Ski resorts on the doorstep? Easy access to slopes from the city centre? Innsbruck, we take our helmet off to you! Escape into a winter wonderland of adventure, with family-friendly flight times, 10kg hand luggage and the option to add up to 22kg ski carriage and baggage*. We’ve got the inside scoop on the most kid-tastic spots...

Igls

Distance from Innsbruck Airport: 10km

With such a short transfer time, you can really maximise your time on the mountain in Igls. The gentle nursery slopes are just what the ski instructors ordered for beginners. The stunning views over Innsbruck are a highlight, so bring your camera, huddle in and get ready to say “Cheeese!”. It’s a small resort, so once you’ve ticked all the runs off here, hop on the ski bus to the Stubai glacier for some high-altitude skiing. And if you fancy taking a break from the slopes, Innsbruck’s cultural gems are an easy tram ride away.

Seefeld

Distance from Innsbruck Airport: 22km

Nestled in the mountains, less than an hour from Innsbruck Airport, Seefeld’s fab for families. It’s also got the pros’ seals of approval, having held lots of major ski competitions over the years. There’s 32km of piste to play with – perfect for first-timers! Long, wide blue runs await on the Gschwandtkopf and Rosshütte mountains and there are over 200km of groomed cross-country tracks to explore. Around 50 restaurants are on hand to satisfy hungry tums, most serving traditional Austrian fare. Lots of the hotels offer half board too, how handy is that?

Alpbach

Distance from Innsbruck Airport: 56km

Easygoing Alpach is just the ticket if you’ve got the little ones in tow. 109km of piste across the Ski Juwel area is more than enough to keep everyone entertained for a week or more. There are also great links to neighbouring Niederau. The village itself is plucked straight from a postcard, with quaint timber buildings surrounding the church. Thrill-seekers will love riding the 1.4km-long alpine coaster, while horse-drawn sleigh rides add a touch of mountain magic. Evenings here are all about traditional dinners in cosy pubs, catching up on everyone’s favourite runs of the day.

Mayrhofen

Distance from Innsbruck Airport: 74km

Say hello to one of the largest interlinked ski resorts near Innsbruck. Part of the Zillertal ski area, you’ll have a bounty of snow-sure slopes to uncover. The terrain’s more suited to skiers and boarders who have a few trips under their belt, but there are some beginner-appropriate runs on the Ahorn peak. If you’ve got any freestyle fanatics in your brood, they’ll be blown away by Penken Park – one of the biggest and best snow parks in Europe. Half-pipes, rails, kickers... it’s all here! There’s even a KidsPark for the dinkiest daredevils.

Söll

Distance from Innsbruck Airport: 77km

Söll boasts a prime postcode in the 288km SkiWelt area, but the perks don’t end there. The Hexenwiese beginner area is free to use and the resort of Scheffau’s included in your lift pass. Up for an adventure? Swish across to the Red Viper ski-cross course, packed with turns and rollers. The kids can even download a replay of their run to show off to their friends back home! When you’re not racing each other to the bottom of the mountain, there’s an outdoor ice rink and lots of local restaurants to try. There’s no shortage of snoozing spots either. You’ll find mostly small, family-run hotels, where you can expect a warm welcome and laidback atmosphere.

*Charges apply