Families with children
Winter offers with ski course service, childcare, adventure hall and plenty of shared time in the snow.
Fresh powder snow, crisp mountain air and a sparkling winter landscape: a winter holiday in Bad Gastein combines skiing, nature experiences and soothing relaxation in a very special way. In the Gastein Valley in the Salzburg region, families and couples enjoy varied winter days – on the slopes of the Gastein ski areas, while cross-country skiing, winter hiking and snowshoeing, or tobogganing. And after an active day, relaxing wellness with thermal water awaits you at Sonngastein, before you round off the evening with fine cuisine and the crackling warmth of the fireplace. This is what a winter holiday in Austria feels like: active, enjoyable and full of shared moments.
For families, couples and three generations
Choose who you are travelling with. We will take you directly to the winter offers that best match your holiday wishes.
Winter offers with ski course service, childcare, adventure hall and plenty of shared time in the snow.
Winter offers with skiing, snowboarding, sport, new friendships and plenty of freedom for older children.
Offers for shared winter days, wellness, thermal water, fine cuisine and relaxing evenings.
Winter offers with shared experiences and plenty of freedom for children, parents and grandparents.
More comfort for your winter holiday
Personal ski service, varied winter experiences and plenty of space for families, couples and three generations.
Advice, registration, transfer and billing conveniently organised through the hotel.
Discover the service ›Varied slopes for families, leisurely skiers and sporty guests.
Discover skiing ›Play, movement and action – whatever the snow or weather.
Discover the Adventure Hall ›Pools, saunas and soothing relaxation after a day in the snow.
Discover the Water World ›Childcare, shared activities and new friends of the same age.
Discover family holidays ›Winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and tobogganing.
Discover activities ›Illuminated winter fun right next to the hotel.
Discover ice stock curling ›From a hearty breakfast to a served multi-course dinner.
Discover our cuisine ›Winter holidays with little and big explorers
First turns in the snow, supervised activities and plenty of quality family time: our winter offers combine active holiday days with personal ski course service, childcare and weather-independent fun and games at the hotel.
Action, freedom and time together
Skiing, snowboarding, sport and new friendships: our winter offers give teenagers plenty of freedom while also offering many opportunities for shared experiences with the whole family.
Winter indulgence and soothing warmth
Explore snowy landscapes together, spend active days on the slopes or simply relax in the thermal water: our winter offers for couples combine activity, wellness, fine cuisine and precious time together away from everyday life.
Travel together, enjoy your own way
Children, parents and grandparents spend their holiday together without having to do the same thing every day. Our offers combine skiing, winter experiences, childcare and wellness with plenty of freedom for every generation. For cosy moments together, a large selection of board and card games is also available and is very popular with our families.
From your first snowplough to confident turns
Less organising, more relaxed skiing holidays from the very start.
We work together with the renowned Bad Hofgastein Ski School. It offers ski and snowboard courses for children, teenagers and adults – from their very first experience on snow to improving individual skiing technique.
Active or completely relaxed
Ski down the slopes, walk through snow-covered landscapes or relax in thermal water after an active day: shape your winter holiday differently every day.
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Slopes & panorama
The ski areas of the Gastein Valley offer plenty of variety for different ability levels. Family-friendly slopes, practice areas and more challenging runs make shared ski days just as possible as individual mountain experiences.
Peace & nature
Snow-covered trails, crisp mountain air and quiet forests make winter an experience even away from the ski slopes. Depending on the route, you can enjoy gentle walks or more active snowshoe tours.
Exercise & endurance
In the Gastein Valley, cross-country skiers can enjoy trails for both classic technique and skating. In addition to routes in the valley, higher-altitude trails offer further options when snow conditions allow.
Fun for everyone
Tobogganing combines exercise, nature and plenty of laughter. The region offers a variety of options for families and adults, some of which can also be enjoyed in the evening.
Right by the hotel
On our illuminated ice stock curling rink, skill, sociability and genuine Austrian winter fun come together. No previous experience is required.
Warmth & relaxation
After hours in the fresh winter air, relax in the thermal water, saunas and our peaceful relaxation areas. This is where active days and soothing recovery come together.
Active, relaxed and wonderfully uncomplicated
Shared experiences, personal freedom and soothing relaxation naturally go hand in hand at Sonngastein.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and head off to your ski course, the ski area or your own winter programme without unnecessary organisational hassle.
Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, winter hiking or tobogganing – everyone can make the day as active or relaxed as they like.
The children meet friends in the Adventure Hall while adults relax in the thermal water or enjoy a peaceful break in the wellness area.
Share stories from the day over a served dinner and then round off the winter evening in comfort at the bar or by the fireplace.
Genuine winter experiences
Personal hospitality, relaxed days on the slopes, happy children and soothing relaxation: this is what guests say about their winter holidays at Sonngastein.
Long-standing winter guests
Family ski holiday at Sonngastein
A winter holiday the whole family loves
“The best hotel we have ever stayed at.”
The family particularly praises the reliably organised ski transfer, the large Adventure Hall, the warm pools, the wellness area and the personal, warm attention provided by the hosts and the entire team.
“A wonderful family hotel with style and hosts who personally take care of their guests’ well-being.”
Reinhard Travelled as a family · 6 out of 6 points
View on HolidayCheck ›“We have been coming here to ski for almost ten years and are welcomed with warm, family-like hospitality every time.”
Discover56337879246 Ski holiday · February 2026 · 5 out of 5 points
View on Tripadvisor ›Long-standing winter guests · Family ski holiday · 5 out of 5 points
The family explains that they have been returning to Sonngastein for their winter holidays for many years. From the moment they arrive, they feel personally welcomed and attentively looked after by the host family and the hotel team.
They describe the daily journey to the ski slopes as particularly convenient. The transport organised by the hotel saves parents from having to carry the ski equipment themselves and makes the start of the ski day much more relaxed, especially when travelling with several children. The drivers help with loading and unloading and create a friendly, uncomplicated atmosphere.
After skiing, the children quickly make friends in the large Adventure Hall and find plenty of opportunities to play and be active. Parents can use this time to relax in the wellness area or enjoy the warm indoor and outdoor pools.
Dinner is another highlight of the stay for the family. They praise the cuisine, the service and the cosy atmosphere in the restaurant and hotel bar. This means the ski day does not simply end when they return to the hotel, but flows naturally into a relaxed winter evening together.
The family particularly highlights the personal feeling of never being just an anonymous hotel guest. The host family and the team look after both adults and children with great attention and help make everyone feel welcome throughout their stay.
Yes. We work with the Bad Hofgastein Ski School and are happy to help you choose and register for the most suitable ski course for your child.
Yes. The ski school offers ski and snowboard courses for adults, both for beginners and for guests who would like to improve their technique.
Our reception team will advise you personally and, if you wish, help you organise the right course with our partner ski school.
Yes. For ski courses with our partner ski school, we organise return transfers for our guests with the hotel shuttle. Current departure times and exact arrangements are available directly from reception.
The appropriate starting age depends on the course offered and the individual development of the child. We will be happy to advise you personally and clarify the most suitable group with our partner ski school.
Yes. Childcare, a family programme, spacious rooms and suites and our 1,700 m² Adventure Hall ensure varied and relaxing holiday days even away from the ski slopes.
In the large Adventure Hall, children and teenagers have plenty of space for games, sport and shared activities. Our weekly programme also includes a changing selection of supervised experiences.
Teenagers at Sonngastein will find sports facilities, places to meet, varied activities and plenty of freedom. This gives them opportunities to make new friends while still leaving plenty of room for shared family time.
The Gastein Valley offers plenty of winter experiences away from the ski slopes – from winter hiking and snowshoe tours to cross-country skiing, tobogganing and a wide variety of excursions. Depending on the week, many of these activities, including guided winter and snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing and selected excursions, are also part of our guided weekly programme. At the hotel, thermal water, wellness and fitness provide relaxing ways to unwind after an active winter day.
Yes. The Gastein Valley offers trails for both classic cross-country skiing and skating. These include routes in the valley as well as higher-altitude trails that are open depending on snow conditions.
Yes. Our illuminated ice stock curling rink is located right next to the hotel. No previous experience is required, and we are happy to provide our guests with the necessary ice stocks.
After an active winter day, you can relax in our Water World and wellness area with thermal water, pools, saunas and relaxation areas. Massages and treatments can also be booked subject to availability.
Yes. Children, parents and grandparents can shape their winter holidays individually while still spending plenty of time together. Childcare, wellness, winter activities and spacious rooms provide freedom for different interests and needs.
At Sonngastein, you enjoy our served all-inclusive cuisine – from a generous breakfast and daytime services through to a multi-course dinner in the evening.
Your winter holiday in the Gastein Valley
Discover our winter offers or send us your holiday wishes. We will be happy to advise you personally and help you find the right offer for your family, your holiday for two or a winter break with three generations.
Cross-country skiing is one of the healthiest winter sports of all. The Gastein Valley offers the perfect setting for it – one that rewards every stride. More than 70 km of groomed trails lead through snow-covered valleys, past sparkling streams and into views of the peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The season begins in Sportgastein as early as November, while the other trails open in December. In Angertal, cross-country skiing is usually possible until mid-April; in Sportgastein, the trails are often perfectly prepared until the end of April.
From a relaxed flat loop for beginners or families to a challenging route with panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern: the Gastein Valley offers a suitable cross-country ski trail for every level. Here is an overview:
Character: A gentle, idyllic cross-country ski trail through the Kurpark in Bad Hofgastein. Surrounded by old trees and small, winding paths, it is a particularly charming way to “stroll” on skis at an easy pace.
Technique: Classic
Length: 1.5 km
Tip: Especially beautiful in the evening under floodlights.
Character: Comfortable and easy to ski. Like a walk through a magical winter landscape, past meadows and forests, along the sparkling stream and with views of the beautiful surrounding peaks. Thanks to its special location, the Alt Böckstein cross-country ski trail in Bad Gastein is almost always open and easy to access.
Length: Longest loop 5 km, several variations possible
Technique: Classic and skating
Tip: The trail leads past the Montanzentrum Altböckstein, bringing the life of earlier miners impressively to life. In the evening, the floodlit loop near the Montanzentrum is a particularly atmospheric option.
Character: A technically demanding trail with significant climbs and fast descents, some with steep bends. An Eldorado for experienced cross-country skiers.
Length: Longest loop 7 km, several variations possible
Technique: Classic and skating
Tip: Enjoy magnificent mountain views, for example of Gamskarkogel, Stubnerkogel and Zitterauer Tisch. The view of the Silberpfennig is especially beautiful.
Here you will find a wide variety of cross-country ski trails for every level – from relaxed loops to demanding routes at high altitude.
Character: Easy, intermediate and challenging cross-country ski trails surrounded by breathtaking views. All trails benefit from the spectacular high-alpine character at the end of the Gastein Valley. Cross-country skiing at 1,600 to 1,800 metres above sea level.
Length: Longest loop 6 km, several variations possible
Technique: Classic and skating
Tip: Head out around midday on a bright winter’s day – the high-alpine panorama will inspire you.
Pack your toboggan, take the lift up and off you go. The Bellevue Alm toboggan run in Bad Gastein is 2.5 km long and offers just as much fun for children as it does for adults. One of the last single-seater chairlifts in Austria takes you comfortably uphill during the day and in the evening. The special thing about night tobogganing: when the run glows beneath the stars, the descent becomes even more magical. The natural Aeroplan toboggan run also awaits you with fast bends, wide passages and a lively descent – for plenty of tobogganing fun.
The Gastein Valley offers wonderful winter walking opportunities too. Groomed winter trails lead up to cosy huts and magnificent viewpoints. On snowshoes, you leave the paths behind and step deep into the snow-covered mountains of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Our weekly programme regularly includes guided winter hikes followed by a sociable stop for refreshments. Discover snowshoe hiking in Austria and winter hiking in Salzburg province – and see the snowy landscape from a whole new perspective.
Glittering Gastein Valley
Right next to the hotel, our illuminated ice stock sport lane quickly becomes the centre of sociable winter moments. Open daily on request from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, it is a popular part of a winter holiday in Austria with children. Enjoy an exciting match with the whole family by day – or in the evening, when the hotel sign lights up in the background and the friendly competition begins. No experience needed. We provide the ice stock stones. As part of our weekly programme, we also regularly invite guests to join a relaxed ice stock session together.
The Gastein Valley is one of the most varied ski destinations in Salzburg province. With five ski areas nearby, Hotel Sonngastein is an ideal base for your winter holiday in Austria.
All about skiingAfter a day in the crisp Gastein winter air, soothing warmth feels especially good. Thermal-water pools, sauna world and massages in our wellness and spa area help you relax and recharge in peaceful surroundings.
Wellness at SonngasteinThe day on the piste or in the snow slowly comes to an end – and the evening begins with its own special atmosphere. Around Bad Gastein, numerous huts invite you to stop in and enjoy yourself. Particularly recommended are the Bellevue Alm, Waldgasthof Angertal and Gipfelrestaurant Stubnerkogel, with its spectacular suspension bridge and wide 360° views towards the Alpenhauptkamm.
Prefer to stay at the hotel? In our lounge with library and open fire, the day can wind down beautifully. In the piano bar, soft live music adds the perfect atmosphere to the end of a fulfilling winter’s day.