Active throughout the Tirolean winter: Adventures for the whole family

Last updated on 29.10.2025

As Tirol’s mountains are swathed in a glistening robe of white, you know the most magical season of the year for families has arrived. Time to head out into the crisp mountain air and embark on new adventures together. Whether on skis, out for a winter walk, sledging, or exploring museums and nature, Tirol offers a plethora of opportunities for families to enjoy active winter experiences with their children.

Magical winter walks for all ages

Away from the ski slopes, Tirol reveals a quieter side – with peaceful trails, enchanting light installations and close encounters with wildlife. A winter walk to Ehrenberg Castle in the Reutte Nature Park region is a marvellous experience. During the Lumagica Light Festival, the historic fortress is subtly illuminated by majestic animals and mythical creatures, turning the visit into a wonderful winter fairytale.

Another family-friendly walk can be found in Wildschönau. The trail leads through snow-covered meadows and winter forests to a wildlife enclosure, where deer and stags can be observed in peace. The excursion can be rounded off with a stop for refreshments at the Jausenstation Foisching mountain eatery.

Those wishing to enjoy a more intense experience of nature should join one of the guided Nature Watch walks in the wintry Hall Valley in the Hall-Wattens region. Equipped with Swarovski binoculars and guided by an expert, families follow animal tracks in the snow, learn fascinating facts about the region’s wildlife, and enjoy sweeping views of Austria’s largest nature park.

Tip for hiking enthusiasts: the winter hiking trail to the Adlerblick viewing platform in Kaunertal in the Tirolean Oberland winds through a snow-covered winter wonderland for around 3.2 kilometres. A breathtaking panorama awaits at the top, from where those who wish can enjoy a leisurely sledge ride back down to the valley.

More winter walking highlights can be found at www.tyrol.com/activities/sport/winter-walking/winter-hiking-highlights.

Family adventures on the slopes and trails

Tirol’s quality-certified family ski regions offer perfect conditions for families who love to spend their winter holidays on skis: wide slopes, gentle practice areas and child-friendly fa-cilities. This winter, these specially accredited resorts are celebrating their 10th anniversary – a testament to their high quality and dedication to providing families with unforgettable ski holidays.

There’s plenty of fun to be had off the slopes too: families will find ideal conditions in the Seefeld Region, for learning the art of cross-country skiing. Dedicated family trails, easy beginner routes and beautiful landscapes make this a delightful winter pastime for all genera-tions. You’ll find even more family-friendly cross-country routes at www.tyrol.com/activities/sport/cross-country-skiing/trails-for-beginners.

High-speed fun on the toboggan run

Who says roller coasters are just for summer? Several summer coaster rides open again for winter thrills – including the Alpine Coaster in the Imst Outdoor Region, Lauser Sauser in the Alpbachtal Holiday Region, Arena Coaster in Zillertal and the Drachenflitzer in Wildschönau. Over in Pillerseetal, Timok’s Alpine Coaster in Fieberbrunn runs daily from Christmas onwards – and the ride is even included in your lift pass.

For those who prefer the classic style of sledging, Tirol’s many family-friendly toboggan runs promise endless fun on two runners – from gentle family tracks to sportier descents, complete with welcoming mountain huts for a well-earned break.

Animals, nature and a sense of wonder

Winter holidays in Tirol are full of close encounters with Alpine wildlife. Visitors to the Alpine Zoo in Innsbruck can even observe native wildlife during the winter months. Aurach Wildlife Park near Kitzbühel delights guests with free-roaming deer, yaks, wildcats, mouflons and more – a highlight especially for younger guests. Those with a penchant for birds of prey should head to Ahorn Eagle’s Stage in Mayrhofen, where eagles, buzzards and owls soar in stately circles high above the valley.

Animal encounters await too at the Winter Hiking Night in Neustift in the Stubai Valley, where highlights under the star-filled sky include dog-sled and horse-drawn carriage rides, or even pony rides for little adventurers. Across Tirol, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities to enjoy a winter walk with alpacas or donkeys – a delight for children and adults alike.

For a change of perspective, take to the skies with a balloon flight over the snow-covered Kaiserwinkl or the Tannheimer Valley. From up here, the panorama of Tirol’s winter land-scape is nothing short of breathtaking – an experience families will treasure for years to come.

Cultural experiences and playful discoveries

It doesn’t have to be snowing outside for Tirol’s museums and exhibitions to entice you on an exciting discovery tour. Alpinarium Galtür invites families to explore the world of the mountains with Alpa and Alpu – encountering tricky puzzles and interactive stations along the way.

In Innsbruck, Tirolean State Museums open their doors for family tours that bring history vividly to life. Whether at the Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art, where “A Housefly Tells a Story”, in the Court Church with its tour “Of Black Men and Women”, or at the Tirol Panorama with the Kaiserjäger Museum – children and adults alike can experience Tirol’s past in entertain-ing and imaginative ways.

A true step back in time awaits visitors to Tratzberg Castle, where a lovingly produced audio tour whisks visitors away into the world of emperors, princesses and knights. There is also a special fairytale tour for children, filled with magical stories and intriguing puzzles.

Everything revolves around the sense of hearing at the AUDIOVERSUM Science Center in Innsbruck: science comes alive through sound experiments, echo chambers and interactive installations. Tech enthusiasts will be drawn to the Tunnel Worlds exhibition at the Brenner Base Tunnel in Steinach am Brenner, where families can learn all about geology, surveying, the environment and tunnel construction – presented in a playful, hands-on way across some 800 square metres.

More inspiration for family winter holidays can be found at www.tyrol.com/activities/holiday-ideas/family/winter.