Families

For families looking for a ski holiday in South Tyrol, Gitschberg-Jochtal offers an appealing combination of manageable slopes, mountain scenery and plenty of activities away from the main pistes. Located above the valleys around Vals and Meransen in northern Italy, the resort has developed a reputation for being particularly welcoming to families, while still providing enough terrain and variety for more experienced skiers.

One of Gitschberg-Jochtal's strongest advantages for families is the attention given to beginners. Children do not have to start their skiing adventure immediately on a large mountain piste. Dedicated children's areas provide space to become comfortable with skis, snow and lifts before progressing to longer runs.

The resort has several children's snow areas, including three children snowpacks, facilities with magic carpets and playful learning features. There are also ski kindergartens and award-winning ski schools offering children's group courses, full-day programmes and private lessons. This makes the resort suitable for families whose children are putting on skis for the very first time as well as those who have already developed some confidence.

Older children can also move beyond conventional skiing and try some of the resort's more playful features. The Gimmy Fun Ride includes bends, jumps and tunnels, while ski-cross courses add another way for children and parents to practise technique without making every run feel like a lesson. There are also speed and filmed-race experiences for those who enjoy a little competition.

Family-friendly does not mean that adults have to compromise on their own skiing. The 55-kilometre network includes terrain for different abilities, allowing stronger skiers to explore more demanding runs while younger or less experienced members of the family remain on gentler pistes.

Another reason Gitschberg-Jochtal works well for families is that skiing is not the only activity available. The area has four toboggan runs, making sledging an easy alternative when children need a break from skiing. Winter walking routes also provide an opportunity to experience the landscape at a slower pace. This variety can make a significant difference on a family holiday. A younger child who is tired after a morning ski lesson can spend the afternoon playing in the snow, while older children might choose to go sledging or explore another part of the mountains.

The appeal of Gitschberg-Jochtal lies less in trying to be the biggest or most spectacular ski destination in the Alps and more in making a family holiday straightforward and enjoyable. The combination of accessible beginner areas, children's programmes, varied pistes and non-skiing activities means that different members of the family can have very different levels of skiing experience without making the holiday complicated.