Here are 5 reasons to go on a family trip to Austrian Grossartal this winter

Grossarl is a great place for a family vacation in winter as the city is full of fairy lights and the ski slopes are covered with a thick layer of snow.

The Grossarl Valley, also known as the Grossarltal, located in the cinematic mountains of Salzburg in Austria, is well equipped for family vacations. First, Grossarl's ski scene is impressive: Grossarl itself offers 15.5 miles of pistes for ski touring, cross-country skiing and other winter activities. Second, it's a thriving agricultural market town that combines old timber-frame chalets and pastel-colored medieval townhouses with modern hotels and family-friendly activities. Here are five top reasons to consider it for your next family trip, according to National Geographic.

It's easy to get to

Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the largest park in the Alps, Grossartal is known as the "alms valley" (alms being an alpine pasture). Despite all its sense of blissful isolation, the bucolic valley is located just an hour by train south of Salzburg.

Expert ski schools are located here

The two local ski schools - Ski School Lackner and Ski School Panorama - are run by cheerful, multilingual instructors in Grossarltal and can inspire confidence in the youngest beginners.

There are many family-friendly activities on offer

Families who want to try alternative activities on the snow and perhaps observe wildlife can go snowshoeing through the pristine forests of Grossarltal, keeping an eye out for the "Big Five of the Alps": ibex, golden eagle, bearded vulture, and chamois (a type of mountain goat).

There is a lot of entertainment for children

Children who aren't up for a full week of ski school or snow activities can enjoy activities such as crafts and painting at the Kunterbunt Kids Club (open two days a week), which offers childcare.

There are holiday attractions for all ages

Grossarltal is charming at any time of year, but especially at Christmas when the whole town smells like mulled wine and is dotted with tiny wooden stalls selling handicraft gifts for the annual Salzburg Mountain Advent. Torchlight processions are held near the beautiful Baroque church in the town, as well as carol singing, storytelling, and a children's bakery workshop at the Dorfkind Bistro, where children can make their own Christmas cookies.