As mentioned in the beginners test category, the Idalp and its numerous blue runs and practice areas around the four practice lifts B6 (surface lift), B7 (surface lift), B9 and B10 (both magic carpet lifts) offer a fantastic area for children and beginners to gain some confidence on two skis. The “Schneesport Akademie”, Ischgl’s largest ski school with around 100 trained instructors, is based directly by the Idalp Restaurant. In addition there is a ski kindergarten for kids in the age between 3 and 5 years, which can be booked every day without pre-registration.
Children’s area “WinterBlumenTraum” at the Musella lifts in Samnaun village
There is another great practice area located directly in Samnaun village on the Swiss side. Here, a colourful dream-like world has been constructed around the concept of the ski area’s mascot – the apollo butterfly. Two covered magic carpet lifts, a heated dome tent with 65m2 of floor space as well as an attractive snowbound playground bring plenty of fun to the winter in Samnaun. In addition to skiing, kids can also familiarise themselves with the most important meadow flowers here, like arnica, crocus and bellflower. The huge model plants flower all winter long between the colourful animals that populate the meadows, like worms and crickets.
To explore the entire ski area, children should be at least proficient on two skis
When the kids are a little more confident on their skis, exploring the majority of Silvretta Arena Samnaun Ischgl shouldn’t be a problem. Great blue trails are most notably available in the area around the Flimsattelbahn (N1), Viderjochbahn 1 (N4) and Alp Trider Ecklift (N5) lifts as well as on the slopes around the Idalp. Families with small children should, however, avoid the Greitspitze and the sub-area surrounding Palinkopf (see trail map). Almost all the trails here are pretty tough. Families with small children should probably also avoid both valley runs back down to Ischgl or Samnaun. Particularly in the afternoon, the valley runs can get very icy and difficult to ski on. We recommend that families take the gondola back down into the valley.