Wondering where to take the family? Try winter adventures in the Austrian region of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

The three Austrian villages of Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis in Tyrol have positioned themselves as family specialists among the Alpine regions.

By Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
Published 4 Oct 2019, 08:26 BST
Family fun in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, an Austrian trio of villages, is frequently recognised as a family-friendly destination among the Alpine regions.
Photograph by Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Andreas Kirschner

Taking kids skiing makes a lot of sense: teach them young and they’ll be cruising down black runs before you know it. For the ultimate snow adventure, look to Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. Pitched on a sunny plateau in Tyrol, this Austrian trio of villages is frequently recognised as a family-friendly region in the Alps.

As far as thrill-seeking little ones go, set your sights on the resort’s trademark kids’ slopes. There’s the interactive Murmli Trail, with a cast of hooting owls, and Fiss Cave World, where pint-sized skiers whoosh through a ‘burning’ fire hut. Head to the Kids Fun Slope before making your way to the Bears Slope for a cruise through a bear’s mouth. Children still unsure on their skis can gain confidence at Kinderschneealm and Berta’s Kinderland, the resort’s ski school areas, which combine expert tuition with music, dancing and other playful learning aids.

While the youngsters are knee-deep in lessons, parents can get in on the action, gliding down 214km of ski routes — from mellow runs to black and freeride routes — or exploring winter hiking trails. After trying your hand at the latest winter sports equipment, such as the ski fox and the snow bike, crash out at the ‘Feel-good Stops’. Dotted around the slopes, these stations have all the gear: wooden recliners, lounge furniture and swinging hammocks.

During a day in the snow, the whole family can savour Tyrolean specialities in a feel-good atmosphere at numerous mountain chalets, such as the traditional Zirbenhütte Restaurant, or tuck into gourmet cuisine at the all-glass Crystal Cube. Once the sun starts going down behind the summits, enjoy a sunset dinner at Monte Mare Restaurant, trying delicacies from all over the world before heading back to the resort.

The night show at Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis.
Photograph by Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, www.foto-mueller.com

Five more activities to try

Night snowcat rides: After dusk, climb aboard a snowcat — hulking snow-grooming vehicles that smooth out the slopes once the last skiers have departed for the day. Bag the front-row seats and you’re in for a bumpy ride, up and over steep terrain amid the glow of the snowcat’s front lamps.

Tobogganing: There’s no cheaper thrill than a sledge ride through the snow-dusted scenery, cruising through Narnia-like forests in the shadow of soaring mountains. Try the heart-thumping 4km run, from Komperdell mountain station to Serfaus, or the 3km route from Steinegg, past Alpine meadows and down to the Schönjoch valley station in Fiss.

The night shows: Kids will love the resort’s evening entertainment on the slopes — live music, acrobatic dancing and light shows — before heading out on a night ski back to base.

Serfauser Sauser: The region’s legendary flying fox, or zip-line, whooshes for more than 6,500ft and reaches speeds of 40mph. You’ll need a head for heights as you’ll be around 280ft above the ground, but the knockout views and head-spinning speeds are the ultimate payoff as you launch from the mountain station of the Sunliner cable-car to Komperdell bottom station in Serfaus.

Ice stock shooting: If you’ve nailed ice skating, then this timeworn Tyrolean tradition played out on frozen ponds and lakes is your next challenge. Having been split into two teams, players fling conical ice stocks across the lake’s frozen crust, aiming to hit the daube, a small wooden target. The closest shot wins the game.

Essentials

Getting there: A number of airlines fly direct from London to Innsbruck. From there, it takes around an hour and 15 minutes to get to the resort by car.

To find out more, visit serfaus-fiss-ladis.at/en or call +43 5476 6239

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