Frequently Asked Questions FAQ Ski School Scheffau

Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our ski and snowboard courses in Scheffau.

Is your ski area snow-sure?
Yes – our lesson area is located in the heart of the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental, one of Austria’s largest and most reliably snow-covered ski resorts. The modern snowmaking system with over 1,800 snow machines ensures that the slopes remain well prepared even when natural snowfall is limited. Our beginner children’s area, the KinderKaiserland®, is situated at around 1,650 m, providing excellent snow conditions throughout the entire winter season.

Adult Ski Courses

Why are there no 4-hour group lessons for adults?
We want our guests to enjoy relaxed afternoons – to ski independently, meet friends, enjoy hotel amenities like sauna or pool, or simply relax in the sun. If you’d still like more instruction, you can book private afternoon lessons at especially affordable rates.

How long does it take for adult beginners to ski with friends?
Our beginner program is designed as a 4-day course: 4 hours on Sunday, and 2 hours each morning from Monday to Wednesday. You’ll learn to ski on easy blue slopes near the top station. Practicing on your own in the afternoon is important. Our instructors will advise which slopes are safe for you to try.

Children’s Ski Courses and KinderKaiserland®

Can children participate for only 2 hours per day?
Our children’s group lessons (SnoKids for beginners, SnowStars for advanced skiers) are generally designed for 4 hours per day:
• 10:00 – 12:00
• 13:30 – 15:30
In the advanced children’s groups, participation for only 2 hours per day is not possible, as we follow a continuous full-day learning program to ensure the best progress.
In the KinderKaiserland® (beginner area), participating for only 2 hours per day is possible. Please note, however, that the lesson will then take place exclusively in the KinderKaiserland®, meaning no piste training is possible. This option can only be booked on site and depending on availability.
If you still prefer a shorter lesson duration, please talk to us – private lessons may be a flexible alternative.

When can I ski with my child myself? Can I ski with my child during the lunch break?
Once your child has mastered the essential basics – braking, turning, and using the lift – we leave KinderKaiserland® with the group and go out onto the slopes. From that moment on, skiing together is generally possible.
Lunch break is from 12:00 to approx. 13:30. During this time, you are welcome to pick up your child and ski together.

Please keep in mind:
• Make sure your child does not get too tired, so they can participate well in the afternoon lesson.
• Please speak with your child’s instructor in advance to check whether this is suitable and to arrange the meeting point after the break.
➡ Recommendation: For the best learning progress, your child should attend both the morning and afternoon lessons.

Can children join the same group as their friends?
Yes – we are happy to accommodate friendship requests. The children must have a similar skill level, and the request must be mentioned during group allocation (head of grading). We consider age, ability and balanced group sizes.
➡ Tip: Booking online and early makes it much easier to place friends together.

What do the children receive during lunch supervision?
Lunch supervision (12:00 – 13:30) includes:
• a warm meal
• a drink
• supervision by our ski instructors
For example, the children often eat at the mountain restaurant “Brandstadl.”
This ensures they are well cared for and can start the afternoon lesson with plenty of energy – and you can enjoy your ski day without stress.

Should we give our child something to drink?
Yes – we recommend giving your child something to drink. Although a drink is included with lunch supervision and we take regular drink breaks, having their own drink is especially helpful in the morning or during short breaks.
Water or unsweetened tea is ideal.

How is the children’s program structured?
On the first course day (Sunday or Monday), children are assessed and placed into groups based on skill level. Changing groups during the week is possible as progress is made.

Can the instructors pick up the children?
From the second day on, our instructors can pick up children from “Hansis Sport Shop” at the valley station and bring them to the course. After the course, children will be brought back. Register in advance at the main office in Scheffau village or at the mountain office. You can also book lunch supervision there.

My child is 3.5 years old – can they join the regular group?
Children under 4 begin with a Mini Taster Session (12:05–12:50 pm). Our instructors will assess whether your child is ready for the regular group (ages 4–14). The youngest ones (max. 4 Ski Minis) are gently introduced to skiing in a playful way during lunchtime by a dedicated instructor.

Can children who are not enrolled in a course or only in a short course participate in the race?
Only children who attend a course (min. 2 days group lessons or 4 phours private lessons) may take part in the final race on Thursday.

What nationalities are your instructors?
We employ many multilingual instructors, but we cannot guarantee a specific language. Both children and adult groups are usually taught in German, English, or Dutch.

Do children stay in the KinderKaiserland® all week?
No, children only remain in the KinderKaiserland® until they have the basic skiing skills (snowplow braking, turning, getting up independently, using beginner lifts). Afterwards, they continue on the slopes.

Can parents enter the KinderKaiserland® with their children?

No, access is only allowed with our ski instructors during official lesson times (10:00–12:00 & 13:30–15:30). During the Mini Taster Session (ages 2–4), parents are welcome to stay and watch.

Do the children need ski poles in the KinderKaiserland®?
In the KinderKaiserland®, ski poles are not necessary. They are only needed once the children go out onto the slopes.

Discounts & VIP Pass

What is the VIP Pass and how do we get one?
After a full ski week or a 3-day course, the instructor will issue a VIP Pass with your child’s progress. This pass also gives you a €5 discount on the next 4- or 5-day children’s course.

Do we get a family discount if multiple children take part?
Yes, the VIP Pass provides €5 off for each child when booking a 4- or 5-day course.

Are there discounts for university students?
Unfortunately, we currently do not offer student discounts.