Stories from the ski areas
Fun on the slopes
Skiing fun for all the family
Zillertal is the perfect place for big and small to jointly discover the meaning of true fun on the slopes! After all, the Ski- & Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000 with the Hintertux Glacier offers skiing delights for every family. We joined Moritz and his parents as they hit the slopes.
E xciting days of skiing await Moritz during the children’s ski course on the Rastkogel. Luis the glacier flea, the mascot of the Tux-Finkenberg holiday region, is also getting in on the action and grinning away with Moritz as brightly as the sun is shining. Luis helps the little ones quickly achieve great things as skiers. “It’s extremely important to us that the kids enjoy the ski course”, says ski instructor Sabine, who has been responsible for the beginners’ lessons for years. If they enjoy what they are doing, the kids almost learn to ski without realising it. Accordingly, Zillertal’s ski schools focus on light-hearted fun rather than cumbersome pressure to perform. Sabine knows that this is extremely important – and not just for the kids. After all, the family’s overall winter holiday experience depends on Moritz and his skiing pals having fun on the slopes. “If the kids are content in the ski school, parents can relax and enjoy their day on the slopes” – just like Moritz’s parents Elisabeth and Hannes are doing right now; they are loving the perfect wedel conditions. And while Moritz builds a snowman with his new friends, we have plenty of time to further tap into the ski instructor’s knowledge:
From what age would you recommend booking a child on to a ski course?
For the youngest beginners, it’s all just about getting used to the snow and having fun in it. In most ski nurseries, children can start learning through fun and games right from the tender age of one. It’s usually worth sending children to their first proper ski course once they turn four or five – although they can attend sooner on request. Al of the schools offer child-friendly learning programmes with plenty of variety that are precisely tailored to the kids and their abilities. This enables them to truly enjoy their first experiences of skiing. It’s important for both the children and their parents to feel happy. Many ski schools therefore offer taster sessions where parents can stay with their child as they get used to both the new environment and the ski instructors.
Speaking of parents: should you stop by to check on your child while they are attending a ski course?
I’m often asked this question but don’t believe there is any advantage to doing so. For example, if parents briefly collect their child over lunchtime, they then have the problem of saying goodbye to them for a second time afterwards. The chance for the child to play and chat with friends is also interrupted or completely eradicated. We therefore don’t recommend it!
When it comes to equipment like skis and boots, do you always need the latest kit?
For children to attend the ski course under optimum conditions, we always recommend obtaining the necessary skiing equipment from the hire service. This guarantees that it is completely safe and that helmets and boots fit properly. There is also the added bonus that children learn to ski quicker when using new equipment. Don’t worry though... whether in the valley or at the mountain stations, you can find plenty of fantastically stocked shops with expert advice from which you can hire top products. Incidentally: sunglasses or ski goggles are more important than poles, which are only needed by more experienced skiers. Also make sure you pack sun cream and wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather and temperature.
When should you book the ski school?
You are best to book the ski school at the same time as your accommodation. Our hosts will gladly assist you. Many of the ski schools can also be booked online. You can therefore secure a place on the desired course plenty of time in advance.
Moritz has just come up to us and said goodbye to his “ski mum” Sabine with a high five before dashing off towards his parents. After several days at ski school, Moritz is ready for new adventures. He heads for the Hintertux Glacier with his parents and big sister, where he can demonstrate what he has learned over the last few days: he shows off his new skills on the fun Kidsslope Hintertux course and even on the Funslope Hintertux. “You’ve definitely earned yourself a Kaiserschmarrn pancake after all that”, laughs his father Hannes proudly. Before long, they are taking the cable car to the Tuxer Fernerhaus to top up their energy for their upcoming trip to the nearby Natur Eis Palast.
Image: André Schönherr Text: Johannes Stühlinger
Zillertal magazine Winter 2019/20
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