A trip with the kids through the “ski country” of South Tyrol - südtirol-privat blogger Sabine tells you everything you need to know about the region’s family-friendly ski areas!

Skiing with the kids
Visitors - and in particular families - frequently ask me what are the best ski areas here. Thinking ahead is certainly a necessity when it comes to a skiing holiday. And I know from friends that a holiday with children is more demanding, especially in terms of organisation. So this is one good reason to give you some help with information and tips on five particularly family-friendly ski areas! :)

The “ski country” of South Tyrol
It is true that many ski resorts in South Tyrol are now strongly oriented towards the needs of families, providing not only entertainment, childcare and ski courses for children, but also good value for money – both in the high and low seasons! I find this very fair, as we all know that a ski holiday can soon become hugely expensive! But the big question is ultimately: which is the ideal ski area for us and our kids?

● Alta Badia
Alta Badia is a ski area for those who like having fun, and is very family-friendly for several reasons: there is a children’s lift, seven ski schools, 70 km of easy pistes and 52 km of medium slopes, a children’s park and a fun park, slides, a wigwam and tyres on which to slide down – so while the kids are having fun, their parents can indulge their passion for skiing, for example on the famous Sella Ronda.
Enjoyment is the name of the game here: the Alta Badia is a paradise both for foodies and devotees of spectacular panoramas - like me! :D And, if culinary delights are a vital part of a day’s skiing, this too is the place for you.

● Val Gardena/Gröden
A special children’s lift, six ski schools and four kids’ parks are all ready and waiting for the little ones to come and practice or play! There is also a fun park for teenagers. The slopes of the Seiser Alm area are especially recommended as they are almost all easy even for children to negotiate! Also worth mentioning perhaps is the fact that practically no other ski area boasts such a varied programme of events as the Gröden Valley. The Ski World Cup, Ski Marathon, Special Nights – just to name a few of the attractions on offer. Something for the grown-ups to look forward to… ;)

● Carezza
You and your children won’t find more in terms of sunshine and views anywhere else! Carezza offers three children’s areas with two ski kindergartens, bouncy castles, tobogganing fun, South Tyrol’s first ski lift for toddlers and great family holiday deals, with plenty of fun and entertainment in store. It is a true snowy paradise, located in the beautiful Eggen Valley at the foot of the Latemar and Rosengarten massifs – all just a 20-minute drive from Bozen! As an aside, energy efficiency is a priority here: Carezza is one of the “Alpine climate ski areas”, using innovative alternatives to ensure skiing can be practised in a sustainable way. I think this is great: it certainly gets my thumbs-up!

● Gitschberg Jochtal
This ski resort too is ideal for a winter holiday with the family. Here too can be found sunny, child-friendly slopes, a range of courses, a children’s area (with magic carpets, a Bambino-Express, a tent, a tubing run and much more besides), fun parks and certified ski schools - a great choice for large, medium and small alike! And here too is Gimmy, the cheeky marmot mascot! Those wanting to get even more out of a winter holiday will find just what they are looking for: many of the ski huts can not only be reached on skis or snowboard, but also on foot – perfect for a wonderful walk through the snow! There is also plenty by way of tobogganing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Another speciality of the Gitschberg Jochtal area is its torch-lit hikes! Not to mention one of South Tyrol’s longest toboggan runs, a cool 7 kilometres in length! :)

● Skiworld Ahrntal
Should your little ones be fascinated by dinosaurs, this ski resort offers a unique experience: the winter world of the Puster Valley, more specifically the Dino Fun Line on the Klausberg, where you can zoom down past life-sized dinosaurs! Both the Speikboden family fun park and Klausiland on the Klausberg offer slides, castles, magic carpets and lots of other attractions! Also not to be missed is the bobsled on rails - the “Klausberg Flitzer” – open in winter and summer! Freestylers, ski tourers and expert skiers are all guaranteed to get their money’s worth at Klausberg. My personal highlight is the fact that, three times a week, “late-sleeper runs” are newly prepared at 1.00 pm. ;)


So this was my little contribution to the big wide world of skiing in South Tyrol! But, in the end, it does not matter where you choose: our beautiful region has so many wonderful winter locations to offer! And, to make sure you spend your stay in stylish and family-friendly accommodation, take a look at our own südtirol-privat portal so as to find the right private host for you! Here you’re sure to find a few tips that will make your winter holiday even more of a pleasure. :) Family holidays with our private hosts are always uncomplicated, authentic... and, above all, relaxing!

We hope yours is a wonderful winter!

Yours from the heart, Sabine