The "KIDS ON SKI" initiative is launching into the 2026/27 winter season with eight new destination partners, expanding its Alpine-wide network to 20 ski resorts in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany. Since its launch in 2023, the program has already enabled over 3,000 children to learn to ski and offers families a free package for children aged three to five, including a five-day ski course, rental equipment, a ski pass, and accommodation.
How do you get children onto skis at an early age – especially when small, local ski resorts are closing and rising prices are making winter holidays a challenge for many families? The cross-Alpine program "KIDS ON SKI" supports families with a tailor-made winter holiday offer: The all-inclusive package includes five half-day ski lessons, equipment rental, lift tickets, and even accommodation for one child aged three to five. This offer is valid when accompanying adults book and pay for their 7-day stay as usual. The focus is on a playful and positive introduction to snow sports.
Tyrolean destinations are expanding their offerings
What once began as a pilot project in destinations like Leogang, the Aletsch Arena, Alta Badia, and Madonna di Campiglio has developed into an Alpine-wide success. The development in Austria is particularly encouraging: While the four regions of Sölden, Silvretta-Montafon, Saalfelden Leogang, and Bad Kleinkirchheim were already part of the initiative last year, this year two more attractive Tyrolean destinations, Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau and Nauders, are expanding the offering. "Last year, more than 3,000 children gained their first skiing experience through 'KIDS ON SKI.' The fact that we are now launching the next winter season in over 20 ski resorts in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany is a clear indication of what can be achieved through the shared vision and collaboration of destinations, ski schools, and partners," emphasizes Mike Partel, Managing Director of Mountain Management Consulting and initiator of "KIDS ON SKI.".
The "KIDS ON SKI" project is implemented by the participating ski destinations together with local tourism organizations, ski schools, mountain railways, rental shops, and accommodation providers. To ensure supra-regional marketing, the following sponsors have financially supported the initiative since its inception: Doppelmayr, Leitner, Sitour/Feratel, Skidata, Sunkid, and TechnoAlpin.
An overview of all "KIDS ON SKI" destinations
Austria: Bad Klein Kirchheim, Montafon (entire valley), Saafelden Leogang, Sölden, Nauders, Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau
Switzerland: Aletsch Arena, Arosa-Lenzerheide, Disentis, Grächen, Leukerbad, Mürren*, Wengen*
Italy: Alta Badia, Folgarida-Marivella, Gitschberg Jochtal, Kronplatz, Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, Schnalstal, 3 Zinnen Dolimites*
Germany: Winterberg
Further information about the newly added ski resorts and the offers can be found at kids-on-ski.com.