Plan a family ski break in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis and discover why this high, sun-drenched and snowy region of Austria is known as the most family-friendly region in the Alps.
Murmli and Berta Mascots ©Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis-Marketing-GmbH/Andreas Kirschner
Take a Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis family ski break well into spring
Sitting between 1,200 and 2,282m above sea level, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis enjoys a snow-sure season well into spring. It’s also one of the sunniest Austrian regions with upwards of 2,000 hours a year, which makes for a very pleasant family ski break with kids, whether they’re skiing or not. In fact Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is regularly named the most family-friendly winter sports’ region in the Alps, and some credit for that definitely goes to its geographical location and good weather.
Although great snow parks like Kinderschneealm & Murmli Park in Serfaus and Berta’s Kinderland in Fiss-Ladis play a big part too, along with adorable mountain mascots and excellent ski schools. There’s also plenty of challenge for teens here, from Slopestyle and Freeride to the advanced Fun Park in Fiss-Ladis. All of which is in addition to 214km of groomed slopes, along with a good balance of blue, red and black runs, as well as strong off-piste, and a remarkable 30km of cross country routes.
The added charm of Austrian mountain villages
Then, of course, there are the three charming villages of Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis themselves, which sit above the Upper Inn Valley surrounded by the soaring Samnaun Mountains. So it’s easy to understand why Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is the first choice for families, year-after-year.
But what we especially like about the region is how much it offers both on and off the slopes. A family ski break is usually the shortest holiday we have with our kids, so it’s a priority to make the most of every minute, and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis certainly does that.
Night tobogganing, family ski break ©Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis-Marketing-GmbH/Markus Lindl
Family fun for all ages, on and off the ski slopes
At speeds of up to 65km/h, the Serfaus Sauser flies 85m above snow-laden Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis for 2000m. It’s as close to flying as it gets on a family ski break, complete with a bird’s eye view of the spectacular landscape.
The whole family can share an adrenaline rush on the four person Fisser Flieger which flies 47m above the ground like a giant kite.
Watch the sunrise over the Tyrolean sea of peaks at the Hexenseehütte, 2,588 metres above sea level. You have an early start for this one but the sun slowly transforming the landscape is a sight you’ll never forget. Plus, have breakfast in the Hexenseehütte and you can be first on the freshly groomed slopes. A perfect start to the day.
The Crystal Cube has to be one of the most unusual and exhilarating restaurants in Europe. Set at an altitude of 2,600m, it is quite literally a cube of glazed windows which gives you 360° degree views of the surrounding alps as you dine. If you want to experience this with kids the restaurant also serves high tea.
Tours and technology to thrill teenagers
Join the nighttime snow-groomers on the Pistenbully Tour and discover what goes into creating those pristine runs you wake up to on your family ski break. It’s a real eye opener, and great fun for older kids who’ll be thrilled at the chance to be out on the steep, snowy slopes after dark.
Catching the tube to ski is another thrill in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, which is home to the world’s smallest and highest underground train, Serfaus Underground. Renovated and re-opened in 2019, this driverless marvel actually floats on air cushions, and now connects the entire resort.
If you’ve ever wondered how snowmaking works, how gondolas get on to the cable or what happens to the ski lifts when it’s not snow season, take a fun Behind the Scenes tour with your kids and find out.
Mountain hut traditions ©Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis-Marketing-GmbH/Daniel Zangerl
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis family activities to share with your kids
The combination of sun, snow and holiday excitement is the perfect fuel for a family hiking adventure. Several trails are easy enough for children to tackle, many have mountain huts along the way for breathers, and every single one has panoramic views in every direction.
Snowshoeing is another family ski break activity that kids can start young, with a little encouragement. Again Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis has a network of trails graded in order of difficulty, so you can start off at a level that works for everyone. Altogether there are 500km of hiking or snowshoeing trails in the region, so if you develop a real passion for the activity you have plenty of scope to stride or glide out.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is also big on tobogganing and features two runs: Toboggan Run Serfaus and the Witches’ Run. Both are 4km long and just daring enough to get the adrenaline flowing without demanding too much of younger kids.
Children who’ve only skated on artificial ice until now will be amazed at how easily they can glide on a natural rink. Also, just to add to the magic, Castle Pond in Ladis looks like a fairy tale, particularly at night.
Castle Pond ice rink, Ladis ©Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis-Marketing-GmbH/Fabian Schirgi
Amazing evening entertainment to add to your family ski break
Throughout the season, Castle Pond below Laudeck Castle in Ladis is the setting for Fire & Ice. This spectacular evening show highlights the skill and creativity of the Tyrolean Ice Skating Association performers and could turn out to be one of the highlights of your family ski break.
Instructors from Fiss-Ladis Ski School are the stars of Nightflow ‘Spirit of Victory’ at the Nightflow Arena in Fiss-Ladis. A spectacular combination of daring ski jumps and acrobatics, along with fireworks and even a drone show, this is another spectacular experience to share with your kids.
Start planning your Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis family ski break now
