement. The hotel’s Kids Club offered a safe environment for them to play with great toys where they made many new friends. Adding to the allure, hotel offers a delightful swimming pool where we could enjoy our family time. We could also receive floaties upon request at the reception, ensuring that little ones can safely and happily splash in the water. Moreover I personally truly appreciated the thoughtful addition of a kids menu at the hotel’s restaurant.
Family Studio
During our stay at Hotel Gassner, my family and I were thrilled to stay in the Family Studio, which came with a balcony boasting breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the charming village below. It was truly a treat to wake up to such stunning scenery every morning and enjoy the fresh mountain air right from our own private space. The studio itself had a rustic feel with lots of wooden furniture, making it feel like a home away from home.
The spacious family room was thoughtfully designed with families in mind, featuring separate sleeping areas for adults and kids, as well as amenities such as crib. It had everything we needed, including a separate toilet and a stylish bathroom with stone and wood accents. Although only soap bars were provided for washing, I recommend bringing shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. However, you won’t need to bring a hair dryer as one is provided. The bed was super comfy, and there were plenty of seating areas for us to relax in. Plus, the room had thoughtful touches like table with chairs and all necessary information about hotel and surroundings. Overall, it was the perfect place for our family getaway.
Doubtlessly, the room was equipped with modern amenities including a TV with various channels and important Wi-Fi access, allowing us to stay connected to the rest of the world.
Food
Dining at Hotel Gassner was a true delight for our whole family. The restaurant served up a delectable array of traditional Austrian cuisine, made with locally sourced ingredients and prepared with care. From hearty breakfast buffets to gourmet dinners, there was something to satisfy every member of our family. We also enjoyed themed dinner nights and special culinary events, adding an extra layer of excitement to our dining experience.
We booked half board since the most of the time of the day you are in the mountains skiing. Breakfast started from 7.30 – 10.30 and offered everything what you would like to eat. Delicious coffee, bubbles, local vegetables, cheeses, bread, fresh pressed juices, muesli, nuts and more! As many ingredients are from the nearby farmers, you enjoy mainly quality local fresh ingredients.
Dinner that we could choose from already in the beginning of the day started from 18.30 – 20.00. And yes, there are also vegetarian options! First, we enjoyed a cold appetizer with spreads and pastries. Followed by delicious soup. Next, was a sumptuous main course. Last but not least we were served a dessert. But if you’re still hungry, you can also have ice cream or cheese. Did we gain weight? No doubt! But it was worth it!
Spa & Wellness
After an exhilarating day exploring the stunning Austrian Alps, I found the perfect retreat to unwind and recharge: Hotel Gassner‘s heavenly spa and wellness facilities. I was impressed with visuals and amount of saunas and steam rooms, there was definitely no shortage of opportunities for relaxation. Meanwhile, in the adults-only wellness area, I indulged in a variety of sauna experiences before treating myself to a pampering massage. In the relaxation area I sipped on my tea and could enjoy some snacks. I didn’t dare to jump into an outdoor natural pool with sunbathing area since it was a bit too nippy. But I saw some brave ones!
My other part of the family, I call them “the swimmers” could enjoy indoor color light pool with whirlpool.
Was it worth visiting?
In conclusion, my family holiday at Hotel Gassner was an experience we will treasure. With its idyllic location, family-friendly amenities, and warm hospitality, the hotel provided the perfect setting for creating lasting memories with my family. Whether we were admiring Wildkogel Arena or simply relaxing in the spa area, our time at Hotel Gassner was unforgettable! I would definitely recommend you to go there!
