
Winter holiday in Hochkrimml: our experience with a toddler and a dog

A winter sports holiday with a toddler and a dog may sound like a challenge, but in Hochkrimml it turned out to be surprisingly relaxed. During our holiday in the Zillertal Arena, we discovered just how suitable Hochkrimml is for young families. In this blog, I share our personal experience, practical tips, and enjoyable outings, with Apartment Traumeckerl as our home base.
Staying in Hochkrimml: our stay at Apartment Traumeckerl
We stayed at Ferienwohnung Traumeckerl, a cosy and comfortable apartment in Hochkrimml, right in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The apartment is ideal for small families: compact, warm, and everything you need is close at hand.
What we especially liked:
- A bright living room with a comfortable sofa
- Modern bathroom with underfloor heating
- A terrace with mountain views
- Washing machine available
- Prime location close to the slopes
The location made our stay extra pleasant. With a young child, being able to quickly “pop back home” is invaluable and here that’s truly possible. It’s also ideal for taking turns skiing.

Skiing in Hochkrimml with young children
Hochkrimml is an ideal winter sports destination for families with young children. Thanks to its location at 1,700 metres altitude, the area is very snow-reliable, and you can count on good piste conditions throughout the entire winter season. Hochkrimml is part of the Zillertal Arena, one of Austria’s largest ski areas, offering no less than 146 kilometres of pistes for all ability levels.
What made Hochkrimml so enjoyable for us is its compact layout and convenience. Many accommodations are located directly on or very close to the slopes, so you don’t have to cover long distances. From Apartment Traumeckerl, you can be on the slopes in Silberleiten within just a few minutes. Especially with a toddler, this is a huge plus: no hassle with cars or ski buses, just head out whenever it suits you.
The wide, well-groomed pistes and the calm atmosphere make Hochkrimml particularly suitable for beginner skiers and families. It’s also perfect for parents who like to alternate skiing with breaks or spending time with their children.
Family tip: the Platten Alm
The Platten Alm is not only a lovely mountain hut, but also a perfect spot for families with young children. This cosy restaurant has a large sunny terrace, good food, and plenty of space for children to play. Around the Plattenalm, you’ll find small slopes that are ideal for sledging or for letting toddlers practice their first turns on skis in a playful way. While the children enjoy the snow, you can relax on the terrace with a drink or lunch.
Thanks to its convenient location in Hochkrimml-Silberleiten, you can be back at your apartment in no time. This makes it easy to combine skiing, playing, and rest moments such as an afternoon nap.

Winter walk in Bramberg: the Bramberger Laternenweg
One of the enjoyable outings during our holiday was the Bramberger Laternenweg. This winter walk is best known as an atmospheric evening activity, but we walked it during the day and that was just as enjoyable.
Starting from Bramberg train station, you walk through a beautifully snow-covered landscape. Even during the day, you can admire the nativity scenes along the route, and the walk is very suitable for children. The path is varied, easy to follow, and quiet, making it pleasant even with a young child. Even without the evening lantern lighting, this place has a special and charming atmosphere.
Practical tip: Don’t forget your guest card (Gästekarte). You’ll need it for the toll road towards Bramberg.
Although the Lantern Path is famous for its illuminated lanterns in the evening, we found the daytime walk surprisingly relaxing and enjoyable, a great tip for families who prefer heading out during the day. Watch the images here.

Walking and cross-country skiing in the Schönachtal
Not every day of our holiday revolved around skiing. In the Schönachtal, we found a perfect balance between being active and enjoying nature. My husband tried cross-country skiing here for the first time, while I went on a winter walk with our toddler in a carrier backpack and our dog. The route is quiet, gently uphill, and very suitable for families. With good winter shoes, it’s an easy walk.
Along the way, we enjoyed views over the valley and the impressive Schönachkees Glacier. A perfect day for anyone looking to take a break from the ski slopes.

Why Hochkrimml is ideal for a family holiday
Our holiday in Hochkrimml was fantastic:
- Many facilities within walking distance (now including a supermarket)
- Quiet and easy to navigate (mid-December)
- Perfect combination of snow fun and relaxation
- Very snow-reliable
- Suitable for holidays and beautiful walks (also with a dog)
- Large and beautiful ski area with excellent pistes
Our conclusion
A holiday in Hochkrimml with young children doesn’t have to be busy or complicated at all. Thanks to a well-located apartment or chalet, beautiful slopes, and stunning natural surroundings, we were truly able to relax and enjoy ourselves.
Are you looking for a family-friendly winter sports destination in Austria where relaxation and adventure go hand in hand? Then Hochkrimml, and especially the Silberleiten area, is definitely worth considering.
Chalets in Zillertal Arena






Chalets in Hochkrimml





