However, we managed the skiing holiday pretty well this year. And that’s also because of Dips & Drops, the cool hotel in Flachau, which is actually pretty ideal for holidays with older kids. There is a lot on offer for families – without looking even a bit like a “family hotel”. No animation, no fully curated program, but lots of options and attractive surroundings, this is perhaps the most modern hotel we have ever been to.
And because the hotel is half the battle when it comes to the success of your vacation, I have summarized the advantages for you:
The Rooms: Privacy is the new currency
The shared family room with an extra bed is no longer ideal for older kids. Classic “children’s rooms” don’t have to be the case either. Dips & Drops has both spacious family apartments with two rooms and single rooms with connecting doors. We thought the latter was brilliant. So the big kids have their own space and, above all, their own bathroom.
Lots to offer: The Activity Lounge
As I said: There isn’t just a classic childcare facility here with a craft table and a ball pit (that’s there too and the little ones celebrate it!). But also rooms that are perfect for teenagers. Billiards, air hockey and a virtual reality room are fun for everyone, and there is also a children’s cinema in the evenings, which also appealed to smaller audiences.
Culinary: Something for every taste
We booked half board and loved the flexibility. In the morning there is the most incredible buffet, I actually didn’t find anything that wasn’t there: fresh juices, fruit and muesli, pancakes, semolina porridge, lots of vegan delicacies, different types of bread and of course you can also prepare eggs in a wide variety of states (particularly popular: poached!).
In the evening you can either eat from the menu or order à la carte. In addition to Austrian classics, the menu also includes schnitzel, etc. You can order three courses and I will say it like this: it was more than enough and really good.
But the coolest thing was the pasta option, which is always available: the pasta front cooking station. You choose the pasta you want on a computer, it is then prepared live and we were completely impressed.
Also great: drinks are free all day, which we thought was really great.
Wellness: Everyone gets their money’s worth here too.
Teens are slowly entering wellness age – but only if it’s “Instagram-worthy.” A musty indoor swimming pool is no longer attractive. We were not disappointed at Dip & Drops. A heated outdoor pool with a view of the mountains can do a lot. The sauna in the family area (keyword: textile sauna) was also well received. And finally we realized once again that a pool is still the greatest joy, even at this age.
And if the children are safe there (luckily they are since they can swim very safely), the parents can retreat to the “Adults Only” area without a guilty conscience.
It’s simply fantastic. Two saunas, steam bath, infrared and for the brave there is ice bathing in the Enns.
Also great: the fitness studio. Really well equipped, sparkling clean and with a fantastic view. The mother and teenage son used it extensively.
The location: close to the slopes for freedom
The greatest potential for conflict on a ski holiday? Hauling the equipment and waiting for the ski bus. It was hardly a problem in Dips & Drops. The rental is right in the hotel, the ski cellar is airy and modern (no pushing and sweating in the morning!). And then the ski bus stops right in front of the hotel and is at the lift in 2 minutes. Everyone can endure it – and it’s so simple that it also gives teenagers autonomy. If you want to sleep longer, come later. If you’re tired earlier, just go back to the hotel and chill in the pool. Perfect!
Conclusion: The perfect stay for families with big children. We also found the ski area and the ski school fantastic. We’ll be back!
