With more than 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is one of the sunniest winter areas in Tyrol. It is known as very child-friendly and is therefore a perfect destination for the whole family. We spent 3 skiing days in Serfaus. Here’s my Ski guide for Serfaus, Austria.
Serfaus, Fiss or Ladis?
Serfaus is the biggest town of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis region and home to both the smallest and the highest subway system in the world, which is free to use and offers a direct connection to the cable lifts. The town is car-free (taxis excluded), which makes it a great place to go for a stroll. We stayed and skied in Serfaus.
Fun Fact: Serfaus is a family-friendly ski resort. There are children’s restaurants with kid-sized tables, chairs, and toilets.
Next to Serfaus are the equally well-known villages of Fiss and Ladis. Fiss is home to the UNESCO World Heritage carnival event of the “Fisser Blochziehen” and is located at 1436 meters. Ladis is the smallest of the three and is located at 1200 meters at the lowest point of the ski area.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is a ski resort in the Tirol region of Austria consisting of the villages of Serfaus, Fiss, and Ladis. The three collaborate on tourism and leisure.
Fun Fact: Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis owns the two cable car companies in the resort, which means it can reinvest all profits in tourism infrastructure.
How to get to Serfaus
The easiest way to get to Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is simply to drive, as it will enable you to pack as much as you want (and all of your own equipment, if you have it), as well as have a car on-site to move between the villages. Just know that Serfaus is car-free. You may then enter the village by car, but only to get to your accommodation. For the rest of your stay, you will need to walk, and use the gondola or metro (Dorfbahn)!
Fun Fact: Serfaus is the only winter sports village with an underground subway!
Where to stay in Serfaus?
We stayed at the VAYA Terrazena Serfaus Apartments in Serfaus. Just a 15-minute walk from the Ski piste. After you’re done skiing, you can even relax in the spa section of the apartments!
Skiing in Serfaus
I skied once in 2007 so it wouldn’t have been the best idea to skip ski lessons. Together with a group of 4, we took 8 hours of ski lessons with our ski instructor Franz of the Skischule Serfaus. We first learned the basics at the kids’ slopes, went on to some blue slopes, and also did a small part of a red slope at the end! I only fell 4 times in total what I’m calling a success!
Fact: If the boots don’t fit, go change! My boots were not a match, and because of that, I couldn’t brake properly (hence my first fall off the slope: I was going triple speed, my V stance didn’t work, I couldn’t brake, and in the end, instinct took over, and I just dropped myself on the ground. To quote Franz: Nein, Laure!). The next day, with new boots, I could finally feel the “Knieen machen” that Franz was talking about and I could brake and ski properly!
SKIING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
If you’ve never skied before, here are a few tips:
- Relax. The more relaxed you are, the better you’ll be able to use and control your muscles and movements. Easier said than done, once I had to go on a red slope. 😉
- Wear or rent proper ski gear. As I’ve said, if the boots don’t match, go change! The Ski Depot at the entrance of the ski slopes was really helpful in finding my correct shoe size after the original shop just told me to “wing” it with my first pair.
- You will not learn to ski in just 3 days, you will need 7 days. Even after that, it is recommended to take ski lessons on the first day of your following ski trips to refresh your skills!
- Go to the ski depot or other places where you can rent a locker for your ski gear!
Want to give it a go as well? Skischule Serfaus offers both group and private classes for skiing and snowboarding.
Practical Links Ski Guide Serfaus
For the exact season dates, various card and ticket prices for activities, ski passes, and more, check the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis tourism website www.serfaus-fiss-ladis.at.
What to pack for Serfaus during ski season?
Make sure to bring these top 5 items on your trip to Serfaus:
- Lip balm: I always pack my Buttercream lip balm, and my lips are soft in no time! Use one with SPF.
- Camera: to take amazing photos of your trip!
- Ski And Snowboard Gear: to go skiing (you can also rent them)
- Microfiber towel: compact towel to take everywhere with you & that dries quickly!
- Gloves & mittens: waterproof and insulated ski gloves or mittens
Use my ultimate winter ski packing list to have everything in your luggage for your trip.
What to do in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis?
Read more about what to do in Serfaus in this special blog post!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Serfaus
⛷️ Is Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis worth visiting for skiing?
Yes! Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is my favourite ski region (as a beginner skier).
🛟 Is Serfaus safe for tourists?
Yes, it is safe in Serfaus. Just keep an eye on your drinks at the bars to avoid being spiked.
🚗 How to get to Serfaus?
I’ve always come by car or by bus. Depending on the end destination in Austria, it’s been an 8-10-hour drive from Belgium.
In order to drive in Austria, you need to have snow tires on your car and to have snow chains in your car (so they don’t need to be set up already, you just need to have them present in the car).
Don’t forget that if you’re driving in Germany (to get to Austria), you might need a vignette for your car. Order this in advance, as this can take a while.
🛌 Where to stay in Serfaus?
We stayed at the VAYA Terrazena Serfaus Apartments in Serfaus. Just a 15-minute walk from the Ski piste. After you’re done skiing, you can even relax in the spa section of the apartments!
🧳 What should I pack for Serfaus?
Use my ultimate winter ski packing list to make packing easy!
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