The short answer: Fly from the UK to Salzburg in roughly 2 hours, transfer to Flachau or Radstadt in under 1 hour, and ski Austria's largest linked region from December to late April. Expect slopes between 750 m and 2,188 m altitude, average daytime temperatures of -2 °C to 4 °C in February, and all-in family packages from approximately €650 per person for a 7-night stay including flights, accommodation and a 6-day ski pass.
Is Ski Amadé suitable for beginner and intermediate children?
Yes. Ski Amadé contains 25 resorts and 760 km of pistes, roughly 40 % of which are graded blue (easy). Most resorts provide a dedicated magic carpet or button lift area specifically for children aged 3 and older, and ski school lessons in English are available 6 days a week in all major villages.
The region's snow reliability is high because the base altitude ranges from 750 m in Wagrain to 2,188 m on the Kreuzkogel above Obertauern. Even in a low-snow year, snowmaking covers the majority of access runs to the valley.
Resort comparison for families
| Resort | Altitude (valley / peak) | Blue runs | Ski school from age | Approx. transfer from Salzburg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flachau | 925 m / 1,985 m | 45 % | 3 years | 55 min |
| Wagrain | 900 m / 2,000 m | 40 % | 3 years | 60 min |
| Radstadt | 858 m / 1,900 m | 50 % | 4 years | 55 min |
| Zauchensee | 1,361 m / 2,188 m | 30 % | 5 years | 70 min |
| Obertauern | 1,740 m / 2,313 m | 35 % | 4 years | 80 min |
Flachau and Wagrain share a direct lift connection, meaning confident children on blue and red runs can access over 270 km of slopes without changing resort.
How much does a family ski holiday in Ski Amadé cost?
Prices vary considerably by school holiday week, accommodation type and how early you book, but the table below gives realistic reference points for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children aged 6 and 9) in February 2026/2027.
| Package component | Budget option | Mid-range option |
|---|---|---|
| Return flights (per person, GBR to Salzburg) | €90 | €140 |
| 7 nights apartment (total, not per person) | €700 | €1,200 |
| 6-day Ski Amadé pass (adult) | €295 | €295 |
| 6-day Ski Amadé pass (child under 15) | €148 | €148 |
| Group ski school, 5 days (child) | €165 | €195 |
| Estimated total for family of 4 | approx. €2,450 | approx. €3,550 |
Per person this works out to roughly €615 to €890, which aligns with the from-price of €650 pp cited above for packages that bundle flights and accommodation. Booking before October typically saves 10 to 15 % compared with last-minute rates in January.
The Ski Amadé pass covers all 760 km and 270 lifts with no supplement, so there is no reason to purchase a smaller single-resort pass once children are ready to explore beyond the beginner area.
What non-ski activities are available for rest days with children?
Ski Amadé resorts are well set up for families who need a break from the slopes. Flachau, Wagrain and St. Johann im Pongau all have indoor swimming pools and wellness centres open to day visitors for around €12 to €18 per adult and €8 per child. Wagrain has a dedicated toboggan run of 3.5 km lit until 21:00 on selected evenings, which costs nothing beyond the rental of a sled (approximately €8 per day).
The broader Salzburger Land region surrounding Ski Amadé also offers:
- Ice skating rinks in Radstadt and Altenmarkt (equipment hire included in entry, approximately €10 per person)
- Snow hiking trails in Flachau totalling 40 km, all signposted and free to use
- The Salzburg Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is 65 km from Flachau and reachable by regional train in about 75 minutes
On a powder day after fresh snowfall, children aged 8 and above can join a guided off-piste taster session with a qualified mountain guide in Zauchensee; these run from approximately €45 per child for a 2-hour group session and are a popular upgrade once children have completed their first ski school week.
Ready to compare all family ski packages in Austria and beyond? Browse the full range on our wintersport overview page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best resort in Ski Amadé for families with young children?
Flachau and Radstadt are widely regarded as the most family-friendly resorts in Ski Amadé. Both offer dedicated beginner areas, English-speaking ski schools from age 3, and gentle blue runs close to the village.
How many ski runs does Ski Amadé have in total?
Ski Amadé covers 760 km of marked pistes across 5 regions and 25 resorts, served by 270 lifts. It is the largest ski region in Austria by number of lifts.
When is the best time to visit Ski Amadé with kids?
Late January to mid-March offers the best combination of reliable snow cover, longer daylight hours and mild temperatures around -3 °C to 2 °C at valley level. February half-term is popular, so booking 3 to 4 months in advance is recommended.
