The best ski resorts for family skiing depend on your type of family, so from toddlers to teens, here’s where Carmen Roberts thinks you should head for family ski holidays this winter.
Family skiing starts young this winter
The best family skiing for under eights
Planning a family skiing trip with younger children means paying almost more attention to what’s happening off the mountain as on. Right now, here are the best resorts for ski-schools, nursery slopes, snow parks and all-round fun.
La Plagne, France © Louis Garnier
La Plagne, France
As one of France’s most family-friendly ski resorts, La Plagne caters to young children, with excellent ski schools and easy-to-navigate pistes.
Although it’s justifiably famous for its extensive ski areas, La Plagne also offers a range of other exciting winter activities, like the Olympic bobsleigh track, one of the few in the world that allows the public to experience the adrenaline of high-speed runs.
Alternatively, for a slower pace, snowshoeing and dog sledding are popular options too, offering a peaceful way to explore the beautiful mountain scenery.
Club Med La Plagne 2100, 7-nights, Superior Room, all-inclusive (2 adults, 2 children) from £5,144
Tatranská Lomnica, Slovakia
Tatranská Lomnica, Slovakia
Nestled in the High Tatras, Lomnický Štít is an excellent choice for family skiing that’s budget-friendly and scenic.
Kids love seeing the pistes as the plane comes into land at Poprad airport and it’s a only 30-minute transfer from there to the resort and nearby hotels: perfect for families travelling with small children.
Also, Lomnica features gentle slopes and a compact layout, with most runs converging at central points, creating a safe and easy-to-navigate environment that’s ideal for beginners. Plus, with smaller crowds and well-maintained runs, children build confidence fast.
However, off the slopes, there’s plenty going on too, from AquaCity’s water slides and thermal pools to magical Tricklandia Museum of Illusions.
Hotel Kukučka, 7-nights, 1-bedroom apartment, B&B (2 adults, 2 children) from £1,256
Family skiing, Madonna di Campiglio, Italy
Madonna di Campiglio, Italy
This Italian resort in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park includes the Brenta Dolomites and stands out for its comprehensive range of family facilities, and kids’ ski areas, magic carpets, and gentle slopes make it ideal for family ski holidays with five to eight-year-olds.
Madonna also happens to have a rich après-ski scene which is very family-friendly and includes snow parks and cosy restaurants. Additionally, the resort’s welcoming atmosphere ensures both kids and parents have a memorable experience.
Seefeld, Austria is a stand-out for first time family skiing © Region Seefeld
The best family ski resorts for first time skiers
A first time ski holiday is one that really needs its focus on family skiing, right from the start. That means easy to reach is a priority, along with a relaxed atmosphere, and a low chance of crowds. Although, we’ve also paid attention to good value lessons and lots of après-ski activities: even beginners deserve a reward at the end of the ski day.
Cortina D’Ampezzo for family ski holidays in Italy © Dino Colli
Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy
Not only stunning – it’s in the Dolomites after all – Cortina D’Ampezzo couldn’t be more welcoming for beginner skiers.
As well as a variety of easy slopes and ski schools to help newcomers feel at ease, the runs here are also uncrowded, so good for building confidence.
Then, off the slopes, there’s the charming village atmosphere and friendly après-ski to look forward to.
Soldeu, Andorra
Soldeu, Andorra
Friendly, relaxed Soldeu is one of the most popular ski resorts in Andorra for beginners. Known for its well maintained and spacious nursery slopes, the resort also offers outstanding ski lessons from English-speaking instructors, and gentle gradients and wide green runs mean plenty of space to practice.
Seefeld, Austria © Region Seefeld
Seefeld, Austria
And excellent choice for beginners, Seefeld in Austria offers wide, gentle slopes and superb ski schools.
It also has a great reputation for cross-country skiing, but offers many easy downhill runs for first-timers too, giving you a stress-free environment to build confidence.
The resort has a really welcoming atmosphere, combined with activities like sledding and snowshoeing, which makes it ideal for families just starting out.
Tignes meeting the teen challenge © Andy Parant
Where to go family skiing with your teenagers
Unforgettable experiences, lots of high octane adventure, just the right amount of challenge and plenty to do off-mountain, that’s what teens are looking for in a ski holiday. But don’t worry, we’ve picked options that keep younger kids and parents happy too.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming © Jackson Hole Resort
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
A firm favourite with teenagers, Jackson Hole has steep rugged terrain, but also expert runs and jump parks for adventurous types.
Off the slopes, there’s axe throwing, snow mobiles, Old Faithful geyser basin, and Yellowstone National Park as well as the nearby National Elk Refuge, and the contrast of cosy Teton Village and Jackson ‘Cowboy Town’.
St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
With loads of runs and snow parks, St. Anton am Arlberg is perfect for teens who love a bit of adventure and variety on the mountain.
The lively après-ski scene adds to the fun, giving them a taste of Austrian ski culture in a super-social atmosphere. It’s the ideal spot for teens looking for excitement both on and off the slopes.
Teen-centric family skiing, Tignes © Greg Mistral
Tignes, France
Tignes lets teens test their skills in one of Europe’s largest ski areas, linked with Val d’Isère.
The freestyle parks, off-piste runs, and snow parks cater to older kids really wanting to push boundaries, and bold non-ski activities, like ice diving and snow tubing, make it a good choice for those who like new challenges.
Apartment Christine, 7-nights, 2-bedroom apartment, selfcatering (2 adults, 2 children) from £1,906
If you can stand, you can learn to ski © Martin Bissig
Where to find the best ski lessons on family skiing holidays
What you want out of ski lessons will pretty much always depend on your children’s ages. Although, the best ski resorts tend to cover a broad cross-section from lessons starting as young as three to tuition for adult beginners and teen skill builders, and that’s what we’ve looked for in our line-up this winter.
Chamrousse, nr. Grenoble, France
Chamrousse, France
Located near Grenoble, Chamrousse offers excellent skiing opportunities for beginners and those looking to improve their technique.
The resort is particularly well-known for its ski schools, which cater to a wide range of abilities. Beginners can benefit from dedicated zones with gentle slopes and easy access lifts.
Another of Chamrousse’s strengths is its emphasis on progression, with slopes designed to help skiers advance at their own pace.
Niederau, Wildschönau Valley, Austria
Niederau, Austria
Nestled in the Wildschönau Valley, Niederau offers a welcoming atmosphere with gentle slopes for firsttime skiers.
The ski schools here are highly regarded, with experienced instructors who focus on making skiing fun and accessible. Niederau’s nursery slopes are also conveniently located near the village, so learners can build skills without venturing too far.
Having too much fun to miss you © Visit Finland
Where to find childcare and free up some family skiing time
No parent should feel even a pinch of guilt about wanting some time to ski, like a grown up. The best family resorts offer childcare for that very reason and we definitely don’t think it’s selfish of you to take advantage of that.
Alpine Coaster, Chamonix, France © Pierre Raphoz
Chamonix, France
Chamonix is well-equipped for families with babies, offering various childcare services, including private babysitters and daycare facilities. Families have plenty to explore, from scenic cable car rides up Aiguille du Midi to shopping and dining in the picturesque village.
Chamonix is also home to a range of spas and wellness centres.
Chalet Trésor, 7-nights, 1-bedroom chalet, self-catering (2 adults, 2 children) from £1,115
Cosy mountain-town vibe, Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah
Park City is an excellent choice for families with pre-schoolers or babies, offering a wide range of childcare options at the resort’s daycare centres.
When not on the slopes, explore the town’s charming Main Street, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cosy cafés. Park City also has fantastic spas for parents to unwind while the little ones are in daycare.
All round happiness is the family ski holiday goal
Best all-round resorts for family skiing this winter
Keeping everyone happy is possibly one of the biggest challenges on a family ski holiday, because everyone skiing at the same level is an unlikely scenario. That said, the best resorts in the French Alps have the kind of range that covers all bases, and the best of the best bring all-round contentment off the mountain too.
Val d’Isère, France © Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère, France
A top pick for families, Val d’Isère features a range of gentle green slopes for beginners, as well as more challenging runs for experienced skiers.
The resort is also connected to Tignes, offering even more ski terrain, and its extensive ski schools are great for all ages. Off-slope, there’s plenty of après-ski activities and family-friendly amenities.
Les Deux Alpes, France
Les Deux Alpes, France
Known for reliable snow and a vast terrain, Les Deux Alpes has something for everyone, from nursery slopes for beginners to challenging off-piste routes for experts.
The glacier ensures good skiing conditions, even late in the season, and the resort offers a range of fun non-skiing activities.
The best European resorts for sustainable family skiing
Between the snow trains from London to the French Alps and several outstanding ski operators dedicated to getting you on to the slopes without an airport in sight, this winter is a good one for responsible family skiing.
Family hiking Davos & Klosters, © Martin Bissig
Davos & Klosters, Switzerland
Davos is set to become the world’s first climate-neutral ski resort by 2030. But even this winter families can lower their impact by travelling here on Switzerland’s scenic railways.
As Jess Piazzi, customer support manager from Byway Travel, notes, “Davos is pioneering sustainable tourism, offering a family-friendly experience with minimal environmental impact and it’s proving a more popular ski destination as a result.”
The resort also focuses on preserving its natural beauty with responsible snowmaking and green energy use.
Tobogganing, Les Arcs, France © Yann Allegre
Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs is part of the Paradiski area and is dedicated to eco-friendly skiing. It has implemented a range of green initiatives, including renewable energy use and sustainable waste management.
Families can take the ‘snow train’ from London, possibly spend a night in Paris then continue onto Bourg-SaintMaurice, from there, it’s a short bus ride to Les Arcs resorts.
Ruka Kuusamo, Finland © Harri Tarvainen
Where to add winter traditions to unforgettable family skiing
There are some parts of the world where they extend the magic that most kids only associate with Christmas well beyond the 25 December. Naturally the closer to the Arctic Circle you go, the longer the fairy tale lasts.
Northern Lights, Levi, Finland ©Visit Levi
Levi, Finland
Levi is a magical Finnish destination for families, the resort offers excellent childcare services, with a Kids Land play area and babysitting options available for babies and toddlers.
It’s Finland so the snow is pretty much guaranteed to be spectacular, right up until Easter. But families wanting to indulge in more festive feels can look forward to plenty of heartwarming activities, like reindeer and husky safaris, or even a visit to Santa’s Village, where they can meet the man himself, along with his trusty elves. Levi’s serene landscapes also make it ideal for fairy tale snow walks.
The luxury of solitude, Lake Emerald, British Columbia
Where to find the luxurious side of this winter’s family skiing
There’s no shame in craving some luxury to go with your skiing this winter, especially as luxe is something that ski resorts can really pull out the bag. We’re easily seduced by gorgeous chalets and grand hotels, and don’t get us started on spectacular Alpine spas. Here are a couple of resorts where the skiing almost comes second to the decadence.
Naturally beautiful Megève, France
Megève, France
Megève in the French Alps, is the epitome of luxury. Originally modelled after St. Moritz, by the Rothschild family in the 1920s, today it’s a hot favourite among Europe’s elite for its world-class skiing as well as an upscale après-ski experience.
All-in-all it’s the ideal destination for families looking for luxe exclusivity and stunning alpine views.
L’Arboisie, Megève, 7-nights, The Suite, accommodation only (2 adults, 2 children) from £3,625
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier, Switzerland
Renowned for its challenging terrain and lively après-ski scene, Verbier also offers a range of luxurious lodges and chalets. Celebrities and elite travellers flock here for both the top-tier skiing and the resort’s vibrant social scene. High-end spas and gourmet dining complete the luxe experience. Also, the season in Verbier extends well into April (sometimes even May!) so Easter visitors can still enjoy decent snow. Plus, spring skiing here is accompanied by warm sunshine and buzzing outdoor terraces.
Cantarella 104, 7-nights, 4-bedroom apartment, self-catering (2 adults, 2 children) from £4,020
The best resorts for family skiing this Easter
Easter is late in 2025, so if you want a good chance of snow we’re recommending you look to Scandinavia in April. However, there are one or two non-Scandi resorts that are reliably snow-sure even when it’s all chicks and blossom elsewhere in Europe.
Kläppen, Sweden
Kläppen, Sweden
Privately owned Kläppen in the Sälen mountains comes with the ‘best snow guarantee in Sweden’, it’s also been named the country’s best ski area for families with children.
The season here is long, so Easter skiing is a given, plus all accommodation is ski-in-ski-out, which means you spend more of your time on the snow, which is what it’s all about.
Easter-perfect Trysil, Norway
Trysil, Norway
Trysil is one of Norway’s most popular family resorts, not least because of its lengthy snow season. Come Easter this year, days will be about 12-hours long and there’s a good chance of sun too. Then just add in one of Europe’s best lift systems, a wide range of runs and a great atmosphere, for a perfect end to winter.
Family ski holidays, Obertauern, Austria
Obertauern, Austria
Obertauern in the Tauern mountains is one of Austria’s snowiest resorts, with a long season that often extends right into May. Eight ski and snowboard schools make this one a good choice for Easter skill building, and the Bibo Bär family ski park is another confidence booster for kids.
Out of the 100km of pistes here, 60km are blue so there’s plenty of scope for technique polishing. And if you’re travelling with younger kids, introduce them to Bobby Land adventure area and you’ll definitely be visiting Obertauern again.
MORE FAMILY SKI HOLIDAYS YOU MIGHT LIKE
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See our pick of this year’s cutest family ski resorts in Europe
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