Austrian Alps
In St. Johann im Pongau, a small town about one hour south of Salzburg, the soaring beauty of the Austrian Alps offers a panoramic backdrop for a range of all-season activities. Winter highlights are obvious and snow-centric (think skiing and snowboarding, sledding, and so on). Many ski and snowboard schools offer lessons for kids, helping your little ones to feel confident on the snow from an early age while their older brothers and sisters can refine their snow-gliding skills.
And in the warmer months, events such as St. Johann Kids’ Week can provide family fun that includes fairy tales in the city park, activities at Geisterberg Ghost Mountain, and even a children’s concert by the Salzburg Philharmonic orchestra. For a memorable family adventure, check out Liechtensteinklamm, an awe-inspiring gorge several kilometers south of St. Johann im Pongau. To reach the waterfall, follow the family-friendly trail that weaves through tunnels and over bridges while listening to the thundering sound of water as it plunges from the ravine in the distance. It’s a wonderful way for the kids to witness the dramatic beauty and magnificence of Mother Nature.
Less than an hour’s drive east, the medieval village of Schladming has four interlinked mountains to explore and plenty of family-friendly ways to stay active together. For the smallest children, there’s the stroller-friendly Fairytale Trail, while bigger kids will love the Rittisberg Coaster summer toboggan run. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, be sure to visit Hopsiland Planai, a mountain playground for kids. Open through summer — and transforming into the Hopsi Children’s Winter Wonderland during the winter months — there is something to keep all kids endlessly entertained. Fun-filled adventure stations include the Dachstein gondola, gold panning, a Hopsi forest trail, and the North Pole play area. During winter, there are fun ski zones, such as the Funslope snow park and a slalom racetrack.
