If it is long lasting fun memories that you are after, then taking your family skiing holiday is right up there with the best of them. Gone are the days of having to trudge for miles to the nearest lift, carrying everyone's awkward skis, whilst simultaneously trying to lead a "route march" to keep your little ones moving in their ski boots. Now, slopeside accommodation coupled with quality catering and kids clubs ensure that the only people doing the hard graft for you are the ones working in the resorts, leaving you free to enjoy your holiday as much as possible!
We have created a list of our favourite family ski resorts that are well worth a browse if you are planning on taking your children away this season. These resorts have been picked for their general family friendliness - some have great kids ski deals, some are car free, some have great facilities and some have great ski schools for kids. The one thing that they all have in common is serious parent appeal - they will make taking your kids on holiday a real pleasure and a lot more fuss free!
Best resorts for a family ski holiday
La Plagne, France
La Plagne is situated in the middle of the Paradiski area, this superb all-encompassing group of resorts is a skier’s paradise and an ideal choice for families of all abilities. There are a fabulous selection of spacious family friendly properties and excellent reputation for its encouraging ski schools. La Plagne is a great place to start your family off on their first ski footings. Plus, there are plenty of non-skiing activities to do such as sledging zones, outdoor ice rink, indoor swimming pools and more. Need some inspiration? Have a read on our top 10 things to do in La Plagne.
Les Arcs, France
The high altitude resort of Les Arcs in the Paradiski area offers a variety of doorstep skiing accommodation and provides the perfect playground for families of mixed abilities. There are a number of villages in Les Arcs resort but the best for families is Arc 1950 as there are many great ski in ski out accommodation there as it is pedestrian only and due to its high altitude, the slopes are snow-sure throughout the season. There are some accommodation in Les Arcs that has childcare facilities and are pet friendly too!
Alpe d'Huez, France
For an all-round ski holiday, including superb skiing and non-skiing activities all on one lift pass, then Alpe d’Huez is the answer. It has a long standing reputation for being a family friendly resort, awarded the Famille Plus status by the French Ministry of Tourism in recognition of this and also means that its accommodation, restaurants, shops and activities are set up considering the value to families.
Flaine, France
Flaine’s excellent snow sure slopes in the Grand Massif area, make for the ideal conditions when learning to ski with family. The resort is also traffic free, providing a safe environment for your family yet with easy access to the resort’s amenities. Flaine’s accommodation is largely ski in ski self-catering apartments out for ease of getting out onto the slopes and once lessons have finished for the day, there are plenty of activities to keep your kids entertained including bowling, an indoor climbing wall, ice quad biking and more.
La Rosiere, France
The peaceful resort of La Rosiere is nestled high in the Tarentaise and is a first class choice for families with a number of convenient slopeside accommodation available and picturesque skiing. La Rosiere is catered more to beginners and intermediates but across the border into La Thuile, there are some more advanced runs. La Rosiere also makes for a more enjoyable ski holiday as although it is at a high altitude, it enjoys a warm and sunny position.
Morzine, France
Your family will be spoilt for choice in the picturesque Savoyard town packed with authentic French charm. Morzine is within easy access to the Portes du Soleil ski area and mixed ability groups and families will be in their element whilst being able to meet up at a mountain restaurant. The town comes to life in the evenings will a variety of entertainment and offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Wengen, Switzerland
Wengen’s gentle nursery slopes lead directly into the town, making it an ideal and convenient resort to ski in with family. The traffic free resort centre also makes for a safe environment to wander through the town and explore the family friendly shops, restaurants and bars. It’s a favourite amongst British skiers with many families returning year on year and off the slopes it offers a range of non-skiing activities such as tobogganing, ice skating, snowshoeing and swimming.
Zell Am See, Austria
Situated below the Kitzsteinhorn peak, Zell Am See offers snow reliable pistes and glacier skiing available in nearby Kaprun. The resort is a pretty lakeside village and is perfect for families due to the large range of gentle slopes, dedicated family areas, a fun park, non-skiing activities and the short transfer time of 1 hour 15 minutes approximately.
Selva, Italy
A relaxed and family-friendly resort in the Dolomiti Superski area and a great base to access the Sella Ronda, Selvahas excellent nursery slopes and local slopes for a range of abilities. The Alpe di Suisi accessible from Selva Val Gardena is ideal for families and beginners looking to grow their confidence and move to blue runs.
El Tarter, Andorra
Nestled in the middle of the Grandvalira ski area, El Tarter is the best choice for a family ski holiday in Andorra. The El Tarter ski school is British run with British instructors who will make ski lessons as enjoyable as possible. If you’re looking for the basics in a ski resort such as a small supermarket, a few shops, bars and restaurants and uncrowded pistes then this is the resort to go for. Not to mention its incredibly good value for money!
Recommended family ski holidays
Chalet Hotel Turquoise & Les Granges Du Soleil, La Plagne
In Belle Plagne, the Chalet Hotel Turquoise offers excellent ski in ski out positioning with the ski school meeting point located just 100 metres away. Guests can also take advantage of the free ski guiding and coaching with fully qualified Mountain Expert ski and snowboard instructors to introduce you to the resort or brush up on technique. You must be confident in skiing on blue and red runs. *For over 18s and over 12s during school holidays.
Another ski in ski out accommodation in Plagne Soleil, the Les Granges Du Soleil is a self-catering residence with great facilities and stunning views. There are a number of apartment sizes to suit you are your family plus you have access to the lounge, indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and fitness room all free of charge.
Chalet L’Ours Brun & Le Village Apartments, Les Arcs
High in Les Arcs 2000, the Chalet L’Ours Brun is an alpine style chalet part of a complex with great access to the lifts and slopes. Sleeping 12, this is a perfect chalet for 2-3 families so would make the perfect choice for a group of family friends!
Le Village Apartments in Les Arcs 1950 are very popular due to their ideal position in the centre of the car-free resort. Furnished in Savoyard style the apartments have ski in ski out convenience as well as the resort amenities and guests have free access to the ‘Cinq Mondes’ spa and wellness area.
Le Village Apartments Double Bedroom
Chalet Hotel Escapade & Chalet Vieux Logis, Alpe d’Huez
Just 5 metres away from the slopes and situated just further up from the Vieil Alpe area of resort, the Chalet Hotel Escapade is an exclusive property to Iglu. A groomed track allows you to ski down to the chairlift which takes you in the main ski area and for most of the season you will be able to ski back to the hotel!
For a more exclusive experience, the Chalet Vieux Logis is located in the heart of Old Town. Providing a welcoming and warm ambiance as well as quality and convenience, it’s an ideal property to stay in with your family.
Terrasses De Veret Apartments & Hotel Le Flaine, Flaine
Ideal for families wanting to stay in a self-catering apartment, the Terrasses De Veret Apartments are located at the foot of the Grand Vans chairlift. The apartments are modern and comfortable and offer beautiful alpine views across resort. After a day of skiing, guests can relax in the indoor heated pool and sauna.
In the centre of resort for prime access to the Grand Massif ski area, the Hotel Le Flaine have spacious and comfortable bedrooms as well as a stylish bar, lounge area with fireplace and spa area. There are also various kids clubs for specific age groups in-house and the restaurant provides a cosy welcoming feel with morning and evening buffets.
Grand Alpes- Chalet Valentine & Chalet Papillon 4, La Rosiere
Sleeping 5, the Grandes Alps- Chalet Valentine is perfect for larger families looking for exclusivity for both accommodation and family meals. The nearest lift and slopes are both 150 metres away and childcare facilities are also available in-chalet.
Chalet Papillon 4 is great for 2 to 3 families who can relax in the communal open plan living and dining area. Ski to and from the chalet only 75 metres away and the ski school meeting point and Les Eucherts chairlift are very close by.
Village Club Du Soleil Florimontane & Chalet Lumi (Little Lumi), Morzine
The Village Club Du Soleil Florimontane not only has a long name but is a perfect choice for families with full board catering, close proximity to the pistes and lifts and a kids clubs from 3 months to 17 years. For parents, the sauna, steam room and whirlpool provide a lovely space to unwind after a day of skiing.
For a family of 4 looking for their own exclusive chalet, the Little Lumi is divine. This luxury contemporary chalet in the heart of Morzine is just 100 metres away from the nearest lift and complete with a flat screen TV, heated terrace and its own living and dining area with your very own chalet host.
Chalet Little Lumi Living Area
Hotel Caprice & Hotel Belvedere, Wengen
The Hotel Caprice is a small boutique hotel with a central location in Wengen resort. All rooms are renovated and most are south facing with mountain views. The three room suites (2 bedrooms, lounge and balcony) are perfect for families!
You’ll be welcomed with a friendly atmosphere at the Hotel Belvedere which is situated just a 5 minute walk away from the village centre and cable car in a quiet location. Features include a cosy lounge with fireplace, bar, TV room, dining room and children’s playroom.
Grand Hotel & Hotel Alpine Resort, Zell am See
In a fantastic location by the lake and pedestrian centre and railway, the Grand Hotel provides a high standard of comfort and service. Its rooms are ideal if you are looking for your family to stay in one room with family rooms that sleep up to 4 and large grand suites which have two separate bedrooms.
The Hotel Alpine Resort also has family suites that sleep up to 5 and features a leisure area with indoor pool, sauna, steam room and relaxation room to use after a day of skiing. Plus the beginner’s slopes are located just across from the hotel and the Schmittenhöhe and Sonnalm lifts are close by.
Chalet Garni Salvan & Continental Hotel, Selva
The traditional Chalet Garni Salvan overlooks Selva resort and is only a 2 minute walk away from the Costabella chairlift which links to the epic Sella Ronda ski circuit. This is an ideal base for a group of families looking for simplicity in prime location to access the vast Dolomites ski area.
For a ski in ski out location, then look no further than the Continental Hotel, situated at the foot of the Dantercepies gondola and at the top of the nursery slopes close to the ski school meeting point. The Continental Hotel also has fantastic leisure facilities including sauna, Kneipp bath, stream room, jacuzzi and fitness area free of charge!
Hotel Euroski & Hotel Del Clos, El Tarter
Fantastic value for money, the Hotel Euroski offers comfortable accommodation and fantastic leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room, fitness room, and games room to keep everyone in the family entertained. The hotel is 600 metres away from the resort and slopes, but there is a free hotel shuttle bus to the lifts.
Winning the 2016 Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice award based on its reviews for excellent service and close to the slopes, the Hotel Del Clos is a popular one amongst families. The hotel offers free guiding and coaching as part of the Mountain Collection for over 18s (over 12s during school holidays) and is well equipped with twin, triple and quad rooms for families that are situated in an elevated position to take in the beautiful mountain views.
Hotel Del Clos at Night