How to Plan a Family Vacation in Tyrol, Austria's Alpine Adventure Playground

The Tyrolean Alps region covers over 25,000 km² of western Austria and is best known as a winter sports magnet, but in the warmer months its sweeping peaks attract hikers, cyclists and other active travellers – and with the Mediterranean now regularly recording extreme summer temperatures, the Tyrolean Alps can offer an exciting holiday alternative for families battling the heat.

Stunning mountain views are a trademark here. Among the 20 Tyrolean valleys that can serve as a base for travellers, the 34km-long Stubai Valley, known locally as the Stubai Valley — is a great choice for families. It starts just 14 kilometres south of Innsbruck, a city well-connected by train and plane, but remains an authentic Alpine destination: expect the tinkling of cowbells, the nodding of wildflowers and outdoor adventures that will get your heart racing.

A main road winds along the valley, served by regular buses. Accommodation is generally traditional hotels or holiday apartments, most of which are scattered in the small towns and villages in the northern half of the valley, close to Innsbruck. It is worth booking accommodation near the church-towered town of Neustift im Stubaital, which has supermarkets, the main tourist office and free open-air concerts on summer evenings.

On the slopes themselves, the terraces of the valley's high-altitude bar-restaurants (called “alms') are pleasant places to linger – whether over a drink and Sachertorte, salad and schnitzel, or sausages and ice cream – and from late June to September, the tourist office organises supervised activities for children, ranging from geocaching to rock climbing.

1. Valley views on foot

The valley’s network of marked hiking trails offers everything from challenging high-altitude routes for thrill-seeking teenagers to easy adventure trails suitable for younger visitors. Four cable car lines lead into the mountains from different parts of the valley floor, all reaching over 1,600 metres above sea level and leading to great views and scenic trails. For something easier, follow the 2.4km route from the top of the Elfer cable car to the 350-year-old mountain restaurant at AutenalmThere's also the new Sunnenseit'n Weg, a five-mile circular trail that begins and ends at the middle station of the Schlick 2000 cable car and crosses a new 360-foot-long suspension bridge.

Away from the lifts, a superb option – for reasonably fit kids – starts at the base of the mighty Grawa waterfall. The 85-metre-wide falls are far too wild to splash around in, but the 2.5km trail on their western side winds its way up through the woods to a stunning plateau, where cold drinks and apple strudel await at the welcoming Sulzenau Alp.

2. Electric bikes in the Alps

Cycling can be a great way to explore. For a family ride on flat trails, pedal the valley paths to Kids Park Klaus Äuele, which has a ropes course, climbing walls, a lake and more. If your kids like mountain biking, there are two great downhill trails from the Elfer cable car. And if you fancy a bigger climb, speed up to the secluded mountain hut of Mount Oberissamwhich sits in a high valley dotted with pretty farms and offers stunning alpine views as well as hearty local dishes such as käsespätzle (cheese noodles).

Several hotels in the valley offer free bicycles to their guests, although it may be worth renting electric bikes for the help they offer in covering distances and hills. Intersportin Neustift im Stubaital, offers day rentals from around €26 (£22) per adult for a hardtail mountain bike and €45 (£39) for an e-mountain bike, or €35 (£30) for children's e-bikes.

3. Alternative sensations

Younger visitors are well catered for, whether in the form of the Miederer summer toboggan run – a 2.7km toboggan ride on a rail (no set age limit; children can descend alone at the discretion of staff, or travel on an adult's lap) from the top of the Serles cable car – or the StuBay water park, which features water slides and outdoor and indoor pools. Intrepid kids can also book a tandem paragliding flight to see the Alps from a different perspective – there is no age limit.

One of the valley’s main attractions is the Stubai Glacier. It can be reached by a dedicated cable car located at the bottom of the valley. While the glacier itself is not at its peak in summer, its location, best appreciated from the Top of Tyrol viewing platform at 3,200 metres above sea level, which offers a panorama of over 100 peaks, is breathtaking.

4. Add a city break

The Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck is just 24km from Neustift im Stubaital and can make for a fun day trip, with bus 590 making a direct journey from the valley. The old town has plenty of historical character and good cafes, while on the outskirts of town the Flip Lab The trampoline park is an ideal option for families on rainy days.