Stay Active Throughout The Tirolean Winter: New Adventures Await Families In Tirol
Tirol’s Alpine peaks become blanketed in fresh snow, confirming the region's position as one of Europe’s leading winter destinations for families. From serene winter walks and wildlife encounters to skiing, tobogganing and interactive museums, Tirol offers a diverse selection of activities designed to captivate visitors of all ages. This season also marks the 10th anniversary of Tirol’s quality-certified family ski regions, a milestone that reinforces the region’s commitment to family-focused winter holidays.
Magical winter walks and nature encounters
Tirol’s quieter winter trails offer some of the region’s most enchanting experiences. A highlight is the walk to Ehrenberg Castle in the Reutte Nature Park region, where the Lumagica Light Festival transforms the historic fortress into a glowing world of illuminated figures and mythical creatures. In Wildschönau, families can enjoy a gentle walk-through snowy forest to a wildlife enclosure, ideal for observing deer and stags before warming up at the Jausenstation Foisching mountain eatery. Those seeking a deeper immersion in nature can join the guided Nature Watch tours in the Hall-Wattens region, where experts use Swarovski binoculars to help families spot animal tracks and learn about the Alpine environment. The 3.2km winter trail to the Adlerblick viewing platform in Kaunertal provides an accessible hike with a rewarding panoramic view, followed by the option of sledging back to the valley. More winter walking highlights: www.tyrol.com/activities/sport/winter-walking/winter-hiking-highlights.
Family adventures on the slopes
Tirol’s quality-certified family ski regions are celebrating a decade of excellence this winter, reflecting their long-standing dedication to providing safe, accessible and enjoyable skiing for families. These specially accredited resorts offer wide, gentle pistes, child-friendly practice areas and facilities ideal for young skiers and beginners. Families looking to try cross-country skiing will also find ideal conditions in the Seefeld Region, with beginner-friendly loops and dedicated family trails set against spectacular landscapes. More routes for families and beginners can be found at www.tyrol.com/activities/sport/cross-country-skiing/trails-for-beginners.
High-Speed thrills for all ages
For winter excitement beyond skiing, several of Tirol’s popular summer coasters operate throughout the colder months, including the Alpine Coaster in Imst, Lauser Sauser in Alpbachtal, the Arena Coaster in Zillertal and the Drachenflitzer in Wildschönau. In Pillerseetal, Timok’s Alpine Coaster in Fieberbrunn runs daily from Christmas and is included within the lift pass. Tirol also offers a wide selection of family-friendly toboggan runs, from gentle slopes for younger children to more dynamic routes, many of which end at welcoming mountain huts perfect for a restorative stop.
Winter Wildlife and Alpine Wonder
Winter in Tirol offers memorable wildlife experiences for families. Innsbruck’s Alpine Zoo remains open year-round, while Aurach Wildlife Park near Kitzbühel provides close encounters with free-roaming deer, yaks, wildcats and mouflons. In Mayrhofen, the Ahorn Eagle’s Stage showcases awe-inspiring bird-of-prey displays featuring eagles, buzzards and owls. Families visiting the Stubai Valley can enjoy the atmospheric Winter Hiking Night in Neustift, with dog-sled rides, horse-drawn carriages and pony activities under the night sky. Alpaca and donkey walks, available across the region, offer another charming and accessible outdoor experience. For a unique perspective on Tirol’s winter landscape, balloon flights over Kaiserwinkl and the Tannheimer Valley reveal stunning snow-covered scenery from above.
Culture, Curiosity and Indoor Discoveries
Tirol’s varied cultural attractions offer inspiring indoor experiences for winter days. At Alpinarium Galtür, interactive exhibits and puzzles introduce families to the world of the mountains. In Innsbruck, the Tirolean State Museums host family-friendly tours that bring Tyrolean history to life, from storytelling at the Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art to historic insights at the Court Church and the Tirol Panorama with the Kaiserjäger Museum. At Tratzberg Castle, immersive audio tours and special fairytale-themed trails transport visitors into the world of emperors, princesses and knights. Innsbruck’s AUDIOVERSUM Science Centre engages curious minds with sound-based experiments and interactive stations, while the Tunnel Worlds exhibition at the Brenner Base Tunnel in Steinach am Brenner offers hands-on insights into geology, engineering and tunnel construction across an engaging 800-square-metre space.
With its 34 regional associations, Tirol is one of the leading holiday destinations in the Alps. Tirolean tourism is characterised by almost 200 years of history and various pioneering achievements. Summer and winter guests alike appreciate the alpine mountain landscape and nature, the high quality of service and infrastructure, as well as the welcoming hospitality.
More inspiration for winter family holidays: www.tyrol.com/activities/holiday-ideas/family/winter. For more information about the Austrian Tirol region, please visit the main website www.tyrol.com. The press centre presse.tirol.at/en houses the latest news and photos of the Austrian Tirol, plus there’s an option to subscribe to the newspaper. In addition, the picture database content.tirol.at has thousands of images available to download (registration is needed). Alternatively, keep up to date on Facebook www.facebook.com/visittirol or Instagram @visittirol.
