Seek and find
Last updated: March 6, 2020
If you've been following Your Little Black Book for a while, you know I'm crazy about winter sports. This year is extra special, because in Grossarltal in the beautiful Salzburg This year, the three of us went skiing for the first time. Anyone looking for a child-friendly ski resort in Austria needn't look any further. The Austrian village of Grossarltal is situated at an altitude of 924 meters and has a very authentic feel. It's small, friendly, and you can stay there at the beautiful Hotel Das Edelweiss You almost wouldn't want to leave your hotel to go skiing. I say almost: because as soon as you're at the top of the Panoramabahn and you ski your first lap, you're hooked.
Why is this ski resort so wonderful for families? Most hotels offer childcare for little ones who can't ski yet, and you can play and sled endlessly together at the wintery kids' playground in the village. But perhaps the best part: you step out of the hotel, click on your skis, take a lift next to the hotel, and you can immediately start your wonderful ski trip.
About the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area
Together with Dorfgastein, located on the other side of the mountain, Grossarltal forms the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area. What I personally love is that you can ski right down to the valley. So (if you're lucky) you only take off your skis at the end of the day at the door of your hotel or apartment's ski depot. Not needing a car at your destination is so relaxing and saves a lot of hassle, especially with small children, in the morning. The ski area Grossarltal-Dorfgastein has 73km of slopes and is part of the Ski amadé region. For several years now, the area has been using state-of-the-art technology, ensuring 90% snow security and ensuring the slopes are in perfect condition every day. As a result, the ski season starts in early December and runs until the first week of April. Skis are available at Panorama directly beneath the Panoramabahn lifts. We always bring our own helmets, but you can also rent them if you prefer to travel light.
The slopes of Grossarltal-Dorfgastein are wide and not too difficult, making skiing incredibly relaxing. Especially if you're new to a new ski area! I really enjoyed the run from the Kreuzkogel (at over 2.000 meters) to the Gehwolf Alm ski hut. What I really love about this ski area is that you can ski right into the villages. This means you often ski through the forest, and I always find that magical, navigating between the enormous pine trees. For another beautiful trip, ski from the top of the Kreuzkogel chairlift towards Dorfgastein. Along the way, you'll pass the beautiful Spiegelsee mountain lake, which I would definitely like to return to in the summer. Especially on the way back, at the top of the Fulseck lift, you'll have a fantastic view of Spiegelsee.
Because Grossarltal-Dorfgastein is part of Ski amadé, you have access to 760km of slopes with a single ski pass. We spent a long weekend in Grossarltal and stayed in the local ski area, but if you have more time and would like to see more, you can also take the ski bus or drive to another area.
3 cozy huts directly on the slopes
One of the best things about skiing in Austria is the "huts" where you can eat and drink right on the slopes. Of course, we stayed at as many different huts as possible during our ski trip. I'll share a few of my favorites!
Gehwolf Alm: This cozy hut is located just above the Kreuzkogel chairlift and boasts a large panoramic terrace. In colder weather, you can snuggle up under a blanket on a sheepskin rug while sipping hot chocolate with whipped cream. They also serve excellent schnitzel for lunch!
Wengeralm: If you're looking for a sunny terrace, the Wengeralm hut is the place to be. Settle in, order a ski wash, and swap your goggles for sunglasses if the weather's good. Even when we were there in January, we sat here several times with our coats off on the way to Dorfgastein. It's a lovely terrace where you can relax and also enjoy delicious food.
Laireiteralm: At the end of the day, after your last round of skiing, enjoy a last drink in the sun at Laireiteralm before making the descent to your hotel at the foot of the Panoramabahn.
Reiterhütte: Another great stop where you can even relax in a lounge chair is the Reiterhütte. Are you team apple strudel or team Kaiserschmarrn? At the Reiterhütte, they both are on the menu! Here, team apple strudel, with vanilla sauce, of course, and two forks please.
5 fun things to do in Grossarltal
- Wine lovers can indulge themselves during the annual ski & wine weekThis entire week in March is dedicated to the best of Austrian cuisine and local wines. Several huts partnering with the event will offer special dishes. The highest farmers market in the Alps will also be held that week!
- I did it once and I recommend it to everyone. Book a ski tour where you're already on the lift before sunrise and go on a sunrise ski tour with a guide. It's so special to see the sun rise over the mountains! In Grossarltal, you can book one of these Skikeriki tour including an Austrian breakfast.
- How nice is it to combine skiing with wellnessAre you staying with Hotel Das Edelweiss After a day on the slopes, you can dive straight into the hotel spa for some much-needed me-time. There's a separate area for families and a beautiful heated outdoor pool that's also open in winter.
- Want a day full of WOW moments? Then book the Grossarltal Ski amadé Made My Day Package. During the Relaxing Nature Ski Day, you'll be the first on the slopes in the morning, before the lifts officially open. End the day with a snowshoe hike, taking you through the forest and off-trails for a walk in nature. Magical!
- For the kids, there's a fun slope full of challenges and a tunnel they can ski through. Down in the village, there's also a fun playground where the little ones can safely play in the snow. With a bit of luck, fresh snow will have fallen, and you can set off on a sledding adventure right from the hotel.
Tips for winter sports with a baby or toddler in Grossarltal
From the age of four, kids can join a ski class in Grossarltal, and there are two ski schools that offer lessons for children. I started skiing when I was 3 and a half, and we want to do the same with Manuel. I've received so many questions on Instagram Stories about how we organized our winter sports so we could actually ski together. The kids' club at our hotel was for ages three and up, so I booked a babysitter for Manuel through the hotel who looked after him one-on-one while we went skiing. Every day from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the babysitter played with him at the hotel, so he could sleep comfortably in his own bed. We made sure we were home when he woke up! In the morning, we'd go sledding and play in the playground together, and at the end of the day, we'd go swimming together. It was a perfect solution for us, allowing us to take Manuel along while also having the opportunity to ski together.
Stay at Hotel Das Edelweiss in Grossarltal
If you go on a winter sports holiday in Grossarltal you cannot miss Hotel Das Edelweiss Built against the mountainside right next to the Panoramabahn lift, where a day on the slopes of Grossarltal-Dorfgastein begins, it's a true family hotel, lovingly run by generations. The hotel's latest extension (including a massive spa and wellness center) is built in a beautiful, modern Alpine style. We stayed in a family suite in the new section, and it felt almost like an apartment. With two bedrooms, a sitting area, a walk-in closet, and two wonderfully spacious bathrooms. Enjoy your first cup of coffee on the balcony in the morning sun. And at the end of the day, it's wonderful to come home to a cozy drink in your own room while the little one plays with the Duplo from home.
One of the most important things about choosing a hotel when traveling with small children or a baby, in my opinion, is a good restaurant. Then you don't have to go anywhere in the evening and can have a quiet (and timely) dinner before the kids go to bed. That always gives us a lot of peace and quiet and gives the little one more regularity. I was very pleased to see that Hotel Das Edelweiss It's a true family hotel. Many young families stayed there, and you can tell they're geared towards this. Everyone has a designated table, and in the evening, you sit down for a four-course dinner. There's a special children's menu for the kids, from pasta to salmon, and of course, a chicken schnitzel. We are in Austria, after all! The wine list at Hotel Das Edelweiss is impressive, and they recommend a glass for each course. We had a truly delicious meal every evening, and the breakfast is also incredibly extensive.
The hotel spa is simply fantastic. And here, too, everything has been thought of to please families with young children. There's a separate spa where families are welcome, and an adults-only spa. This way, everyone can enjoy what they're looking for. There's a special pool for toddlers, which is a bit warmer, and where you can all relax together in a cabana. But the best part, for me, was the mountain spa, where you can watch the skiers descend from the heated outdoor pool. Manuel thought it was fantastic too!
We really enjoyed heading to the spa at the end of the day for a swim together. Then, we relaxed in our suite and enjoyed a drink, before sitting down to a leisurely dinner without having to think twice. That's truly a carefree way to enjoy winter sports, even with small children. We would definitely return to Grossarltal-Dorfgastein! Nothing beats being right on the slopes from your hotel.
How to get to Grossarltal
If you have time, you can of course go there by car. Salzburg Driving is easy, but if you're going skiing for a long weekend, like us, flying is much more efficient. In winter, Transavia flies directly to Salzburg. From the airport, there are several taxi services you can book in advance to take you to your hotel in the ski resort. Your hotel can often arrange such a transfer as well. Buses also run from the airport to most villages. Once you arrive at your destination, if you stay in a hotel, you'll have plenty of options. The Edelweiss No car is needed. Salzburg is a beautiful city, and the next time we're there, I would definitely combine it with a visit to the city!
Would you like to know more about Grossarltal in Salzburgerland? Then take a look at the area's website here >>
YourLBB's latest lists
Do you have any winter sports tips for Salzburgerland? Let us know via the button below and TIP THE EDITORS!
More travel tips from Your Little Black Book?
⋒ Via @YOURLBB On Instagram you get a personal glimpse into my life and lots of 'on the go' tips. Click here to follow me directly >>
⋒ NEW: Your Little Black Book has a little sister! Travelkids.co and via @TRAVELKIDS.CO On Instagram you can read baby and kid-proof tips in the same style as you are used to here.
⋒ Great as a gift (for yourself): my STAYCATION and Wanderlust books. Shop them here >>
⋒ NEW: We share tips about our favorite destinations (almost) daily via @yourlbb.amsterdam, @yourlbb.bali en @yourlbb.capetown.
⋒ Are you already receiving the weekly newsletter from Your Little Black Book in your inbox? It features the Amsterdam Weekend Guide, new hotspots, and the most-read articles of the past week.
AMSTERDAM UPDATES
Sign up for the newsletter and receive the new AMSTERDAM BUCKETLIST BOOK for free.
"*" indicates required fields
With love,
Anne
| PS: Do you know Your Little Black Book's Green PolicyHere you'll find my personal tips on how to travel and live greener, and I'll explain why and how I offset the CO2 emissions from all the trips #teamyourlbb makes.
Austria Tips
To do
Read more?
