Skiing is great fun for young and old – provided the environment is right. For beginners and small children, blue slopes and simple lifts are ideal. A new initiative is starting in Lower Austria: "small, fine ski areas." These can be found in the Waldviertel, Mostviertel, and the Vienna Alps and are being improved and upgraded. These ski areas are particularly family- and beginner-friendly and offer more safety, such as the Jauerling Ski Arena, Schidorf Kirchbach, the Aichelberglifte in Karlstift, and the Arralifte in Harmanschlag. At night, there are even 2 floodlit slopes available. Furthermore, there is an effort here to offer affordable ski pass prices, as costs can add up for a family. I have listed the list of 'small, fine ski areas' with all information here:

Family- and beginner-friendly ski areas in Lower Austria

Small ski areas in the Vienna Alps in Lower Austria

Simas-Lifte, Aspangerberg-St. Peter

In the new 'Simas Lifte' ski arena, you can expect the best slope conditions, rustic huts, and fun for the whole family. The slope area has been expanded to 7 hectares and offers 1.8 kilometers of slopes for winter sports enthusiasts. You can reach the mountain with the T-bar lift, which is 1,046 m long. The ski area promises snow reliability through modern ecological snowmaking technology: a globally unique project has been implemented here, which uses a completely new ecological snowmaking technique.

Snowboarders will be thrilled by the snowpark with a kicker (height 1 m, width 3 m), a 6 m box, or a 5 m pipe. A slope can be completely closed off for race training. Ski tourers and snowshoe hikers can use the slopes daily during operating hours. Those hungry and thirsty can treat themselves in the "Simas" hut or the rustic alpine hut "Sumpi Nr.2". "Simas-Lifte" is the ideal training and education center for children and students in combination with the Kinderskiland Unternberg, St. Corona (5 minutes away by car).

Big plus:affordable ticket prices for families

Prices: Day ticket adults: 18,– for children 12,–

Address: Aspangberg, 2870 Aspanberg/St. Peter

Website: www.simas-lifte.at

Furtnerlifte, Rohr im Gebirge

The Furtnerlifte in Rohr am Gebirge are considered an insider tip for slope fun. At an altitude of 740 to 920 m, you can expect great slope conditions and 3 ski lifts. A T-bar lift, a platter lift, and a ski school lift are offered. The slopes are a total of 3.9 km long, divided as follows: 0.9 km black slope, 1.5 km red, and 1.5 km blue. For beginners, there is a ski school and a ski rental right by the slope. Cross-country skiers will feel at home on the groomed cross-country trails. Skiers can also get their money's worth at night, as the slopes are illuminated with floodlights until 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and during holidays. Snow cannons next to the slopes provide snow reliability. Right by the slope, there is a beautifully situated inn with home-style cooking.

Big plus: Generous opening hours

Prices: n/a.

Address: Klausbach 16, 2663 Rohr im Gebirge

Website: www.skiregion-ostalpen.at/furtnerlifte-rohr-im-gebirge

Arabichl-Schilift, Kirchberg am Wechsel

An equally affordable ski area is located at Kirchberg am Wechsel. At an altitude of 1350 to 1593 m, you can expect perfectly groomed slopes that are particularly suitable for beginners and children, as well as varied terrain for snowboarders. After a T-bar lift ride (650 m long), you can choose from 5 different downhill options. Of these, 3 are family slopes, one is a forest run, and one is a race slope. The slopes are in a sunny location with a view of the Eastern Alps and the Wechsel area and are perfectly prepared. At the valley station, there is a restaurant where you can recharge. The slopes are open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as during the Christmas and semester holidays.

Big plus: Affordable single rides for € 2,–

Prices: Day ticket adults: € 16,- for children € 13,–

Address: Steyersberger Schwaig, 2880 Kirchberg am Wechsel (Snow chains are recommended when it snows!)

Website: www.arabichllift.at

Naturschneeparadies Unterberg, Pernitz

The Naturschneeparadies Unterberg includes 4 T-bar lifts and 10 ski slopes of all difficulty levels. Here you can choose between 3 red and 7 blue slopes. The highlight is the 5 km long blue valley run, which provides real skiing pleasure. During a break, you should definitely admire the beautiful panorama with Schneeberg and Rax. For beginners, there is a ski and snowboard school and a ski rental right by the slope. For children, the Kinderschiland with a magic carpet is ideal. Snowboarders and freestyle fans will find pleasure in the "Schneidpark" fun park. This includes built or natural obstacles and terrain features, such as a kicker, a curved box, or two wood pipes, and much more. For refreshments, you will find 2 mountain restaurants and 1 shelter in the ski arena. The opening hours vary in the winter months and depend on snow conditions: in December and January, it is open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and from February to March from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From December 24th to February 21st, it is open continuously. The natural snow paradise is not covered with snow cannons. In case of uncertainty, you can get information on the snow phone at +43 2632 72438.

Big plus: Cheaper hourly tickets from € 15,–

Prices: Day ticket adults: € 29.50,- for children € 16,–, teenagers € 26.50

Address: Thal 48, 2763 Thal

Website: www.schigebiet-unterberg.at

Schilifte Feistritzsattel, Trattenbach

In the Feistritzsattel ski area in Trattenbach, you will find 1.7 km of slopes with medium difficulty and 2 ski lifts. Due to a snow-sure location at an altitude of 1100 to 1300 m and an environmentally friendly snowmaking system, operation is guaranteed from December to mid-March. During holidays, public holidays, and on weekends, you can enjoy your runs daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Thursdays and Fridays, you can still make your turns from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. thanks to evening operation on the floodlit slope (with jump hill). The Kinderschiland is attractive for children. For refreshments, the inn located directly next to the slope is recommended. Racers can participate in the numerous races held or in ski training through the SU-TrattenbachFamily promotion: 2 adults (parents) and 2 children: the 2nd child rides for free!

Big plus: Day ticket adults: € 17,- for children € 13,–

Prices: Trattenbach 129, 2881 Trattenbach

Address: www.feistritzsattel.at.tt

Website: Small ski areas in the Waldviertel

Arralifte, Harmanschlag

The Arralifte ski area, located in the northwest of the Waldviertel, is at an altitude of 750 to 860 m and is perfectly suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. Here, 2 T-bar lifts and 5 runs are available to you. The lifts are in operation on weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Mon-Fri from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or depending on demand. At dusk, floodlight operation is possible from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., depending on demand. Beginners can take advantage of ski and snowboard courses. You will be pampered with culinary delights at the Arrahof or in the Schwingerl-Hütt’n. A snowmaking system with 4 snow generators has provided snow reliability since 1972.

Weekly theme days for floodlight operation (Wednesday Ladies Ski Night, Friday Gentleman’s Evening, Saturday Family Floodlight Evening)

Big plus: Day ticket adults: € 19.50 for children € 14.50

Prices: Am Arra 7, 3971 St. Martin

Address: www.arralifte.at

Website: Aichelberglifte, Karlstift

At the Aichelberglifte in Karlstift, you can expect 3 T-bar lifts and 6 runs with a total of 8.5 km and all difficulty levels. Here you can choose between 3 easy blue slopes, 2 medium red slopes, or one black run. Right by the slope, you will find a ski school that offers ski courses with a state-certified ski instructor. For children, a separate children's area with a magic carpet is available for the course. The ski rental is also located right at the valley station. A modern snowmaking system provides snow reliability. The season begins in December and can last until mid-March. The lifts are in operation from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Big plus:

Hourly and point tickets, as well as a mini-card for children under 6Day ticket adults: € 21.80 for children € 16.70 (up to 15 years)

Prices: Karlstift 132, 3973 Karlstift

Address: ww.karlstift.info

Website: wJauerling, Maria Laach

On the edge of the Wachau, the JAUerling ski area is very close to Vienna. The blue slope is 500 m long and easy to ski. Ideal for beginners, families, and also advanced skiers. You can reach the mountain comfortably with a T-bar lift, which has a length of 500 m. Parents appreciate the clear layout of the slope, so you can watch your children from the ski hut or the S-Bar. Children can use the newly adapted JAUliland ski children's park for free. Here, young athletes are safely transported up the hill with a magic carpet with a total length of 30 m. The descent is even more fun with gate flags, obstacles, waves, and cubes in bright colors. For beginners, there are 2 ski schools to choose from for skiers and snowboarders. If you don't have your own equipment at hand, you can get equipped right at the ski rental. You will be pampered with culinary delights in the ski hut and the s-Bar. Ski races are very gladly organized for you here. A highlight is the modern floodlight system, which is one of the most modern in Austria and allows for better visibility than during the day. The area promises snow reliability through modern snowmaking systems. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From Wednesday to Saturday, you can enjoy night skiing by floodlight, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. During the Christmas and semester holidays (Lower Austria/Vienna), you can ski daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as with floodlights from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

one of the most modern floodlight systems in Austria

Big plus: Day ticket adults: € 18,- for children € 13.50 and teenagers € 14,–

Prices: 3620 Oberndorf am Jauerling L7133

Address: www.jauerling.at

Website: Schidorf Kirchbach, Rappottenstein

The Waldviertel Schidorf Kirchbach near Rapottenstein includes a 550 m long blue slope with a T-bar lift. For beginners, there is an approx. 80 m long beginner lift, which can be overlooked directly from the restaurant. The own snowmaking systems provide snow reliability. The Kirchbochstadl provides for physical well-being with a wide range of food and drinks. During the season, courses for beginners, advanced skiers, carvers, boarders, children, and much more are offered. Furthermore, ski races are organized here quite often. Cross-country skiers also get their money's worth on 2 trails when there is enough snow. A highlight is ice climbing, which can be tried out on the "bighorsetower" ice climbing tower at appropriate temperatures. The slopes are in operation during the season from Tuesday to Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Floodlight operation is available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and during the Christmas and semester holidays daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or Monday to Saturday.

Ice climbing on the "bighorsetower" ice climbing tower

Big plus: Day ticket adults: € 18,- for children € 14,–

Prices: Kirchbach 84, 3911 Rapottenstein

Address: www.kirchbach.net

Website: Small ski areas in the Mostviertel

Königsberg, Hollenstein an der Ybbs

At the Königsberg, you can expect 6 T-bar lifts and 14 km of runs. Of these, 7 km are 'blue' slopes, 5 km are 'red' slopes, and 2 km are black slopes. With sufficient snow, you will find deep snow slopes at lift 2/3/4. For children, the Kinderskiland with its own children's rope lift is ideal. In the ski area, you will find a ski school and a rental service. The ski lifts operate on weekends and public holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 2 restaurants right by the parking lots provide for physical well-being. Due to the snowmaking systems, the area is very snow-sure.

Deep snow slope at lift 2/3/4

Hourly and point tickets, as well as a mini-card for children under 6Day ticket adults: € 24,- for children € 13,–, teenagers € 18,–

Prices: Sattel 4, 3343 Hollenstein/Ybbs

Address: www.koenigsberg.at

Website: Maiszinkenlift, Lunz am See

In the mountaineering village of Lunz am See, the Masizinken ski area is located in the Mostviertel at an altitude of 790 to 1030 m. With a double T-bar lift, you are comfortably pulled up the mountain and can then choose from 3 runs of all difficulty levels. In total, the slopes are 4.5 km long, and there is one blue, one red, and one challenging black slope. Beginners can get off at the middle station of the lift and choose a shorter and easier run. For small beginners, there is the children's playground with fairy tale figures and the comfortable magic carpet, a 50 m long conveyor belt. This can be used for FREE by skiers, sledders, and bobsledders. The lift facilities are in operation on weekends, as well as during the Christmas and Lower Austrian semester holidays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and during the week from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beginners can book a ski course at the Christian Jagersberger ski and snowboard school. If you don't want to buy your own equipment yet, you can also rent the right equipment right at the ski rental.

Free use of the magic carpet for skiers, sledders, and bobsledders

Hourly and point tickets, as well as a mini-card for children under 6Day ticket adults WE/holidays/public holidays: € 18,- for children € 11,–

Prices: Maiszinken-Lifte, 3293 Lunz am See

Address: www.lunz.at/de/freizeit-sport/im-winter/skigebiet-maiszinken.html

Website: Turmkogellifte, Puchenstuben

An insider tip for families is the Puchenstuben ski area. Here you will find excellently groomed slopes with runs of various difficulty levels at a snow-sure altitude. Two T-bar lifts open up the approx. 3 km of slopes, which are divided into a 'blue' and a 'red' one. For children, there is a great children's area with a magic carpet conveyor belt and a ski carousel. Here you can book ski courses and also rent ski equipment right away. The lifts are in operation daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the Christmas and semester holidays, and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday during the season.

Children up to 6 years ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult

Hourly and point tickets, as well as a mini-card for children under 6Day ticket adults: € 18,- for children € 12,–, teenagers € 16

Prices: Brandeben 12, 3214 Puchenstuben

Address: www.puchenstuben.at/wintertourismus/turmkogellifte

Website: Hochbärneck, St. Anton an der Jeßnitz

The family-friendly ski area consists of 2 T-bar lifts and 4 slopes with a total length of 5 km in all difficulty levels. These are divided into 2 blue slopes and one red slope. Directly on the slope, you will find the Almhaus for refreshments. Children can participate in the annual children's ski course with a final race. The lifts are open during the season from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fairy-tale landscape and affordable prices

Big plus: Day ticket adults: € 16,- for children € 11,–

Prices: Anger 23, 3283 St. Anton

Address: www.hochbaerneck.com/index.php/winter

Website: Schilifte Kalte Kuchl, Rohr im Gebirge

The Kalte Kuchl was the first place in Lower Austria to have a ski lift, which was built in 1969. The ski area is ideal for families and children, as the slopes are very manageable and it has family-friendly, affordable prices. With a T-bar lift, you can comfortably climb the mountain and choose at the top for a blue run of 0.6 km, or a red slope with 0.5 km. Especially for children, there are the exciting forest paths and the special "Fun in the Snow" program for children. Here you can book affordable ski and snowboard courses, which offer great intermediate programs such as snowman building or sledding during breaks. The lift is in operation from December 26th to approx. the end of February.

With ski courses "Fun in the Snow" program

Big plus: Day ticket adults: € 9,- for children € 8,–

Prices: 2663 Rohr im Gebirge

Address: www.kaltekuchl.at

Website: Riesenlehenlift, St. Georgen am Reith

The Riesenlehenlift ski area in St. Georgen am Reith offers a T-bar lift and a red slope of 0.6 km.

Large wide slope

Big plus: Hochau 1, 3344 St. Georgen am Reith

Prices: n/a

Address: www.bergfex.at/riesenlehen-sankt-georgen-am-reith

Website: Top destinations for skiers in Lower Austria

In Lower Austria, there are particularly large and modernly equipped ski areas, which, however, cost a bit more. Here we have also listed the top destinations for skiers in Lower Austria in detail:

Hochkar

At the Hochkar, you can expect 8 modern lift facilities and 2 conveyor belts, as well as 19 km of slopes and a fun park. Here you will be comfortably transported up the hill with 1 quad chairlift, 4 quad chairlifts, 1 double chairlift, 2 T-bar lifts, and 2 conveyor belts for children. The diverse slopes range from 8 easy blue slopes with a total length of 5.5 km, to 8 red slopes with a total length of 10 km, to 4 black slopes with a total length of 3.5 km. For children, the children's area with the 2 conveyor belts is ideal. Here you can also book ski courses with pedagogically trained ski instructors at the JoSchi ski school. Ski equipment can also be rented at JoSchi. Culinarically, you will find a diverse selection at the Hochkar – from the rustic ski hut, to the self-service restaurant, to après-ski temples, everything is represented. Those who would like to ski down the slope at night can do so from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on certain days. The modern snowmaking system ensures snow reliability, from the beginning of December to usually the end of April. From December and with sufficient snow, the lifts are in operation from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Children can take advantage of a snowman ticket for only € 2,– when accompanied by a paying parent

Big plus: Day ticket adults: € 37,- for children € 21,–, teenagers € 32,–

Prices: Göstling/Ybbs 46, A-3345 Göstling/Ybbs

Address: www.hochkar.com

Website: Lackenhof am Ötscher

Lackenhof am Ötscher offers a total of 19 km of perfectly groomed slopes, 3 T-bar lifts, and 3 chairlifts. Due to the modern snowmaking system, the area is very snow-sure. Children get their money's worth in Sunny’s Kids Park and in the Kinderbärenland with a magic carpet. Freestylers will be happy about the successful snowpark. Equipment can be rented at the modern Intersport. The Lackenhof ski school offers ski courses for young and old.

Snowman ticket for families

Hourly and point tickets, as well as a mini-card for children under 6Weitental 51, A-3295 Lackenhof am Ötscher

Prices: Göstling/Ybbs 46, A-3345 Göstling/Ybbs

Address: www.oetscher.at

Website: Semmering Zauberberg

The Zauberberg Semmering ski area offers varied skiing pleasure with 14 kilometers of slopes. Snow-sure due to modern snowmaking systems and perfectly groomed slopes make this area extremely attractive. Here you can comfortably get up the mountain with a gondola lift, 1 chairlift, or a T-bar lift. Unique at the Semmering are the 6 night slopes, which are freshly groomed daily at the start of operations at 6 p.m. and guarantee a wonderful ski evening with World Cup-ready lighting. The Zauberberg Semmering Split-Park offers snowboarders and freeskiers the opportunity to let off steam on the specially built elements. If you want, you can book ski and snowboard courses right by the slopes, as well as rent the necessary equipment comfortably on site.

For beginners, the Panhanswiese is ideal

Big plus: Day ticket adults: € 29,- for children € 16,–, teenagers € 25,–

Prices: Zauberberg 1, A-2680 Semmering

Address: www.zauberberg.at

Website: The Annaberg ski area offers perfectly groomed slopes for all requirements, 9 lifts, rustic ski huts, ski rental, and ski schools. A paradise for beginners and experts, because the 20 km of extensive runs offer blue, red, and also black slopes. 2 quad chairlifts with conveyor belt entry, a double chairlift, 4 T-bar lifts, and a new covered conveyor belt. Ski courses can be booked at the Annaberg ski school, and equipment can be rented at the local ski rental. If there is too little snow, the snow cannons help to get the slopes in shape.

Annaberg

Discounts for families and beginners

Big plus: Day ticket adults: € 33.50, for children € 17.50, teenagers € 29,–

Prices: 3222 Annaberg, Annarotte 97

Address: www.annabergerlifte.at

Website: Gemeindealpe Mitterbach

The Gemeindealpe Mitterbach offers approx. 15 km of slope length, as well as a comfortable quad chairlift, a double chairlift, a T-bar lift, and a practice lift at the valley station. Snowboarders will have their fun in the snowpark, which even has its own T-bar lift. The area is very snow-sure, thanks to the snowmaking systems up to the summit. The local ski rental offers modern brand-name goods for optimal equipment.

Point tickets are available

Big plus: Seestraße 28, 3224 Mitterbach

Prices: 3222 Annaberg, Annarotte 97

Address: www.gemeindealpe.at

Website: Do you know another nice, fine, small ski area in Lower Austria that is ideal for children? Then I would be happy to receive a comment or an email.

Posted on: 09.11.2015

Also read: Sporty excursions with children in winter in the Marchfeld and surrounding area