Why Das Edelweiss is the ski holiday for families we think all parents should know about
Skiing with very young children is one of those holidays you book with optimism and quietly brace yourself for. Das Edelweiss in Grossarl, Austria, is the ski holiday for families that makes you wonder why you ever worried at all. Tucked into the Salzburger Land, it is exactly the kind of destination that rewards those who find it, a luxury family resort that has thought deeply about what families actually need, and built something quite remarkable around that answer.
Getting to Das Edelweiss
The journey alone sets the tone. A 1.5 hour flight from London, followed by a 50 minute transfer, and you are there. No epic travel days, no overtired children arriving already fraying at the edges. From the moment we walked through the doors, the hotel seemed to understand exactly what we needed, and more importantly, what our children needed. Within minutes, ours were wide-eyed and already pulling us in three different directions. Das Edelweiss had them from the word go.
Before we even unpacked, it was clear the rooms here had been designed by someone who has actually travelled with children. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and generous storage throughout, meaning suitcases disappeared and the room never descended into the chaos that so often defines a family ski trip. Fluffy children's bathrobes, tiny slippers, and a welcome of in-room snacks greeted us on arrival. Small touches that immediately told us we were somewhere that had considered every detail. This is not a hotel designed for families.
In-house ski rental and private heated ski storage
One of the great unspoken stresses of a ski holiday with young children is the kit. Das Edelweiss removes this entirely with in-house ski rental and each room's own private heated ski storage, boots warm and ready each morning, everything exactly where you left it. It is the kind of practicality that makes the difference between a stressful start to the day and a smooth one.
The facilities are exceptional. Age-appropriate kids' club zones mean children of different ages are genuinely engaged rather than simply supervised, and the soft play areas are among the best we have encountered at any family resort. A craft room, splash pad, and family pool sit alongside a piste-side spa and an outdoor heated pool kept at a genuinely baby-friendly temperature, a detail that matters enormously when you want to get in the water with a toddler without grimacing. For parents, the adult-only spa and relaxation zones are beautifully designed, with a spa menu and brochure that would not look out of place at a destination wellness retreat. Das Edelweiss understands that parents need looking after too.
On the slopes
The gondola sits right on the hotel's doorstep, and getting our two year old up in the pram with ease opened up the mountain in a way we had not expected. The hotel has a wonderful relationship with the local ski school, whose instructors meet families directly at the boot room - no navigating an unfamiliar resort or standing in the cold wondering if you are in the right place. The surrounding bowl of beginner-friendly slopes is perfectly suited to young learners, and getting our five year old on skis was, remarkably, low-stress. These were easy, unhurried days on the mountain, and we came home each evening looking forward to the next one.
Food and drink
We opted for half board, and it was one of the better decisions we’ve made when booking a holiday for the whole family. Each evening brought a four-course dinner, varied, beautifully presented, and good enough that we found ourselves lingering long after the children had finished. Tables are assigned per room for the duration of your stay, which for young children is a lovely touch and familiar, though if you are someone who likes to explore every corner of a beautiful restaurant, it is worth knowing in advance. The children's menu covers all the firm favourites and the kitchen is happy to adapt, a detail any parent of a particular eater will appreciate. The sushi bar and a well-stocked, atmospheric main bar take care of the adults, and breakfast, both à la carte and buffet, felt generous and authentic rather than perfunctory.
We are already talking about going back. For a luxury family ski holiday with young children, Das Edelweiss sets the bar very, very high.
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