Discover our personal top picks for an unforgettable winter holiday in the best ski resorts for families.
Looking for a splendid winter destination for families that relish skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities? Look no further. We’ve created a comprehensive guide into the world of family ski resorts. However, it’s not a straightforward process, as there are multiple considerations to be made before choosing a resort.
Discover our family ski resort guides:
Top 10 Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Europe
Looking for the perfect winter vacation for your family? Discover our top picks for family-friendly ski resorts in Europe.
The best Austrian family ski resorts
Austria, with its stunning Alpine scenery and world-class ski resorts, is the perfect destination for a memorable family ski trip.
The best French family ski resorts
France is renowned for its ski resorts, which offer ski-in / ski-out accommodations, vast ski areas, and excellent family facilities.
What to look for in a family ski resort
Finding a family-friendly atmosphere that caters to children is crucial. Ski schools, play areas, and daycare services are aspects that help ensure the enjoyment and safety of your loved ones. It’s essential to select a resort with a variety of ski slopes suitable for all skill levels, from gentle slopes for beginners to steeper terrain for advanced skiers. Furthermore, the accommodations should be convenient and comfortable to guarantee a delightful experience for the whole family. Now, let’s take a glance at our top five overall family ski resorts.
1. Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis, Austria
Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis is a sunny ski area with great slopes suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The ski area has modern and comfortable lifts, making it perfect for families with children. Children are well-catered for, with a children’s ski school, a playground, and a fantastic adventure trail. Visitors can stay in family hotels in Serfaus, just a short walk from the ski lifts and the village center. The snow conditions are perfect throughout the season, and the scenery is simply breathtaking.
2. Saas – Fee, Switzerland
Saas-Fee is a picturesque Swiss village that is ideal for families. Saas-Fee is a 100% car free village, which ensures a tranquil and unique wintersport atmosphere. The edge of the village center houses a wide variety of children’s slopes and beginner pistes, making it very easy for young families to enjoy a ski holiday. The Swiss village is surrounded by 4000m high Alp giants, resulting in a breath taking view from wherever you’re staying.
3. Kronplatz, Italy
Kronplatz is a family-friendly ski resort in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. With over 100 km of ski runs and a range of other winter activities, such as tobogganing and snowshoeing, you’re sure to have a memorable time. Kronplatz has a lot of children’s pistes both close to the village center and on the pistes. We generally love skiing in South-Tirol, where you enjoy the best of both Austria and Italy.
4. Brandertal, Austria
This is one of our personal favourites and hidden gems. With only 52 km of pistes Brandnertal is often overlooked but this Austrian family ski resort offers everything you need for a quiet ski holiday. It is an ideal location for younger family ski holidays, with ski schools focused on children and slopes suitable for beginners.
5. Maria Alm, Austria
Maria Alm is the largest village in the Hochkönig ski area, offering over 200km of pistes for all levels of skiers. This picturesque winter sports village is particularly popular with families. Maria Alm has its own smaller mountain, Natrun, which is perfect for beginners and features children’s ski slopes. Additionally, there is a practice slope in the village (only open during the high season with enough snow) for the youngest children. Maria Alm offers an excellent location for family ski holidays, with great beginner slopes and fun activities for children.
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Tips for Choosing a Family Ski Resort
Location and Accessibility
When choosing a family ski resort, consider the location and accessibility of the resort. Look for resorts that are within a reasonable distance from major airports and highways. This will make it easier to get to the resort and reduce travel time. Also, consider the distance from your lodging to the slopes. Choose a resort that has lodging options that are close to the slopes, or that offers shuttle services to the slopes.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Look for family ski resorts that offer family-friendly amenities. Consider resorts that offer daycare services for children, indoor activities, and snowmobiling and tubing. Look for resorts that have family-friendly dining options, such as restaurants with kid’s menus and high chairs.
Accommodations
When choosing a family ski resort, consider the accommodations offered by the resort. Look for resorts that have rooms that are large enough for families, with in-room amenities such as microwaves and refrigerators. Consider resorts that offer ski-in/ski-out lodging, which allows you to ski directly from your lodging to the slopes. Look for resorts that have family suites, which offer separate bedrooms for parents and children.
Cost and Budgeting
When choosing a family ski resort, consider the cost and your budget. Look for resorts that offer package deals that include lift tickets, ski rentals, and lodging. Check the cost of lift tickets and ski rentals, and compare prices with other resorts. Consider budgeting tips, such as packing snacks and meals to save money on dining.