austria for families?

[ladylipgloss]

Am looking at going over New year with 3 kids aged 4, 10 and 14. This will be first time for all of us.

Have been looking at Austria and decided Seefeld looks good. Anyone been or recommend anywhere else in Austria thats good for beginners, family friendly buzzing resort?

Also, who is best to book with as new year is VERY expensive and need to save money wherever possible.

I've done independently booked holidays here www.galtenberg.at/en/hotel-galtenberg/hotel-galtenberg/ and here www.unterschwarzach.at/ both of which I'd recommend. The Unterschwarzach in Hinterglemm was in a fantastic setting beside ski school lifts etc. I came across a recommendation for this company recently www.skiwild.co.uk/, they look good but I can't find their ATOL or ABTA affiliation. Good luck with getting somewhere reasonable for New Year!. Have you looked at Esprit? Otherwise have a look at Inghams or Crystal if you are looking for a hotel package.

WE went on a summer hols with Kinderhotels in Austria - I know, not skiing but it is what they do with their resorts when off ski season.

I thought it was good, with lots for the children to do - great children's club with clibing wall, free pampering/facial/pedicures for the DC in the lovely spa.

They were also, for a summer hol, quite cheap.

The one we stayed at wasn't that high, so their season ends early but give them a glance

Seefeld is quite spread out but has the most amazing indoor/outdoor pool, the centre is pedestrianised and is good for beginners but you'd have to pick an area to ski for the day (probably not an issue if you are beginners anyway). Not far from Innsbruck by train if you fancy a day out too. Friends used kinderhotels in the Brand area (Montafon valley) and the one at Lermoos (Alpenrose) is very popular but may be full for New Year. You can usually contact the tourist office of a resort and specify what you are looking for, then they come back with "offers" of accommodation - really good if you are looking for a small b and b or on a budget.

We too have stayed at several Kinderhotels in Austria, both in summer and winter. They have all been fantastic and often have their own ski hill outside the hotel or are very close to the local ski school.

Never been to Seefeld before, so can't recommend. Is it high enough, though? Alternative high resorts include Obertauern, Zell am See and Obergurgl.

Overall have found that Austria is very family friendly and most locals speak English very well .

My advice would be to get booked asap, New Year is the busiest week, we are booked out a year in advance.

You will be lucky to get flights - we looked about a month ago and nothing left for the week after Xmas unless you are prepared to go Club (price quoted for BA flights was something like £3000 for family of 4!)

I would recommend skiwild too but they are now called ski independence. I have booked through them three times and gone to Austria with them, they were fantastic and recommended perfect resorts and hotels for our family. But agree with others, you may have left it too late.

I just got a new flier last week with their details on - www.ski-i.com or 0845 310 3030 - i think we dealt with Andrew.

Through them we went to Bad Gastein, Kitzbuhel and somewhere else in the tyrol region but can't remember where! Good easy slope for beginners and school but only thing was ski school was 10-12 and then 1:30 - 3:30pm and i would have preferred all morning or all afternoons.

I have an advice website too and we are gathering recommended ski resorts (and those to avoid) so have a look at www.littleskiers.co.uk and please email me and advice and tips so we can share them. .

We are going to Zell am See for New year. Apparently good for families (hope so anyway!)