Sam Wilcox found out why Sölden is the perfect ski resort for families when she took her daughter there for her first ever ski holiday.
Nestled in Austria’s Ötztal Valley, Sölden is a hidden gem for families looking to introduce their children to skiing.
From expert-led ski schools to gentle slopes designed for beginners, the resort caters to every need, making it an unforgettable choice for a family ski holiday – especially for first-timers like my seven-year-old daughter.
As a parent, finding the right ski resort for your child’s first experience on the slopes can be a daunting task. You want a destination that balances fun and learning, with the right mix of family-friendly facilities, gentle slopes and expert guidance.
When I took my daughter, who had never skied before, to Sölden, I discovered a resort that caters perfectly to young learners and families alike.
There are some key reasons that make it a great resort for families introducing their children to skiing and one is the ski schools – Sölden is home to several highly regarded ones that specialise in teaching children. The Skischule Sölden-Hochsölden and Yellow Power Skischule are two notable options, offering lessons tailored to children of all ages and skill levels. Their expert instructors make skiing fun and engaging, while maintaining a focus on safety and skill development. The Miniclub is perfect for toddlers, providing a playful introduction to skiing for the very young.
Sölden also offers a range of beginner slopes ideal for children just learning to ski. The best areas for novices are Innerwald and Giggijoch, both easily accessible from the village and featuring wide, gentle blue runs where kids can practice in a low-pressure environment.
The Giggijochbahn lift, which takes you up to the main beginner area at Giggijoch, is one of the most family-friendly gondolas, featuring heated seats and wide cabins that can accommodate skis, snowboards and young families. For kids gaining confidence, the Gletscherstraße blue run is ideal for building skills on slightly steeper terrain while remaining manageable for younger skiers.
Solden is also great for family-centric facilities as the resort has gone above and beyond to create a family-friendly atmosphere throughout. Many hotels and accommodations are well-suited for families, offering family-sized rooms, child-friendly meals and play areas. The ski resort itself is equipped with children’s zones where kids can learn at their own pace using magic carpets and small ski lifts.
For non-skiing activities, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Visit the Aqua Dome in nearby Längenfeld, a thermal spa with kid-friendly pools, or go tobogganing and ice skating in the village. Sölden’s Freizeit Arena is also a popular spot for families, featuring an indoor pool and bowling alley, perfect for après-ski fun.
When it comes to dining, Sölden offers a variety of restaurants and eateries that will keep both children and adults happy. Gampe Thaya, located on the slopes, is known for its cosy atmosphere and traditional Tyrolean food, making it a perfect lunch stop. For a more modern dining experience, try Ice Q, an iconic mountain top restaurant that offers stunning panoramic views and delicious cuisine – perfect for a special treat.
In the village, Heiners is a great spot for a relaxed family dinner, offering everything from traditional Austrian dishes to pizza, while Philipp is well-known for its hearty portions and kid-friendly menu options.
While Sölden is famous for its lively après-ski scene, there are also plenty of more relaxed, family-friendly options. Restaurant Corso is a great place to wind down after a day on the slopes, serving a wide variety of food including pizzas and pastas that kids will love. For a more laid-back experience, visit Almrausch for hot chocolate and desserts in a cosy atmosphere.
Finally, as a high-altitude resort with two glaciers – Rettenbach and Tiefenbach – Sölden offers exceptional snow reliability throughout the season. Even late in the season, families can enjoy great snow conditions on the glaciers, ensuring that kids have plenty of good snow to practice on.
From the well-regarded ski schools to the variety of beginner-friendly slopes, Sölden proved to be an ideal choice for my daughter’s first ski adventure.
Tips for Families in Sölden
Runs for Beginners: Innerwald and Giggijoch (blue runs).
