Schlosshotel Fiss, Fiss-Ladis: is this the best family hotel in Austria?

We at Family Traveller, spend a lot of time reviewing family hotels, but it’s rare to find one that ticks all the boxes, until now. With Schlosshotel in Fiss-Ladis, Austria, the search may be over.

What are the most important factors for a successful family ski holiday? Easy flights, short transfers, ski-in-ski-out hotel, easy equipment hire, kid friendly bedrooms and dining, good ski schools and kids clubs, varied pistes in the resort for all levels, nice spa facilities for the parents.

It’s rare to find all these factors in one place, but Schlosshotel in the Austrian village of Fiss, has the lot.

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Berta’s Kinderland ©Marika Unterladstatter

Why visit Fiss-Ladis

If you can ever fly to Innsbuck airport, you should, it has a spectacular setting and a thrilling approach through the Inn Valley. Then it is a fast exit, and before you know it you are in your transfer, no faffing around like you have in Geneva. Also, the ski area of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is just over an hour’s drive away, making this one of the easiest ways to get the family to the Alps.

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis has it all. It’s extremely focused on kids and beginners, especially in Serfaus and Fiss where there’s an extensive ski school complex called Berta’s Kinderland. Lessons start at age three, with half-day sessions and a maximum of five kids in the group. Four to 12 year olds are catered for in full day group lessons, whilst the teenagers have a ‘Sports and Fun’ programme featuring freeriding, slopestyle, off piste barbecues and more.

Flexible children’s ski lessons

This being Austria it’s all incredibly good value. A five-day all-day programme, including lunch, costs just over £400. The full-day program is, of course, great for developing kids’ skiing. But I prefer the 4-hour lessons, so you can ski together in the afternoon. This costs just £300 for five days. It’s hard to think of a better value way to get kids skiing, and enjoy a morning free to ski yourself.

To get the whole mountain experience head over to Ladis. Here you will find some great fast reds and some steep blacks, so there’s plenty to test all abilities.

Also be sure to do the Frommes Abfahrt run in Fiss. This long continuous piste runs from the top all the way back to the village and, although it’s strictly speaking a red, it is really no more than a tough blue. Plus, the views are insane as you ski along the wide mountain ledge.

Schlosshotel Fiss, Fiss-Ladis

Set right on the piste in Fiss, Schlosshotel Fiss is a luxurious five-star hotel offering 135 individually designed rooms and suites.

It has come a long way from its roots as a hunting lodge, has operated as a hotel since 1970 and has been owned by the same family since 1991. Currently managed by the second generation of the Domenig family, it feels like the property has stepped up a gear since a facelift 12 months ago.

There is more to come as well, with a new teenager’s club opening in the summer of 2027. But the whole place is set up for kids. The SHF Kids Club is open from 8.30am until 9.30pm and is an incredible space with all sorts of activities happening during the day. There’s also a cinema room showing kids movies from 6pm.

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Lounge, Schlosshotel Fiss ©Manuel Pale

Food and drink

The culinary offering is a big deal here, and the first thing UK visitors need to learn is that in Austria it’s customary to be assigned a table that you will sit at each time during your stay.

Once settled you need to pluck up the courage to approach the breakfast buffet. This is an extraordinary spread, the likes of which I have never seen before. Kids and adults are well catered for, with a range of smoothies, fruits, yogurts, salmon, eggs, breads, cheeses, cold cuts of meats. All of that is before you consult the chefs on hand to cook you omeletes or pancakes. It is relaxed and kid friendly throughout.

After a day’s skiing most families come back for the afternoon buffet around 3pm. Although it’s easy to forget you have an evening meal scheduled in a few hours: the buffet itself would be ample.

All of the cuisine is inspired by the region with local and seasonal products offered throughout. The friendly staff are well informed about the origin of everything and are keen to steer you in the way of the most local of produce.

There is also a fine dining experience on offer. So, check the kids into the Kids Club and head to Beef Club. This is a Michelin star à la carte restaurant, so it’s worth dressing up a bit. Uniquely the chefs cook on a massive Big Green Egg. Unlike the struggles I have with my (much smaller) Green Egg at home, these chefs seem to be able to produce perfect steak and fish dishes with ease. This is elevated dining at its best. Think Foamed Artichoke Soup, Yeast Dumplings, Truffle Pastas, Tafelspitz and Rib Eyes. Quite an experience and all without leaving the comfort of your own hotel.

Schlosshotel Fiss Wellness

Across the Alps, hotels have been upping their wellness game in recent years. Schlosshotel is no exception. There are no less than 5,000m² of pools, saunas, treatment rooms and relaxation areas.

This being Austria there is ‘textile free’ zones for adults.  But no need to feel self-conscious as the policy is not strictly adhered to, although you might find it liberating.

There is also a Family Spa area (textile zone). Here you’ll find kid friendly saunas, steam baths and a colourful relaxation room. Kids from 10 years old can have facial treatments, and massages from 12 years old (£50 for 25 mins) . Whilst perhaps not something to be encouraged for everyday life, it is a fun experience.

The real showstopper in the Aqua Monte Waterworld is the swimming pool. With a massive two-story picture window framing the mountains, this is a must do.  There are also children’s and teens pools and even a waterslide. If the kids aren’t exhausted from skiing, then this area will do the job. As an adult looking for a peaceful swim, I would recommend early morning.

With age, I have recently become a fan of pre skiing yoga and post skiing stretch classes and the Body and Mind Pavilion has various classes I can highly recommend.

Kids Club, Schlosshotel Fiss ©Manuel Pale

Why choose Schlosshotel Fiss

This is a little-known ski area for Brits, but it should certainly be on your list. It’s easy to get to and great value when you get there. The area is excellent for all abilities and the ski school is one of the most extensive I have ever seen.

With the updated Schlosshotel there is even more reason to visit Fiss. It is a remarkable property that has family holidays at its core. It is also luxurious without being stuffy, as well as fun and offers everything you need for a stress free family ski holiday. It’s not cheap, but it is most certainly worth it.

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