All parents of young skiers know the issue: the older the kids get, the more expensive their lift pass becomes. While there are often discounts that allow little snow lovers to enjoy the slopes at a lower price than their parents, it’s usually not entirely free. But there are exceptions and SnowTrex has tracked them down. The result: a list of over 65 ski resorts in Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland, and Germany that offer free lift passes for children.
Ski resorts in Austria offering free lift passes for children
- Stubai Glacier: Children aged 10 or under ski for free here, and Austria’s largest glacier ski area also boasts other family-friendly offers.
- Silvretta Arena Ischgl and Silvretta Montafon: In Ischgl, children under the age of 11 ski for free, and in the ski area in Vorarlberg, children under the age of 6 accompanied by an adult receive a free lift pass.
- Hochkönig (Salzburger Land): Children under age 6 ski for free here on 120 kilometres of slopes around Maria Alm, which offer perfect snow conditions for families.
| Ski resort | Conditions for free lift passes for children | Kilometres of pistes | Highest point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stubai Gletscher | Children under age 11 | 65 km | 3,212 m |
| Weißsee Glaier World | Children under age 13 | 23 km | 2,600 m |
| Almenwelt Lofer | Children and youth under age 18, always on Saturdays | 46 km | 1,670 m |
| Kaunertaler Glacier - Fendels | Children under age 6 | 63 km | 3,113 m |
| Silvretta Arena | Children under age 11 | 239 km | 2,872 m |
| Wildkogel Arena | Children under age 6 in company of an adult | 75 km | 2,100 m |
| Hochzeiger | Children under age 6. Children under age 10 when accompanied by a parent with a valid full-price lift pass | 40 km | 2,488 m |
| Pitztaler Glacier & Rifflsee | Children under age 6. Children under age 10 when accompanied by a parent with a valid full-price lift pass | 66 km | 3,440 m |
| Ski region Achensee | Children under age 7 | 53 km | 1,840 m |
| Goldeck Sportberg | Children under age 7 | 25 km | 2,142 m |
| SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental | Children under age 16 during the "Family Ski Weeks" when a parent purchases a 3-day lift pass | 270 km | 1,869 m |
| Salzburger Sportwelt | Children under age 10 when accompanied by an adult | 250 km | 2,188 m |
| Ski Lungau | Children under age 6, provided they can sit on a parent's lap on the lift | 150 km | 2,400 m |
| Fanningberg | Children under age 6, provided they can sit on a parent's lap on the lift | 30 km | 2,115 m |
| Katschberg-Aineck | Children under age 6, provided they can sit on a parent's lap on the lift | 70 km | 2,220 m |
| Grosseck-Speiereck | Children under age 6, provided they can sit on a parent's lap on the lift | 50 km | 2,400 m |
| Nassfeld - Lake Pressegger See | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 110 km | 2,002 m |
| Bad Kleinkirchheim - St. Oswald | Children under age 4, provided they can sit on a parent's lap on the lift | 103 km | 2,055 m |
| Falkert - Heidi Alm | Children under age 7 when accompanied by a parent with a valid full-price lift pass | 11 km | 2,107 m |
| Turracher Höhe | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 42.5 km | 2,205 m |
| Feuerkogel | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 10 km | 1,625 m |
| Schneebären Card | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 128 km | 1,965 m |
| Schiland Voralpen | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 42 km | 1,626 m |
| Gerlitzen | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 45 km | 1,911 m |
| Obertauern | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 100 km | 2,313 m |
| Nauders am Reschenpass - Bergkastel | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 75 km | 2,750 m |
| Ski region Olympiaregion Seefeld | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 34.9 km | 2,064 m |
| Tirolina und Familien-Skizentrum Schneeberg-Mitterland | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 7 km | 1,077 m |
| Axamer Lizum | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 28.9 km | 2,340 m |
| Mountain world Hahnenkamm | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 44.6 km | 1,900 m |
| Silvretta Montafon | Children under age 6 when accompanied by an adult | 140 km | 2,430 m |
| Hochkönig | Children under age 6 | 120 km | 1,900 m |
| Gastein | Children under age 6 | 177 km | 2,686 m |
| Großarltal-Dorfgastein | Children under age 6 | 63.5 km | 2,033 m |
| Patscherkofel | Children under age 10 when accompanied by a parent | 19 km | 1,965 m |
| Glungezer | Children under age 10 when accompanied by a parent | 23.5 km | 2,304 m |
| Hochoetz-Kühtai | Children under age 8 when accompanied by a parent with a valid full-price lift pass | 84 km | 2,520 m |
If you’re still unsure where to spend your next winter holiday with the whole family, it’s time to take a closer look at the ultimate ski destination: Austria. The Austrian Alps are the perfect place to escape the stress of everyday life. Countless ski resorts await winter sports enthusiasts of all ages, with slopes as far as the eye can see and ski schools that make learning to ski easy and approachable. Many resorts also offer free childcare facilities where kids can have fun together, along with a wide range of off-slope activities. For example, children up to age 10 ski for free on the Stubai Glacier and that’s just one of many family-friendly highlights the resort has to offer:
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Austria also has the advantage of offering more special lift pass deals for children than any other Alpine winter sports destination. In addition to the Stubai Valley, SnowTrex recommends several other Austrian ski resorts where kids can hit the slopes for free. One standout is the Silvretta Arena in Ischgl, which boasts 239 kilometres of pistes reaching up to 2,872 metres in altitude. Families can explore the area worry-free, as children under age 11 ski for free in the Paznaun Valley!
And just 20 kilometres away as the crow flies, another of Austria’s most child-friendly ski resorts awaits in Vorarlberg. The villages of Gaschurn and its neighbours are connected to the Silvretta Montafon ski area, which offers 140 kilometres of slopes – 60 of them blue and ideal for beginners. Here, too, a free lift pass can be issued for all children under age 6 who come to the ticket office accompanied by an adult. A family-friendly offer that matches what’s available in the Hochkönig ski area (120 kilometres of slopes), where families skiing around Maria Alm in the Salzburg region can also save money, children under age 6 ski for free here as well.
Ski resorts in Italy offering free lift passes for children
- Dolomiti Superski: In Europe’s largest ski association with 1,200 kilometres of slopes, children under age 9 receive a free lift pass in 40 locations.
- South Tyrol’s Wipptal Valley: In this family-friendly ski region with 65 kilometres of slopes, children under age 10 can ski for free.
| Ski resort | Conditions for free lift passes for children | Kilometres of pistes | Highest point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ski region Dolomiti Superski | Children under age 9 | 1,200 km | 3,269 m |
| Ski region South Tyrolean Wipptal | Children under age 10 | 65 km | 2,120 m |
| Madonna di Campiglio | Children under age 10 for one day | 60 km | 2,504 m |
| Monterosa Ski | Children under age 8 when parents purchase a family lift pass on the Italian side of the ski area | 205 km | 3,275 m |
| Breuil-Cervinia - Valtournenche | One child under age 8 per full-paying parent | 150 km | 3,883 m |
| Bormio | One child under age 9 (with proof of age) per full-paying parent | 50 km | 3,012 m |
| Paganella | One child under age 9 (with proof of age) per full-paying parent | 40 km | 2,125 m |
| Folgaria-Lavarone | One child under age 9 (with proof of age) per full-paying parent | 100 km | 1,824 m |
| Monte Bondone | One child under age 9 (with proof of age) per full-paying parent | 19 km | 2,090 m |
| Livigno | One child under age 8 (with proof of age) per full-paying parent | 115 km | 2,798 m |
| Rittner Horn | One child under age 8 (with proof of age) per full-paying parent | 13 km | 2,260 m |
| Merano 2000 | Children under age 8 when accompanied by full-paying parents | 40 km | 2,350 m |
| Pfelders | Children under age 8 when accompanied by full-paying parents | 18 km | 2,502 m |
| Solda | One child under age 6 per full-paying parent | 44 km | 3,250 m |
| Watles - Mals | One child under age 6 per full-paying parent | 10 km | 2,520 m |
| Folgarida - Marilleva | One child under age 9 (with proof of age) per full-paying parent | 63 km | 2,180 m |
| Pontedilegno Tonale | One child under age 9 (with proof of age) per full-paying parent | 62 km | 3,016 m |
| Pejo | One child under age 9 (with proof of age) per full-paying parent | 20 km | 3,000 m |
Italian ski resorts also offer slope fun for all ages, with qualified ski schools and a wide variety of runs. Families can choose between large and small ski areas, many family-friendly accommodations, and a diverse off-slope programme. Special offers for children are available too, such as in the Dolomiti Superski region. In Europe’s largest ski network, with 1,200 kilometres of slopes, families can receive a free lift pass for children under the age of 9 at 40 different resorts, all bookable through SnowTrex.
In the South Tyrolean Wipptal ski region, the offer for families is even more attractive: children under age 10 can hit the slopes for free. While the total of 65 kilometres of pistes makes the ski area smaller than the massive Dolomiti network, its quieter and more relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place for kids to learn to ski in a calmer setting.
Ski resorts in France offering free lift passes for children
- Les 3 Vallées: In the world’s largest contiguous ski area (600 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 3,230 metres), children under age 5 ski for free.
- Les Sybelles: In this family-friendly ski area with 310 kilometres of slopes, children under age 5 also receive free lift passes.
- Tignes/Val d’Isère: Children under age 9 can ski for free on the 300 kilometres of slopes in the French Alps.
| Ski resort | Conditions for free lift passes for children | Kilometres of pistes | Highest point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tignes/Val d'Isère | Children under age 9 | 300 km | 3,456 m |
| SuperDévoluy & La Joue du Loup | Children under age 5 (with proof of age) when accompanied by parents | 100 km | 2,500 m |
| Espace San Bernardo – La Rosière/La Thuile | Children under age 5, just in the French part of the ski area | 143 km | 2,800 m |
| Les Sybelles | Children under age 5 | 310 km | 2,620 m |
| Les 3 Vallées | Children under age 5 | 600 km | 3,230 m |
Especially for families looking for an affordable ski trip, the winter sports resorts in France are an ideal destination. The reason for the lower prices is that ski accommodations here are typically apartments or studios. This allows guests to stay outside of traditional hotels and decide for themselves how much they want to spend on food and dining.
In many French ski resorts, accommodations are located right next to the slopes, eliminating the hassle of crowded ski buses. On the pistes of France, ski and snowboard fans can look forward to vast ski areas featuring countless ski schools offering lessons for both children and adults, as well as snow parks and dedicated children’s zones.
And in some of the largest ski resorts in the country, families can easily benefit from free lift passes for children. A prime example is the Les 3 Vallées region, the largest interconnected ski area in the world with 600 kilometres of slopes, an absolute SnowTrex top recommendation for families! Here, young skiers under the age of 5 not only enjoy guaranteed snow up to an altitude of 3,230 metres but also get to ski for free. Free lift passes for all children under age 5 are also available in the Les Sybelles ski area (310 kilometres of slopes), while in the Tignes/Val d’Isère ski area (300 kilometres of slopes), children under age 9 can even ride the lifts free of charge.
Ski resorts in Switzerland offering free lift passes for children
- Zermatt (Valais): With free lift passes for children under age 10, this ski resort offers 200 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 3,883 metres on the Klein Matterhorn.
- Davos Klosters Mountains: Winter sports enthusiasts will find a total of 211 kilometres of slopes in the ski resort in Graubünden, where children under age 6 can ski for free.
| Ski resort | Conditions for free lift passes for children | Kilometres of pistes | Highest point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zermatt | Children under age 10 | 200 km | 3,883 m |
| Jungfrau Region | Children under age 6 when accompanied by a parent | 206 km | 2,970 m |
| Davos Klosters Mountains | Children under age 6 | 211 km | 2,844 m |
| Ski region ENGADIN St. Moritz Mountain Pool | Children under age 6, except in the ski areas of Aela, Cristins, Celerina Provulèr, San Spiert, Survih, Müsella, and Bügls | 325 km | 3,303 m |
The Swiss Alps are a stunning place to go skiing with children. Many ski resorts across the various regions of the country are known for their family-friendly atmosphere, offering not only snow reliability but also unique accommodation options.
Up in the mountains, Switzerland’s family-friendly ski resorts shine with lift passes, ski schools, children’s areas, snow parks, and a wide variety of runs ranging from easy to challenging, offering everything young and seasoned skiers could wish for. Beyond the snowy alpine slopes, there are plenty of additional activities, such as toboggan runs, indoor play areas, family-friendly restaurants, and even free childcare services in some resorts, all warmly welcoming families.
Things are particularly straightforward and family-friendly on the slopes of some of Switzerland’s best-known ski resorts. In the canton of Valais, at the foot of the world-famous Matterhorn (4,478 m), lies the Zermatt ski area. With 200 kilometres of slopes reaching up to an unmatched 3,883 metres in altitude, Zermatt offers free lift passes for all children under the age of 10. A little further east, the Davos Klosters Mountains in the canton of Graubünden boast 211 kilometres of pistes. Why does SnowTrex recommend this area for families? While Switzerland is certainly not a budget destination, children under age 6 can ski for free in the mountains above Davos—saving families a considerable amount of money.
Ski resorts in Germany offering free lift passes for children
- Garmisch-Classic, Zugspitze: In Germany’s highest ski resort, with its 60 kilometres of slopes, children under age 6 can ski for free when accompanied by a paying parent.
| Ski resort | Conditions for free lift passes for children | Kilometres of pistes | Highest point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmisch-Classic, Zugspitze | Children under age 6 when accompanied by a full-paying parent | 60 km | 2,720 m |
| Mittenwald | Children under age 7 when accompanied by a parent | 15 km | 1,350 m |
| Spitzingsee-Tegernsee | Children under age 6 when accompanied by a parent | 14.2 km | 1,580 m |
Germany is home to numerous ski resorts that warmly welcome families. These resorts often stand out with their ski schools, child-friendly slopes, and a variety of family activities beyond the snowy runs. Many ski areas also offer free lift passes for children, providing cost-free access to Germany’s winter wonderland.
SnowTrex knows that families choosing to ski in Germany’s highest-altitude ski area at the Zugspitze (2,962 m) can save real money here. The Garmisch-Classic and Zugspitze ski area not only offers 60 kilometres of slopes but also free lift passes for children under the age of 6 when accompanied by a fully paying parent.
FAQ’s about free lift passes for children
How do families benefit from free lift passes in the Alps?
Families benefit from significant savings on their winter holiday thanks to free lift passes for children. Ski areas like the Stubai Glacier, Zermatt, or the Dolomiti Superski region allow kids to ski for free and also offer family-friendly accommodations, ski schools, and off-slope activities.
Which ski resorts in Austria offer free lift passes for children?
Austria features many family-friendly ski resorts with free lift pass offers for kids. At the Stubai Glacier, children up to age 10 ski for free. Other examples include Weißsee Gletscherwelt (free for children under age 13) and Almenwelt Lofer, where minors ski for free on Saturdays. The Silvretta Arena in Ischgl also offers free lift passes for children up to age 10.
What are the requirements for free lift passes for children in Austria?
The requirements vary by ski resort. Age limits are often the deciding factor – for example, at the Hochzeiger ski area, passes are free for children under age 6. In the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental, kids up to age 15 ski for free during the low season when a parent purchases a 3-day lift pass.
What are the age limits for free lift passes for children in Italy?
In Italy, age limits vary by resort. In the Dolomiti Superski network, children under age 9 receive a free lift pass. At Madonna di Campiglio, children up to 10 ski free on certain days. In Bormio and Livigno, children under age 8 ski for free when accompanied by a paying parent.
Are there ski resorts in France with free lift passes for children?
Yes, France has many ski resorts offering free lift passes for kids. For instance, children under age 9 ski for free in Tignes – Val d’Isère. In Les Sybelles and La Rosière, lift passes are free for children under age 5. Many French resorts also offer family-friendly accommodations right next to the slopes.
Where can children ski for free in Switzerland?
Switzerland has several well-known ski resorts with free lift passes for children, helping to make family holidays more affordable. In Zermatt, children up to age 9 ski for free. In the Jungfrau Region and in Davos Klosters, children under age 6 receive a free lift pass when accompanied by a paying parent.
Which ski resorts in Germany offer free lift passes for children?
Germany also has family-friendly ski areas with free lift passes for kids. In Garmisch-Classic and on the Zugspitze, children under age 6 ski for free when accompanied by a parent. Similar offers are available in Mittenwald and the Spitzingsee-Tegernsee ski area.
