A Family Ski Adventure in Zell am See: Our First Ski Trip as a Family of Five
As a passionate traveler and photographer, my love for skiing has always been strong. Before having children, my husband and I would hit the slopes as often as possible, but once our little ones came along, skiing took a backseat. This year, we finally decided to take the plunge and experience our first family ski holiday together. After much research, we chose Zell am See, Austria, and it turned out to be the perfect destination for our family of five.
Why Zell am See is Perfect for Family Skiing
Zell am See is a picture-perfect Austrian ski resort that offers a magical blend of incredible slopes, breathtaking scenery, and family-friendly facilities. With an extensive ski area catering to all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, it was the perfect place for our children to learn while allowing my husband and me to rediscover our love for skiing. The ski schools here are excellent, offering English-speaking instructors and small group sizes, ensuring our kids had the best learning experience.
Beyond skiing, Zell am See transforms into a summer paradise once the snow melts. The crystal-clear lake becomes the focal point for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, while the surrounding mountains offer endless hiking and biking trails. Families can also enjoy activities like mini-golf, nature parks, and even paragliding for the more adventurous. With its dual-season appeal, Zell am See is a destination that promises year-round excitement.
Discovering Heidi Ski Holidays
I have always enjoyed researching holidays and finding the best deals, so when I kept seeing advertisements for Heidi Ski Holidays, I decided to dig a little deeper. After reading their stellar reviews and exploring their offers, I was impressed by the simplicity and flexibility they provided. Heidi allows travellers to book their entire ski package, including flights, hotels, and transfers, or opt for a self-drive option with just accommodation.
The company was founded by a group of ski enthusiasts who wanted to make booking a ski holiday easy and stress-free. Their user-friendly website allows you to filter options based on your preferences, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel, a luxury stay, or self-catering apartments. The whole booking process was seamless, making our last-minute decision feel effortless.
Last-Minute Booking & Our Experience with Heidi
We booked our holiday on Thursday night, just before the February half-term break. After narrowing it down to three different countries, Zell am See won our hearts, and we secured our flights, hotel, and transfers through the Heidi website.
One of the best decisions we made was upgrading to a private transfer for just £15 per person. Upon arrival, we were met at the airport, taken to a spacious taxi, and driven directly to our hotel. The return transfer was just as smooth, picking us up straight from the hotel entrance. Heidi also offers options to pre-book lift passes and ski hire, but we decided to contact our hotel directly and received a 10% discount on ski passes and equipment rental, so it's always worth checking with your accommodation.
Staying at the Wellness Hotel Zell am See – HAIDVOGL MAVIDA
We stayed at the Wellness Hotel Zell am See | HAIDVOGL MAVIDA, and it exceeded all our expectations. Despite being in the older part of the hotel, our Family Room Deluxe was perfect for us, offering separate spaces for privacy and relaxation. While a small kitchen would have been handy, we also appreciated the convenience of not having to cook every evening.
The hotel provided excellent facilities, including a boot room for ski storage. While some guests opted to store their skis at the base of the slopes for a fee, we found the 5–10 minute walk manageable and decided to bring ours back to the hotel each day.
The Hotel’s Hidden Gem: The Spa
One of the unexpected highlights of our stay was the spa. Initially, I thought we wouldn’t have time to use it, but we ended up visiting every evening after skiing. The indoor pool became the kids’ favourite spot, while my husband and I took turns unwinding in the adults-only spa (16 plus), which featured saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. The outdoor heated pool looked inviting, but with freezing temperatures, we saved that experience for another visit.
Dining in Zell am See
Since we didn’t opt for the hotel’s breakfast package, we found a lovely bakery nearby—Bakery Unterberger—where we picked up delicious croissants and coffee each morning. While the hotel’s restaurant, DAS VOGL, was fantastic, we also enjoyed exploring local eateries. We dined at the hotel restaurant one evening, and I was initially concerned about bringing our three young children to a more refined setting. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find a few other families there, and the staff was incredibly accommodating. The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was excellent. They offered a child-friendly menu, ensuring that our kids were well taken care of. My husband had ravioli, and I enjoyed the seabass—both dishes were remarkable. Our meal began with plenty of bread and tasty starters, which our children loved. The portions were generous, and everyone was satisfied. The wine selection was exceptional, too. Although it was one of the most expensive meals of our trip, it was truly a special treat, and I wish we could have dined there more often
Our favourite restaurants included:
Slow Down – A cosy spot with amazing pizzas and gnocchi.
Village Kitchen – Beautiful decor, great service, and a fantastic children’s menu.
Hongmei Asia Restaurant – Surprisingly child-friendly and an excellent introduction to Asian cuisine for our little ones.
For lunch, we stopped at mountain restaurants for Austrian specialties like schnitzel, soup, and, of course, Glühwein! The Paramount Platform next to the museum offered spectacular views, making it a must-visit during a ski break.
Skiing in Zell am See, Kaprun & Saalbach
One of the perks of a Zell am See ski pass is that it includes access to three ski areas: Kaprun, Zell am See, and Saalbach. We took a free 10–15 minute bus ride to Kaprun, allowing us to explore even more slopes. The variety of runs made it an excellent destination for all levels of skiers.
Ski School & Equipment Rental
We booked ski lessons for our children through Ski School Zell am See, and it was one of the best decisions we made. The kids, who had never skied before, were confidently tackling red runs by the end of the week. The ski school ran from 10 am–12 pm and 1 pm–3 pm, with an option to keep them in for a supervised hot lunch, which we highly recommend.
For ski equipment, we used Bründl Sports in Zell am See. Their rental process was highly efficient, and they had multiple locations around the resort. We opted for ski insurance, but thankfully, we didn’t need it.
Final Thoughts: A Ski Trip to Remember
Overall, our first family ski holiday was a resounding success. Zell am See proved to be the perfect destination, offering excellent skiing, breathtaking scenery, and fantastic family-friendly amenities. Staying at Wellness Hotel Zell am See | HAIDVOGL MAVIDA added an extra touch of luxury, and booking through Heidi Ski Holidays made the entire process seamless.
From smooth flights with Lufthansa to well-organized transfers, everything fell into place perfectly. I highly recommend using Heidi for ski trips—it takes the stress out of booking and provides great value. Now, as I start planning our next holiday, I only wish Heidi offered summer destinations too! Until then, I’ll be counting down the days until we return to the slopes.
Here are some top tips for skiing in Zell am See that can help make your family holiday truly unforgettable:
Skip the White Ski Coat: Choose a darker, more practical option that hides stains and wear.
Invest in Quality Thermals: Splurging on good thermals will keep you warm and comfortable throughout your day on the slopes.
Pack Light for Evenings: Limit yourself to two or three stylish outfits for dinner and relaxing, while leaving the rest of your wardrobe for ski attire.
Don’t Forget Hand Warmers: Essential for keeping little hands cosy on the cold days.
Carry a Ski Backpack: Opt for a comfortable rack sack that you can ski with, stocked with emergency water, snacks, and other must-haves.
Bring a Compact Medical Kit: Pack a small bag with essentials like plasters, Calpol, and paracetamol for those unexpected bumps.
Keep Lip Balm Handy: Avoid chapped or “chocolate” lips by always having your favourite lip balm on standby.
Organise Your Laundry: Bring along a few laundry or bin bags to sort your clothes by colour, making packing easier when it’s time to head home.
Savor the Glühwein: Make sure to try the local Austrian mulled wine—Glühwein is a must for a true taste of the region!
Opt for a Multi-Area Ski Pass: This pass not only grants access to the slopes at Zell am See but also extends to Kaprun and Saalbach, with a free bus connecting these areas for effortless exploration.
Take Advantage of the Ski School: Perfect for beginners or young skiers, the local ski school offers flexible lesson times and even hot lunch options to build confidence and skill.
Use Efficient Equipment Rental: With streamlined rental shops around the resort, you can quickly gear up for the day—don’t forget to consider ski hire insurance for extra peace of mind.
Plan Transfers and Accommodation Wisely: Booking a private transfer, even for a modest fee, can make your journey smoother. Look for packages that bundle flights, hotels, and transfers for a hassle-free experience.
Explore Local Dining: Zell am See features a range of on-mountain eateries and family-friendly restaurants. Check with your hotel too, as many offer discounts on lift passes or ski hire.
Watch for Last-Minute Deals: Sometimes, a spontaneous booking just before the half-term break can lead to fantastic savings and unforgettable adventures.
These tips truly enhanced our family skiing adventure, and I hope they help you plan an equally amazing trip! AD
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