Skiing in the U.S. has become an increasingly expensive endeavor. Between sky-high lift ticket prices, crowded slopes, and accommodations that cost a small fortune—especially in peak season—it often feels like you're paying premium rates without the premium experience. Sure, the mountain panoramas are breathtaking, but there is no Gemütlichkeit, the cozy charm, and that certain joie de vivre you find so effortlessly in European resorts. There, skiing isn’t just about the runs—it’s about lunches at mountaintop huts, après-ski on sunny terraces, mulled wine and live music down the slopes. In contrast, the U.S. experience can feel rushed, and transactional, lacking the soul that makes a ski vacation truly unforgettable.
We did the math—a week-long ski trip for a family of four in Colorado can easily hit $8,000 or more. Between lift tickets (often over $200 per person, per day), equipment rentals, ski school, mid-mountain lunches, and lodging near the slopes, the costs add up fast. And that doesn’t include airfare, transportation, or the inevitable hot cocoa breaks. For that kind of budget, you could spend a week in the Alps with charming alpine villages, hearty meals, and après-ski culture built right into the slopeside experience..
So we did just that. We packed our bags, jumped on a plane and traversed Europe for THE BEST family skiing there is. And the winner is: Montafon, Austria. You never heard of it? Tucked away in the western corner of Austria, Montafon feels like a well-kept secret. It’s not the glitzy après-ski mecca of Ischgl or the bustling scene of St. Anton—instead, it’s something softer, slower. Here, the slopes wind past charming alpine huts, the hotels are warm and welcoming, and the vibe is all about easy-going enjoyment. The skiing is top-notch, with plenty of varied terrain for families and seasoned skiers alike, but it’s the overall atmosphere that makes Montafon special. Skiers on the slopes are relaxed and respectful, the lift lines are short, and off the mountain, there’s no shortage of cozy huts, toboggan runs, and quiet moments to soak in the mountain views.
So, why did Montafon make it to the top of our list?
1) GREAT SLOPES & VIEWS. It's the Alps, baby.
2) KIDS-FRIENDLY. Top-notch ski school and relaxed, family-centered hotels.
3) AFFORDABILITY. A ski ticket for a week cost as much as a ticket for a day in comparable US resorts. Same goes for ski school and hotel cost.
4) ACCESSIBILITY. Easy in and our - just a 2 hour transfer from Zurich airport which has direct flights to most major US airport and is only about an 8h flight from the east cost.
HOOKED? COME ALONG!
Montafon is in the Austrian Alps, close to the boarder with Switzerland. It has great slopes, for beginners and advanced skiers alike, plus a few small typical Austrian villages to charm you off-slopes as well. It's one of the quieter skiing areas in Austria, where you won't find loud apres-ski parties that rock entire towns - make no mistake though, apres-ski still happens here. Just in a quieter, relaxed atmosphere.
Montafon encompasses several ski areas, including Silvretta Montafon, Gargellen, Golm, and Kristberg, each offering unique experiences. Silvretta Montafon is the largest, with expansive slopes catering to all levels, while Golm and Gargellen charm visitors with its family-friendly atmosphere and scenic runs. Kristberg provides a serene escape for cross-country skiing and peaceful alpine views.
We chose Golm for our stay as it is perfect for families, offering gentle practice areas, fun descents, and a compact skiing area where teenagers can confidently venture off on their own for decent runs. Their ski school is fantastic, and they weave fun kids-themed parkours into the easier slopes - my kids couldn't get enough of those.
For more seasoned skiers, we recommend the Silvretta skiing area which delivers 140 kilometers of thrilling runs across stunning alpine landscapes. It is a premier destination for skiers of all levels, but it truly stands out as a paradise for advanced skiers and hot spot for freeriders and thrill-seekers. With its challenging black runs and steep descents, it offers the perfect playground for those craving an adrenaline rush.
The skiing areas are within 20 minutes of each other, so you can easily switch it up. If you are a fan of ski in / ski out or a location next to the lift, check the location before booking a hotel! For Golm, stay in Latschau or Vandans. For Silvretta, check out St. Gallenkirch or Schruns.
If you are going for the family-friendly slopes of Golm, Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon is your choice. It is a children's paradise, offering ski-in/ski-out access to Golm, and a wonderful spa where parents can unwind while the little ones have their own adventures. It's a wonderful blend of luxury and family-friendly, alpine charm. I personally loved the stunning spa, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains which provides a serene escape for parents looking to unwind after a day on the slopes.
But what truly sets this hotel apart is its magical appeal for children—it’s a dream come true for little adventurers. From the moment the kids step into the hotel, they are charmed by the 2-story treehouse and indoor slide. From indoor climbing, soccer, and water slides to engaging activities designed just for them, every corner of the hotel is crafted to capture kids' hearts. This will be the most enchanting hotel your child has ever visited, making family memories that will last a lifetime. My kids still beg to go back to this hotel claiming it's the best hotel in the world. It's perfect location close to the Golm lifts, make this a go-to destination for families with young kids.
For couples or solo travelers, I recommend one of the other ski areas in Montafon. Silvretta is accessible from the village of Schruns which boasts a range of good accomodation choices. For those craving a boutique experience, Amrai Suites blends modern luxury with alpine charm—think cozy suites, stunning mountain views, and a rooftop spa to soak it all in. The interiors are a mix of natural wood, earthy tones, and panoramic views, this place invites you to slow down, unwind, and fully embrace the magic of the mountains. If you’re after the full resort experience, Alpenhotel Montafon & Spa delivers with top-notch wellness facilities, gourmet dining, and everything you need to relax after a day on the slopes. Both, Amrai Suites and Alpenhotel Montafon are close to Silvretta and Montafon's more challenging slopes, so if that's what you are after, these are great choices for you!
Keep in mind: there is plenty of affordable options in Montafon. We went out to look for the best of the best. You will have no trouble finding budget-friendly versions that are also right by the slopes.
Night Sledding: Don't miss the opportunity to go night sledding on your visit to Montafon - it is an unforgettable experience that brings a thrilling twist to traditional alpine adventures. The specially prepared sledding runs wind through snow-covered forests, offering an exhilarating ride filled with twists, turns, and plenty of laughter. Whether you're racing down with friends or enjoying a more leisurely descent, the crisp mountain air and breathtaking scenery make it an absolute must-do. Head up the mountain and stop at Brunella first for an after-ski, pre-sled drink before you head back down. It's the perfect mix of excitement and après-ski charm, making night sledding in Silvretta a highlight of any winter getaway. Head to Garfescha lift between 6pm and 8:30pm on a Tuesday or Thursday for the least crowds and the most fun! For those who rather sled during the day, check out the trails at Hochjoch or Golm. Whatever you decide, racing down miles and miles of trails on a sled will be a thrilling experience you won't forget soon! If you can't make the night sledding, take a look at sledding trails that are accessible during the day - from Kapellalpe for example. Sledding in the Alps is a MUST for us on any ski trip.
Fondue on a Mountain Top: For another unique experience, head to the top of Versettla at night for an unforgettable cheese fondue session. The mountain becomes peaceful and quiet as the sun sets and skiers head home, with the sounds of the world below fading into the distance. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a delicious, bubbling pot of cheese fondue, offering a warm, comforting contrast to the crisp mountain air. This tranquil escape, paired with tasty fondue, is an experience every traveler should add to their itinerary! Take Versettla Bahn to Nova Stoba. But don't forget: a reservation is a MUST!
To arrange any of these experiences, I recommend you check in with your hotel reception after booking. They will be able to book any of those for you
Don't miss any of our adventures as we traverse the globe in search of our next travel gem!
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