The short answer: Travel in February or early March, when the snow base in Auffach sits at 80-120 cm and daytime temperatures hover around -2 °C to 3 °C. A 7-night family package starts at roughly €350 per person including ski pass. Flights from London to Innsbruck take about 2 hours, followed by a 45-50 minute transfer to the valley.
Is Wildschönau the right resort for families with young children?
Wildschönau is consistently ranked among Austria's most family-friendly ski areas, and for good reason. The four villages - Auffach, Niederau, Oberau and Thierbach - share a ski area with 44 km of marked pistes, the majority of which are blue (easy) or red (intermediate). Around 60 percent of the groomed runs are accessible to beginners and young learners, and the ski kindergarten in Auffach accepts children from age 3.
The resort sits at a base altitude of 830 m and a peak of 1,900 m on the Schatzberg. That altitude is modest by Alpine standards, so snow reliability depends more on the month you choose than on the location alone. Snowmaking covers the main runs from the valley floor, which protects your ski days during drier spells.
| Village | Base altitude | Main lifts | Beginner slopes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auffach | 830 m | Schatzbergbahn gondola | Yes, dedicated learner area |
| Niederau | 830 m | Markbachjoch gondola | Yes, gentle runs back to village |
| Oberau | 620 m | Connected by bus | Limited, mainly intermediates |
| Thierbach | 950 m | Small drag lifts | Yes, very quiet |
Off the slopes, the valley has a family indoor pool at the Wildschönau Erlebnisbad, toboggan runs and a cleared walking network - useful on rest days or for non-skiing parents.
When should you book and what does it cost?
Book January 20 to March 10 for the best balance of snow depth, daylight hours and value. The Christmas fortnight and the Austrian and German school holidays in mid-February drive prices up by 20-35 percent and add queues at the gondola stations.
| Period | Avg. snow base (Schatzberg) | Daytime temp. | 7-night apartment (4 pax, self-catering) | 6-day ski pass (adult) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late December | 40-70 cm | -5 °C to 0 °C | from €1,800 total | €228 |
| January | 70-110 cm | -6 °C to 1 °C | from €1,400 total | €228 |
| February | 80-130 cm | -4 °C to 3 °C | from €1,600 total | €228 |
| Early March | 80-120 cm | -2 °C to 5 °C | from €1,300 total | €228 |
Prices are indicative averages for self-catering accommodation; ski-pass prices from the official Wildschönau lift company 2024-25 tariff.
Children under 6 ski free when accompanied by a paying adult, and children aged 6-14 pay roughly half the adult pass price. That family discount is a meaningful saving over a week.
Getting there from the UK is straightforward: Innsbruck Airport is served by several carriers from London, Manchester and Edinburgh with a flight time of 1 h 45 min to 2 h 15 min. A private transfer from Innsbruck to the valley costs around €140-180 for a family of four return; the public ÖBB bus plus regional connection is possible but takes close to 2 hours each way.
Planning a broader ski holiday comparison? See our full wintersport guide for more Austrian and European resort options.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wildschönau suitable for young children learning to ski?
Yes. The main resort of Auffach has dedicated beginner slopes and a ski kindergarten for children from age 3. Gentle gradients and certified instructors make it one of the most family-friendly areas in the Tirol.
When is the best time to ski in Wildschönau with children?
Late January through mid-March offers the best combination of reliable snow cover (80-120 cm base), manageable temperatures around -4 °C to 2 °C, and fewer crowds than the Christmas and February school-holiday peaks.
How much does a family ski holiday in Wildschönau cost?
Budget from roughly €350 per person per week for a self-catering apartment including a 6-day ski pass. Flights from the UK to Innsbruck take about 2 hours, with transfers of around 50 minutes to the resort.
