Ischgl is better known for its après-ski than for families, but it has good childcare, high and reliable snow, and a generous free lift pass for young children. The main thing to understand is that children’s lessons and childcare happen up on the mountain, at the Idalp, not in the village.
Is Ischgl good for families?
Yes, with the right expectations. It works best for families with children who already ski, or who are happy to take a gondola every morning. What helps:
- Free lift passes: under-8s ski free on the Silvretta pass, and under-10s on the VIP pass, when they’re with a parent.
- Snow you can count on: the Idalp sits at about 2,320 m, and the season runs from 26 November 2026 to 2 May 2027.
- Lots to do off the slopes, including a family pool at the Silvretta Therme.
What doesn’t: the village is loud in the evenings, and it’s expensive in peak weeks.
Ski schools and kids’ lessons in Ischgl
- Ischgl Ski School (Skischule Ischgl) runs the children’s courses, which start on the Idalp, reached by the Silvrettabahn or Fimbabahn.
- The Bambini ski kindergarten is for children aged 3 to 5, with full-day, morning or afternoon options.
- Group ski courses for kids are for ages 6 to 15. Beginner courses start on Sundays and Mondays, and courses run every day except Saturday, for up to six days.
- Lunch supervision is available with vouchers you buy on the spot in Ischgl.
- Lift passes and equipment aren’t included in the course price. The school recommends helmets.
Contact the ski school office on Silvrettaplatz before you go, and book early for school holidays.
Childcare and nurseries in Ischgl
- The guest kindergarten on the Idalp, run by the ski school, is non-skiing childcare for children from age 2. It doesn’t take children who still wear nappies.
- It’s open 10 am to 3:30 pm, Sunday to Friday, and you can book by the hour, half day or full day. For 2026/27 it runs from 26 November 2026 to 2 May 2027.
- It’s at the mountain station on the Idalp, so you’ll take the gondola up with your child each day.
- Some hotels have their own kids’ clubs, including Trofana Royal and Seiblishof.
Best beginner areas for children in Ischgl
Children learn in the ski school’s Kinderland on the Idalp, with the school’s mascot, Hugo. Once they’re confident, the Silvretta Arena has 47 km of blue runs.
There are no beginner slopes in the village itself, so younger children will spend the whole day up the mountain. If that’s a problem, the smaller ski areas at See, Kappl and Galtür, all on the Silvretta pass, are worth a look. From 6 to 20 March 2027, See offers a free ski course on four half days for children not yet at school, if you stay at least five nights with one of its FAMILY PLUS partners and buy an adult pass for Kappl and See.
Ischgl lift passes for families
- Children under 8 ski free on the Silvretta pass when they’re with a parent.
- Under-10s ski free on the VIP pass (Ischgl and Samnaun) when they’re with a parent.
- Everyone under 17 pays the children’s rate.
- Bring official photo ID for every child, as it’s required for any discount.
Things to do with kids in Ischgl off the slopes
- Silvretta Therme, with pools, saunas and restaurants.
- An ice rink around the Silvretta Therme, where you can also try Bavarian curling.
- Night tobogganing on a run of more than 7 km with a 950 m drop, on Mondays and Thursdays when conditions allow. It’s long, so it suits older children better than toddlers.
- Guided winter walks and snowshoe hikes, and indoor tennis.
Best family hotels in Ischgl
Stay near the Silvrettabahn so the trip up to the Idalp is easy. Trofana Royal has a kids’ club with an open play area, and Seiblishof, right next to the gondola, has one too. Madlein has 45 m² family rooms and apartments with kitchens. Avoid the Elizabeth Arthotel, which is adults only (16+). For quieter evenings, consider See, Kappl or Galtür. See where to stay in Ischgl for more.
Tips for skiing in Ischgl with kids
- Everything starts with a gondola ride. Lessons and childcare are on the Idalp, so build in time each morning, and think about how younger children will cope with the journey.
- The après is loud. The village gets busy from late afternoon, and some bars stay open late. Pick your hotel’s location with that in mind.
- It’s high and exposed. The top lifts reach 2,872 m and most of the slopes are above the treeline. Dress small children for cold, windy days.
- Pick your weeks. The opening weekend and peak school holidays are the busiest and most expensive. April is quieter and still has the snow.
For the full picture of the ski area, see our Ischgl ski resort guide.
