Skiing with Children
Easy access to the lifts, learning areas on the mountain and free practice lifts in the valley, along with specialist ski schools and family-friendly restaurants: Kitzbühel in Tyrol offers ideal conditions for family ski days together – and for creating family traditions that last a lifetime.
Hitting the slopes together
For families, one thing matters most of all: spending time together.
A relaxed start helps children learn safely and happily—and helps parents gain confidence. This lays the foundation for discovering the ski resort together and building traditions in the snow—year after year.
- Family-friendly infrastructure
- Easy-access lifts
- Specialist ski schools
- Perfect terrain for families and beginners
FREE PRACTICE LIFTS IN THE VALLEY
Getting started with skiing is exciting for kids—and sometimes challenging too. In Kitzbühel, you can start without any pressure: the practice lifts in the valley are free and perfect for those first attempts.
- Free introduction with no pressure and no lift ticket
- Within walking distance of Kitzbühel’s city center
- Close to family-friendly restaurants and sports shops
- Ideal for those first turns and safe braking
Practice at your own pace and gain confidence together, step by step
Ski Schools You Can Trust
Starting out with professional guidance gives children a sense of security—and parents peace of mind. In Kitzbühel, Reith, Jochberg, and Aurach, qualified children’s ski schools ensure a playful and structured learning process tailored to each child’s age and skill level.
- Qualified ski instructors trained under the Austrian training system
- Lessons in German and English (other languages available upon request)
- Specialised training with a focus on child education
- Dedicated learning areas and child-friendly practice slopes
- Modern aids for safe and playful learning progress
Courses, languages of instruction and learning areas vary by ski school.
Meals & Breaks on the Mountain
Culinary breaks are simply part of a day on the slopes. In Kitzbühel, you’ll find many restaurants right at the gondola mountain stations as well as along wide, blue runs—perfect for relaxing stops with the whole family.
- Restaurants near the gondola mountain stations (e.g., Hochkitzbühel at Tomschy, Hocheckhütte, Hahnenkammstüberl, Sonnenrast)
- Many places to stop along blue runs (e.g., Berghaus Tirol, Melkalm, Ehrenbachgraben, Steinbergkogel, Hochbrunn)
- Easily accessible – even without long or difficult runs
- Ideal for breaks with children
- Selected restaurants near gondola stations are easily accessible to non-skiers too
A Guide for Families and Beginners
Kitzbühel
Located between the Hahnenkamm gondola valley station and the Hotel Rasmushof is an ideal spot to take your first steps on skis. Two magic carpets and a T-bar lift offer perfect conditions for your first turns.
Easily accessible on foot from the town center, as well as by bus and train. Parking is available at the Hahnenkamm gondola or at the Ganslern parking lot.
For a relaxing break, you’ll find several options in the immediate vicinity—including the Red Bull Restaurant, Mocking, the Hotel Rasmushof, or the Legenden Café.
Reith near Kitzbühel
The practice slope in Reith is a gentle, wide slope with a magic carpet and a T-bar lift—ideal for a relaxed start.
Parking is available right next to the ski school.
For a break, check out the Reither Streif or the Reitherwirt.
Jochberg / Aurach
The Hausleiten lift is located right next to the Kempinski Hotel. The wide and long slope is suitable for both beginners and those looking to improve their skills, all the way up to parallel skiing.
The free ski bus stops directly next to the lifts. Parking can be found at all locations.
Directly at the Jochberg Ski School and at the Hofalm near the Wagstätt gondola, you’ll find places to stop for a relaxing break.
The best way to make initial progress is with professional guidance.
In Kitzbühel, Reith, Jochberg, and Aurach, qualified ski schools offer courses tailored specifically for children. Playful learning, clear structures, and small groups ensure that children quickly feel confident.
This also takes the pressure off parents: they know their children are well cared for and are being introduced to skiing step by step.
Our tip: It’s tempting to watch their progress right away. However, it’s often better for the learning process to keep a little distance. Use the time for yourself—and later, let yourself be surprised by how quickly the little ones make progress.
Good to know
Course options vary by ski school. Before booking, check the minimum age, group size and lesson duration, as well as arrangements for breaks and any lunchtime supervision. Also ask about the meeting point, required equipment and the appropriate lift pass. Private lessons allow the tuition to be tailored to individual needs.
Once your child can brake confidently, turn and control their speed, it may be ready to try some easy pistes on the mountain. The key factors are your child’s skiing ability and the current conditions. Remember to plan for lift rides, breaks and the return journey to the valley.
Kitzbüheler Horn
Sunny, quiet, and particularly easy to navigate—ideal for your first runs in the ski resort. The wide slopes offer plenty of space and clear visibility.
Hahnenkamm
The greatest variety in the ski area: numerous blue runs and good connections allow you to progress step by step.
Jochberg / Pass Thurn
Spacious, relaxed, and with magnificent views—perfect for building confidence and enjoying longer runs.
Our tip
Start early in the day and deliberately choose easy runs. This leaves plenty of time for breaks—and keeps the kids motivated.
Two classic blue ski runs with children
These suggested routes are suitable for families whose children can already ski confidently on blue runs, brake safely and control their speed. They combine gentle descents with shared lift rides and varied views. Make sure to allow plenty of time for breaks and check the current slope and lift status before setting off.
1. A1 Hahnenkammbahn > 37 Melkalm > C1 Steinbergkogelbahn > 16a Streiteck > 16 Streiteck > B4 Sonnenrastbahn > 36 Hahnenkamm
2. B1 Fleckalmbahn > 18 Sonnenrast > C2 Jufen > 16a Streiteck > 16 Streiteck > 26 Kaser > B3 Ochsalmbahn
Popular with children
Fun-filled slopes and varied activity areas make a skiing holiday with children in Kitzbühel, Tyrol, particularly exciting. These attractions are especially popular with our younger guests – there’s something to suit everyone, depending on their age and skiing ability.
- Family Park Horn: A wave run, SnowX Track, kicker line and snow tubing offer plenty of variety. The individual elements present different challenges – please follow the on-site instructions.
- Sonnenrast – Run 18: Gentle waves on the left-hand side of the run offer a fun skiing experience for children who can already brake and turn confidently.
- Jufen Beach: Dual slalom, mogul run and airbag offer new challenges for experienced children and teenagers. Choose the features according to their ability.
- SkiMovie run at Streiteck: Children who can already ski confidently can have their run filmed and watch it afterwards as a personal keepsake.
- Bärenland Jochberg: This nature-oriented adventure area combines skiing with playful elements for children who are already skiing independently on suitable slopes.
- Kitz Mini Streif – Rasmusleiten: Nine playful features introduce children to the famous Streif in mini format. Choose the features to suit their experience.
- KitzSki Snowpark: Various lines featuring jumps and other freestyle elements offer challenges for experienced children and teenagers. For first attempts at freestyle, we recommend being accompanied by a ski school instructor.
FAQ
Kitzbühel in Tyrol offers excellent conditions for a skiing holiday with the whole family. Free practice lifts in the valley and ski schools offering children’s courses help young skiing enthusiasts take their first turns. In Kitzbühel, these include the Mocking (A2), Rasmusleiten (A3) and Mini Streif (A4) practice lifts. In Reith, the Reith (E3) practice lift and the Sun Cord Reith (E4) are available, whilst in Jochberg there is the Hausleitenlift (F2).
Children with more experience can discover other options suited to their ability. For a relaxing holiday, we recommend accommodation within easy reach of the ski school, the practice slope or the nearest bus stop.
Children can usually start learning in a playful way from around the age of three. Ski schools offer suitable courses for different age groups.
Yes, several ski schools specialise in teaching children. They use age-appropriate methods and have a wealth of experience.
Yes, Kitzbühel offers excellent conditions for a skiing holiday with the whole family. Free practice lifts and ski schools offering children’s courses make it easy to get started. Children who are already confident skiers can explore suitable slopes in the KitzSki ski area together with their parents.
Yes, whilst the children are being looked after on the ski course, parents can use the time for themselves – to go skiing, have a stroll around town or enjoy a relaxing break.
Yes, many mountain huts offer child-friendly meals and a relaxed atmosphere.
Shorter sessions are ideal. Taking several breaks helps you enjoy yourself more and keeps your energy levels up.
Warm, comfortable clothing and well-fitting kit are important for comfort and safety.
Yes, it’s a good idea to book early, especially during the peak season.