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The best half term ski breaks in Austria
Skiing holidays in the Austrian Alps are becoming increasingly popular during the February half term, and it's no wonder. Snowy high altitudes, warm and welcoming alpine villages, extensive ski areas, and crisp apple strudels… these are just a few of our favourite things about half term ski breaks in Austria. But with over 100 resorts to choose from and an abundance of fantastic accommodation options - including self-catering apartments, B&Bs, and all-inclusive hotels - just where should you decide to go?
Well, that's where Heidi comes in—our experts have crunched the numbers and sifted through the options to present you with our recommendations for the best half term ski holidays in Austria. From the stunning beauty of Kitzbühel to the uncrowded pistes of Niederau-Wildschönau, the luxury of Zell am See, and the enchanting winter wonderland of Saalbach. Here are the top half term ski resorts in Austria we believe will have everyone gliding down the slopes and joyfully singing like the Von Trapps: "Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo!"
1. Seefeld
Just a 30-minute transfer from the vibrant city of Innsbruck, the Tirolean village of Seefeld is ideal for a half term Austria ski weekend or a week-long holiday. Brimming with Austrian alpine charm, it's an excellent choice for newbies and young families, featuring peaceful, car-free streets, snow-capped mountain tops, and numerous beginner-friendly pistes radiating out from the village centre.
Drop the kids off at one of Austria's top-rated ski schools - Skischule Mösern or Sport Aktiv at Bergbahnen Rosshütte - for their first lessons. Here, they can explore Sportis Kinderland, a 20,000m² ski area equipped with three magic carpets and a slalom course, before joining you over at Gschwandtkopf for 34km of long, expansive blue runs and well-groomed pistes. While the kids are off at lessons, parents can enjoy the sunny southern slopes of the Seefelder mountains or take the railway to tackle the 2,000m heights of Rosshütte and Härmelekopf.
Off the slopes:
As splendid off the slopes as on them, a half term ski holiday in Seefeld is a mountain lover's paradise. Explore various cross-country walking trails parallel to the Langlauf skiing paths to admire breathtaking views of snow-capped alpine forests, frosty peaks, and soaring golden eagles. After your adventures, take a moment to unwind with a coffee or beer on a deck chair at one of the many mountain hut terraces—you've earned it!
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2. Zell am See
Zell am See is one of our most popular Austria half term ski resorts, continually attracting families to its snowy slopes year after year. Nestled at the foothills of the spectacular Schmittenhöhe mountain, its gently sloping green and blue runs, stunning vistas, and abundant snowy high altitudes make it a top choice for both novice and seasoned skiers.
Families can kick off their trip by warming up their skills together in the nursery area before diving into ski lessons or progressing to the nearby long, gentle groomers for relaxing descents. As confidence gains, venture further up the mountain to experience a mix of epic tree-lined runs and expansive wide-open pistes while soaking in the stunning panoramic views.
Fancy a change of scenery? Hop on the bus to Kaprun to face the sky-high challenges of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, featuring 61km of slopes ranging from 2,000m to 3,000m in elevation. This includes five fantastic signposted freeride routes and four snow parks equipped with rollers, tanks, kickers, jumps, and an epic Superpipe. Kids can even have a go on the family favourite ‘Eagle Line’, a 1km course filled with waves, banked curves, hilltops, and obstacles.
Off the slopes:
Reach the summit at the ‘Gipfelwelt 3000’ panoramic viewing platform for sweeping views of the entire valley, or visit the sparkling frozen Lake Zell (star of Zell am See’s Christmas tree diving tradition) to enjoy ice skating on its surface.
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3. Saalbach
Nestled amidst the enchanting, snow-dusted forests of Austria's magnificent Glemm Valley, the charming resort of Saalbach is a picture-postcard winter wonderland village. Think timber-clad alpine buildings, glittering frozen rivers, the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages, and flawlessly smooth, pearly pistes stretching for miles…
Whether you're a novice, a young family, or the parents of an aspiring snowboarder-to-be, Saalbach offers a range of slopes and activities to suit all skill levels and interests. Begin your adventure at the gentle nursery area near the main street to master your first runs, then head to the Bernkogel mountain for expansive, tree-lined greens and blues. Once everyone’s ski legs have warmed up, Austria's 270km Skicircus beckons, featuring over 140km of gentle forest runs specially crafted for newcomers—perfect for avoiding any half term throngs! For more seasoned skiing families, 112km of demanding reds, designated deep-snow off-piste trails, and the Hinterglemm snow park await, equipped with jumps, boxes, and kickers.
Off the slopes:
As lively off the slopes as on them, Saalbach is all about good food in good company. Savour incredible local specialities like hearty curried sausage, rich Kaiserschmarrn pancakes drizzled with local plum and apple sauces, and delightfully cheesy Kasnocken Spaetzle.
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4. Niederau-Wildschönau
Looking to escape bustling half term crowds? Look no further than the charming and relaxed Austrian village of Niederau-Wildschönau. Meaning 'wild and beautiful', this serene hidden gem is nestled in one of Tyrol's most breathtaking valleys, right in the heart of the Wildschönau Alps' extensive 109km Ski Juwel area.
Ideal for beginners, intermediates, or those eager to experience the snow for the first time, the tranquil pistes of Niederau-Wildschönau offer plenty for the entire family to enjoy on a half term ski trip. Think glittering, tree-lined slopes, a fantastic ski school, a gentle nursery area at the village centre equipped with magic carpets and draglifts, and a host of friendly blues leading all the way to the peak. While the kids embark on their first lessons, you can explore the exhilarating red and black runs higher up the mountain, or catch the ski bus to nearby Auffach. There, you can discover more of the Ski Juwel, including the stunning slopes at Schatzberg's summit and the sweeping pistes of Inneralpbach.
Off the slopes:
Kids fancy a break from their ski boots? Don't worry—Niederau has plenty to keep them entertained! Race down the mountain on snow tubes and sledges or visit Familienpark Drachental Wildschönau to experience the thrilling Dragon Racer "Drachenflitzer" Alpine Coaster, a spectacular 1,355m-long ride filled with roundabouts, curves, and bridges that whisk you down at lightning speed.
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5. Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is the perfect school holiday destination, whether you're jetting off for the February half term or an Easter escape in April. Voted the 'Best Ski Resort in the World' for three consecutive years, it offers plenty for your pack of piste pups to get stuck into, including 2,000m high altitudes and 230km of sweeping, tree-lined valleys to explore.
Whether you're after luxury with five-star accommodations and high-end après-ski or fantastic value with delightful B&Bs, warm, welcoming mountain taverns, and frothy beer steins, 'Glitzy Kitz' has every half term ski trip covered. Start the week by perfecting your snowploughs at the wide-open nursery area with complimentary lift access. Once warmed up, get whisked high up the mountain to enjoy over 230km of vast summit slopes, swooping tree-lined valley trails, and cruisy blue runs. Alternatively, head to Resterhöhe for ample, crowd-free high altitudes and the legendary Streif downhill descent. Race you to the bottom!
Off the slopes
Take in stunning alpine scenery with a cable car ride, shop till you drop at traditional local stores and luxury designer boutiques, or unwind in the afternoon by soaking tired limbs alongside the kids at the spa and indoor pool, Aquarena Kitzbühel.
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You’ll find our ski holidays more customisable than your typical ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from 300+ ski resorts, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a ski holiday, WhatsApp us, call us on 0117 457 6000, or simply start a search.
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