You should still visit more well-known ski areas - just find a quieter village within them!
Half term skiing is great fun, but naturally, it’s going to be busier than other times of year, so we understand why you’d be drawn to the idea of a quiet, lesser-known ski resort.
Surprisingly, though, if you are looking for a quiet ski resort to avoid the crowds, you may be coming at your search in the wrong way.
Many people assume that the big ski areas should be a no-go zone during the school holidays.
However, it’s these areas that have the fast, modern lift systems, mountain facilities, and resort facilities to offer the best half term holidays to both European and UK families.
Iglu Ski’s Managing Director, Simon McIntyre has a young family himself, and says that “half term is very popular for ski holidays so there may be a few things to consider to maximise your time on the slopes"
“Having been to many resorts around Europe during the half term holidays, the best experiences we’ve had are where areas have ski lift systems with more capacity to move skiers around the mountain, thus minimising queues and maximising the time you spend having fun on the slopes."
Simon says “perhaps try a smaller village which is connected to a larger ski area so you get the best of both worlds."
“Take La Tania for example - it’s linked to the Three Valleys ski area which is the most efficient area in Europe, but is less busy than Val Thorens or Courchevel and has its own learner slope for beginners.”
Following Simon’s advice, we’ve worked out the ski areas in Europe with the largest lift capacity (the bigger the capacity, the quicker skiers can get up the mountain) and then used additional criteria to come up with a list of the best places to stay within these areas.
Firstly, here are the biggest ski areas ranked by lift efficiency and therefore some of the best ski areas to head to for half term:
1. Les 3 Vallées (France): 1,389 skiers/lift
2. Ski Arlberg (Austria): 1,023 skiers/lift
3. Portes du Soleil (France/Switzerland): 1,020 skiers/lift
4. Paradiski (France): 1,000 skiers/lift
5. Espace Killy (France): 833 skiers/lift
6. Engelberg-Titlis (Switzerland): 692 skiers/lift
7. Matterhorn Ski Paradise (Switzerland/Italy): 648 skiers/lift
8. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (France): 625 skiers/lift
9. Dolomiti Superski (Italy): 511 skiers/lift
10. Val Gardena-Alpe di Siusi (Italy): 481 skiers/lift
Have a look at our table below, which gives the key details for the resorts we recommend within the ski areas listed above.
If your family has youngsters that are just starting out, look out for the ‘Discounted beginner lift passes’ and ‘Nursery slopes’ columns, as these will make for a cheaper and more convenient ski holiday.
| Resort |
Ski area |
Feb snow cover per week (10-year average) |
Discounted beginner lift passes |
Free lift passes for children |
Beginner area near village |
Transfer time |
| La Tania |
3 Valleys |
23cm |
Yes |
Under 5 |
Yes |
1h 45m |
| Les Menuires |
3 Valleys |
25cm |
Yes |
Under 5 |
Yes |
1h 30m |
| Châtel |
Portes du Soleil |
25cm |
Yes |
Under 5 |
Yes |
1h 30m |
| Champéry |
Portes du Soleil |
26cm |
No |
Under 6 |
Yes |
1h 30m |
| Stuben |
Ski Arlberg |
39cm |
Yes |
Under 10 |
Yes |
1h 20m |
| Val Gardena |
Dolomiti Superski |
22cm |
Yes |
Under 8 |
Yes |
1h 45m |
| Arabba |
Dolomiti Superski |
30cm |
No |
Under 8 |
Yes |
2h 30m |
| Täsch |
Matterhorn Paradise |
50cm |
Yes |
Under 9 |
No |
2h 45m |
| Tignes Les Brévières |
Espace Killy |
33cm |
Yes |
Under 5 |
Yes |
1h 45m |
| Plagne Montalbert |
Paradiski |
23cm |
No |
Under 5 |
Yes |
1h 45m |
| Ortisei |
Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi |
19cm |
No |
Under 8 |
Yes |
1h 30m |
| Les Houches |
Chamonix/Mont Blanc |
21cm |
No |
Under 5 |
Yes |
1h |
| Argentière |
Chamonix/Mont Blanc |
38cm |
No |
Under 5 |
Yes |
1h 15m |
1. La Tania
Ski area: 3 Valleys
Snow coverage in February (per week): 23cm
Discounted beginner lift pass: Yes
Free lift pass for children: Under 5
Beginner slopes near village: Yes
Transfer time: 1h 45m
If you like the idea of the Three Valleys ski area (the largest lift capacity in our list) but want a quieter resort in which to stay, La Tania is a good idea. Originally a farming village, this charming place is set at a healthy 1,400m and offers some peace and quiet from the more lively main towns like Val Thorens or Courchevel.
Historically, it gets good snow cover and has a relatively short transfer time from Chambery Airport. If the children are still learning, then you can take advantage of the resort’s beginner lift pass offer - or if they’re younger than 5 they can ski for free.
There is a beginner area near the resort base which is served by magic carpets and is completely free to use.
If the children want activities, then there’s plenty in the rest of Courchevel, including the 1.7km toboggan run, or the ice skating and bowling alley in Courchevel 1850. You can ski down into any of these areas, or get the free bus around - here’s the timetable (just translate it to English!).
The Hotel Montana is a great choice for families in La Tania - with its games room, music and quiz nights and heated boot room. It’s also ski-in/ski-out, making life much easier.
2. Les Menuires
Ski area: 3 Valleys
Snow coverage in February (per week): 25cm
Discounted beginner lift pass: Yes
Free lift pass for children: Under 5
Beginner slopes near village: Yes
Transfer time: 1h 30m
Another option in the 3 Valleys, the local area of Les Menuires is made up of 16% green runs and 41% blues - meaning there’s plenty of easy skiing before you explore the rest of the 3 Valleys.
It’s got a warm and friendly atmosphere with good snow and the Bruyères and La Croisette beginner areas have free lifts and wide, gentle slopes. There are also several magic carpets dotted around the village.
Children might enjoy a trip to Les Menuires’s sports centre, which has a swimming pool (with jacuzzi and sauna for parents), squash courts, table tennis tables, a trampoline room and a large soft play area.
There are a good range of family-friendly hotels to stay in, including the Hotel Le Menuire & Spa, which has a kids’ club, childcare and a ski school drop off and pick up service. You’ll also find accommodation is better value in Les Menuires, as it’s not one of the core Three Valleys resorts.
The Portes du Soleil ski area has plenty of beautiful, calm pistes
3. Châtel
Ski area: Portes du Soleil
Snow coverage in February (per week): 25cm
Discounted beginner lift pass: Yes
Free lift pass for children: Under 5
Beginner slopes near village: Yes
Transfer time: 1h 30m
Part of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area, you’ll get good snow conditions in the peaceful village of Châtel. It’s got an altitude of 1,200m and has slopes facing all directions, as well as strong lift infrastructure.
You can quickly get to Avoriaz and other parts of the Portes du Soleil - or if you need a beginner area, then there’s plenty of very easy slopes by the village, including at the Pré la Joux.
Other activities that children of various ages might enjoy include the zipline which reaches speeds of up to 60mph and heights of 240m, the ice-skating rink and the aquatic centre which has three different pools and various wellness facilities.
Families should stay in Chalet Alpaka, with its friendly staff and games room that includes a pool table that can convert into a ping pong table.
4. Champéry
Ski area: Portes du Soleil
Snow coverage in February (per week): 26cm
Discounted beginner lift pass: No
Free lift pass for children: Under 6
Beginner slopes near village: Yes
Transfer time: 1h 30m
Also in the Portes du Soleil, Champéry is a very pretty resort with a stunning mountain backdrop. The Swiss town has peaceful narrow streets and wooden chalets - a real quiet zone compared to Avoriaz and Morzine, but with similar skiing benefits.
Champéry has one nursery slope by the village, while the rest of the beginner skiing is done at the top of a cable car ride.
Children might enjoy a trip to the local husky park, called Alpes’Huskies, where you can stroke the dogs and get taken round by them in a sled.
Have a look at our Champéry holidays to find your perfect getaway.
Pretty Arabba is characterised by its rustic, rocky outcrops
5. Arabba
Ski area: Dolomiti Superski
Snow coverage in February (per week): 30cm
Discounted beginner lift pass: No
Free lift pass for children: Under 8
Beginner slopes near village: Yes
Transfer time: 2h 30m
Part of the esteemed Dolomiti Superski area, Arabba is a quiet alternative to Selva Val Gardena or Canazei. It’s a picturesque village that has quick access to the 3,342m Marmolada glacier and is a useful entry point to the famous Sella Ronda ski route.
There is a beginner’s slope at the bottom of the Burz chairlift and magic carpet lifts to get absolute beginners going - although it’s somewhat steep as beginner areas go. There are, however, a healthy 33 blue slopes to tackle in the local area.
Have a look at the ski-in/ski-out Hotel Portavescovo, which is just a 3-minute walk away from the ski school and has a daily entertainment programme.
6. Täsch
Ski area: Matterhorn Ski Paradise
Snow coverage in February (per week): 50cm
Discounted beginner lift pass: Yes
Free lift pass for children: Under 9
Beginner slopes near village: No
Transfer time: 2h 45m
If you want access to the vast Matterhorn Paradise ski area but in a cheaper and more peaceful town, then Täsch might be your answer. With trains every 20 minutes, it’s a quick, 12-minute ride to Zermatt, from which you can ski over 355km of slopes.
Served by a drag lift there is also one slope at Täsch itself, which is good for new starters - but the majority of your skiing will be done over in Zermatt, which has several beginner’s zones.
There is an ice rink and toboggan run in Täsch, but most extra activities will be done in nearby Zermatt. Even taking the train to the final stop by the Gornergrat glacier is a magical experience. Have a look at our ski holidays in Täsch to find your ideal trip.
7. Tignes Les Brévières
Ski area: Espace Killy
Snow coverage in February (per week): 33cm
Discounted beginner lift pass: Yes
Free lift pass for children: Under 5
Beginner slopes near village: Yes
Transfer time: 1h 45m
Part of the esteemed Espace Killy ski area, this is one of the quieter villages of the Tignes cluster. Tignes Les Brévières is characterised by its pretty stone farmhouses and classic chalets along narrow streets.
You can jump on a chairlift here to get to the main skiing, of which there are 300km of pistes overall. Les Brévières itself has a free drag lift serving a fenced-off beginners area, while the local runs are all very easy as well.
When you’re off the slopes, you could head to the indoor and outdoor pools or the ice rink. If you decide you want a bit more energy, then head over to other parts of Tignes, where you can go snowtubing or sledding, or head to Le Lagon Swimming Centre. You can jump on the free ski bus to get around to the different villages of Tignes. They’re all fairly close to each other - here are the timetables.
Have a look at the Hotel Les Brévières, which has free children’s clubs and a toddlers’ club (paid for) as well as lovely wellness facilities for the parents. There’s also an events room with evening entertainment.
La Plagne's 67 blue slopes make it a top choice for family skiing
8. Plagne Montalbert
Ski area: Paradiski
Snow coverage in February (per week): 23cm
Discounted beginner lift pass: No
Free lift pass for children: Under 5
Beginner slopes near village: Yes
Transfer time: 1h 45m
One of La Plagne’s various villages, Montalbert is a cosier and more laid-back option. WIth its pretty, rustic architecture, it’s a great place to get into the rest of the Paradiski area because of its excellent ski lift links.
It’s got its own beginner ski area and is surrounded by forest, offering plenty of pretty tree-lined runs that are sheltered from the weather.
Children might enjoy the heated outdoor pool at Plagne Bellecôte or Salle Omnisports in Plagne Centre, which has a sports hall and climbing wall. Again, there’s a free ski bus between the various villages of La Plagne. Jumping on one of these is your best bet - here’s the timetable.
Have a look at our best deals for Plagne Montalbert to find your perfect holiday.
9. Ortisei
Ski area: Dolomiti Superski
Snow coverage in February (per week): 19cm
Discounted beginner lift pass: No
Free lift pass for children: Under 8
Beginner slopes near village: Yes
Transfer time: 1h 30m
While it’s probably the main village of the Gardena Valley, Ortisei is still a quieter alternative to Selva Val Gardena. It’s got a characteristic centre with pastel-coloured buildings, as well as boutiques, tea rooms and restaurants.
A good entry point to the famous Sella Ronda circuit, Ortisei has plenty of intermediate skiing and also has gentle blue runs and practice lifts close to the village.
Ortisei is home to an indoor tennis centre which you can play in during winter, while it also has an ice rink that is open to the public. You can also head over to nearby Selva Val Gardena for a livelier atmosphere, and to try the 1.5km-plus zipline.
Have a look at the Hotel Adler, which has plenty of family facilities - including a kids club, playroom, video game corner and a children’s cinema, among other things.
10. Les Houches
Ski area: Mont Blanc
Snow coverage in February (per week): 21cm
Discounted beginner lift pass: No
Free lift pass for children: Under 5
Beginner slopes near village: Yes
Transfer time: 1h
With a number of gentle pistes easing you into the Mont Blanc ski area, Les Houches is a quiet alternative to Chamonix - but still with all the perks of its skiing.
Another resort that is lower down in the treeline, you can expect lots of pretty trails through the forest here. Beginner areas include Le Tourchet by the village, or the Ski Camp at the top of the Prarion gondola.
Les Houches is a stop on the Mont Blanc Tramway, meaning you can explore the surrounding areas really easily. The nearby Merlet animal park is home to marmots and other animals roaming free, including ibex, chamois and roe deer.
There’s also an ice rink, cinema, adventure park and climbing wall in the village, as well as the usual spas.
Have a look at our best ski deals in Les Houches - the Rockypop Hotel has a fresh and welcoming feel to it!
11. Stuben
Ski area: Ski Arlberg
Snow coverage in February (per week): 39cm
Discounted beginner lift pass: Yes
Free lift pass for children: Under 10
Beginner slopes near village: Yes
Transfer time: 1h 20m
Stuben is another quiet alternative for the Ski Arlberg area, compared to lively St Anton and others.
It’s got lovely scenery and plenty of pristine slopes which are well looked after. Around 20% of the local runs are fit for beginners, with the majority (60%) aimed at intermediates.
This might be another one for a settled ski family. Don’t forget the Ski Arlberg area is ranked 2nd in terms of lift/capacity efficiency, and has more than 300km of slopes to explore.
Have a look at our ski holidays in Stuben to find your ideal getaway.
Discover the quieter half term resorts with Iglu Ski
If you’d prefer a resort with more of a relaxed atmosphere, but with all the same great skiing that the major ones offer, then let us help you choose the perfect one for you!
We’re the UK’s largest ski travel agency and have been finding our customers their ideal ski trips for over 25 years. Our entire team have done seasons in the mountains and our sales staff will help you nail every detail down to suit your needs - whether that’s lift pass information or where to stay.
Give us a call on 020 3848 3700 or leave an enquiry and we’ll get back to you quickly with advice. You can also book online as well - have a look at our best half term ski deals for more inspiration.
Booking for multiple families or groups? Have a read of our group booking guide - it might make life easier for you if you’re not sure how to go about it.
