Favourites
Customer portal
Many of us have cherished memories of our first family ski holiday, and want to give our children the same magical experiences.
From that first glimpse of snowcapped peaks to their first thrilling turns, it all starts with choosing the right resort. Europe is blessed with dozens of family skiing destinations - but which is right for you? We’ve sifted the data and ranked each resort against the factors we know are most important to parents taking young children skiing.
With their vast ski areas, acres of beginner terrain, purpose-built family villages, and discounted lift passes, French resorts like La Plagne and Tignes come out on top. But several Austrian resorts and a couple of Italian ones (notable for allowing kids to ski for free up to 8) are also included.
Here’s our pick of the 12 best family ski resorts in Europe.
How did we rank our resorts?
In this article, we predominantly focus on resorts that cater to families with younger children who may need lessons and prefer beginner-friendly terrain. For that reason, a high number of green and blue slopes, the cost of a local lift pass and the number of free lifts were significant when deciding our ranking.
We also considered the cost of lessons, transfer time from the airport, and whether or not the resort offers a family lift pass discount, as we know that value for money and convenience are major considerations for parents. But we’ve balanced that against the quality of the resort and the size of its ski area. We haven’t just gone for the cheapest options, because we know that that can mean sacrificing what makes a skiing holiday worth going on.
Finally, all our chosen resorts have plenty of family-friendly non-skiing activities, restaurants that welcome kids, and, should you need them, childcare facilities and kids clubs.
| Resort | Green slopes (France only) | Blue Slopes | Adult private lesson (hour) | Child group lesson (hour) | Number of free lifts | Local lift pass cost (day) | Free child lift pass* | Discounted family lift passes | Transfer time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Plagne | 8 | 77 | €58 | €32 | 16 | €68 | Under 5 | Yes | 2h 30m |
| Tignes | 10 | 37 | €63 | €15.50 | 9 | €61 | Under 8 | Yes | 2h 15m |
| Courchevel/La Tania | 20 | 40 | €81 | €22 | 12 | €75 | Under 5 | Yes | 2h 10m |
| Les Arcs | 11 | 45 | €60 | €28 | 6 (Sat and Sun only) | €68 | Under 5 | Yes | 2h 15m |
| Morzine/Les Gets | 6 | 28 | €54 | €20 | 0 | €46 | Under 5 | Yes | 1h 30m |
| La Rosiere | 8 | 25 | €60 | €23 | 2 | €54 | Under 5 | Yes | 2h 30m |
| Lech | n/a | 60 | €75 | €35 | 0 | €75 | Discounted for under 8 | No | 1h 30m |
| Alpbach | n/a | 13 | €70 | €25 | 0 | €54 | Under 5 | No | 1h |
| Zell am See | n/a | 31 | €65 | €25 | 0 | €65 | Under 6 | No | 1h 30m |
| Obergurgl | n/a | 16 | €65 | €25 | 0 | €73.50 | Under 8 | No | 1h 30m |
| La Thuile | n/a | 13 | €45 | €20 | 2 | €55 | Under 8 | Yes | 3h |
| Passo Tonale | n/a | 10 | €43 | €20 | 0 | €60 | Under 8 | No | 1h 40m |
The 12 best family skiing resorts in Europe
La Plagne
Total beginner slopes: 85
Free lifts: 16
Local lift pass cost: €68
Kids ski free until: 5
Discounted family pass: Yes
Transfer time: 2 hours
Across its 11 villages and 225km of local pistes, La Plagne is the ultimate family skiing destination. In fact, two of its villages, Montalbert and Montchavin, are recognised as ‘Famille Plus’ resorts, meaning they have to meet 110 specific requirements and make six commitments making family holidays a success. Commitments include a personalised welcome, entertainment and activities for all ages, and the highest standards of childcare, and there are strict requirements around safety, accommodation, catering, transport, and more.
Skiing
La Plagne forms just over half of the vast 425km Paradiski area, with 8 green and 77 blue slopes - a massive 85 beginner runs in total. In La Plagne itself, there are dedicated green nursery slopes in every village and an unrivalled 16 free lifts, which are great for first timers learning the basics before committing to a paid pass. You’ll also find ski schools with English-speaking instructors in every village.
On top of that, it offers excellent value for families. There’s a discounted lift pass that saves you €25 per person when two adults and at least two children aged 5 to 12 purchase together, as well as a beginner pass that’ll save you nearly £200 per person over 6 days.
And thanks to its high-altitude (70% of the pistes are above 2,000m) and snowmaking, the snow is reliable from December to late April, allowing families to take advantage of those lower Easter holiday prices (it’s an average of around £400 cheaper than February half-term) without worrying about the conditions.
Amenities
Older and younger kids are well-catered for once the slopes have closed. There’s more than one ice rink, swimming pools, bowling, and, if they haven’t had enough of the snow after a day’s skiing, skidoo rides, snowshoeing, fat biking and ice climbing. Plus, families are spoilt for choice by the range of child-friendly restaurants on offer.
Where to stay
Montalbert and Montchavin both have the Famille Plus label, so are a safe bet. If you can get a few families together, Chalet La Vieille Maison in Montalbert sleeps 18 and is a stone’s throw from the ski lifts.
There’s also a Club Med in Aime La Plagne. An all-inclusive Club Med package typically includes flights, transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, and lift passes, which can save you money and take the hassle out of organising your first family trip. Or you could save a few hundred pounds by staying in low-key Plagne 1800. Wherever you stay, you can get around the entire resort on the free shuttle, which runs until midnight.
Or you could stay up in Belle Plagne. With its wooden-clad buildings and car free centre, Belle Plagne is one of the prettiest villages in the resort, and at 2,050m, one of the most snow-sure. This means many of the hotels are ski-in-ski-out. For example, Chalet Hotel Turquoise has large family rooms and is right on the slopes.
La Plagne is the ultimate family resort
Tignes
Total beginner slopes: 47
Free lifts: 9
Local lift pass cost: €61
Kids ski free until: 8
Discounted family pass: Yes
Transfer time: 2h 15m
Tignes is also notable for its many villages and, in a similar way, it’s this variety that makes it such a surefire favourite for families. It’s also a Famille Plus resort.
Skiing
With its links to Val d’Isere, Tignes offers 300km of terrain for all the family. Though less experienced skiers will find more than enough in the resort itself, including 10 greens and 37 blues. There are nine free lifts and if you buy at least four six-day lift passes (including two adults, and two children) in a single purchase, everyone will get a seventh day of skiing for free. What’s more, children under 8 ski for free, which is unusual in France - a country where it's usually only up to age 5.
Amenities
The Le Lagon Aquatic Centre is free with a six day pass and offers kid-friendly pools, water slides, and a spa for adults. There’s a cinema in Val Claret, while Tignespace, an indoor sports complex, boasts a climbing wall, tennis, trampolining, and a fitness zone.
Where to stay
Stay in Les Boisses (an entire village purpose built for families) or Le Lavachet to enjoy the same ski area for nearly £500 less than if you stay in one of Tignes’ busier villages. Chalet Camille is a very cosy option in Le Lavachet that’s just a short walk from the slopes, ski schools and town centre.
Courchevel / La Tania
Total beginner slopes: 60
Free lifts: 12
Local lift pass cost: €75
Kids ski free until: 5
Discounted family pass: Yes
Transfer time: 2h 10m
Courchevel’s reputation for glamour is deserved, but it’s also a brilliant family resort, especially if you stay further down the valley in the charming village of La Tania.
Skiing
There are 150km of pistes in Courchevel alone (and over 600km in The Three Valleys, the world’s largest interlinked ski area), with a very impressive 20 greens, 40 blues and 12 free lifts around the villages.
La Tania has its own nursery slopes, which are served by a magic carpet and are the perfect place to learn the basics. Once you’re ready to explore the wider area, Courchevel has loads of options for families that want to save money on lift passes. That includes a local pass (€61.30 a day for kids and €74.80 for adults), a beginner pass (€38.5 per day), and a family flex pass which allows everyone to ski at the child’s rate.
Amenities
Small and pretty, La Tania’s car-free centre and child-friendly restaurants make it popular with families. However, most of the amenities can be found in Courchevel’s larger villages, which are easy to reach on the free shuttle bus (you don’t need a ski pass and it runs from 7am until 2am) or on the gondola.
Where to stay
La Tania can be over £500 cheaper than Courchevel’s other villages, though it grants you access to the same pistes and, should you need it, the entire Three Valleys. The village has a range of lovely chalets that cater to different group sizes and budgets.
Les Arcs
Total beginner slopes: 56
Free lifts: 6 (but they’re only free on Saturday and Sunday)
Local lift pass cost: €68
Kids ski free until: 5
Discounted family pass: Yes
Transfer time: 2h 15m
Forming the other half of the Paradiski area alongside La Plagne, it’s no surprise that Les Arcs also makes it high up on our list of family friendly resorts. Many of its villages are purpose-built, with plenty of ski-in-ski-out accommodation and amenities that are great for kids.
Skiing
With 11 green slopes and 45 blues, novices and progressing beginners will be delighted by the skiing on offer in Les Arcs. And with many of the villages served by their own beginner slopes and ski schools, you don’t need to worry too much about where you stay. Like La Plagne, it’s high altitude and snow sure, so you can squeeze in an Easter school holiday trip for the best value.
Amenities
A highlight is the Aiguille Rouge zipline, which allows you to soar down the mountain like an eagle at up to 130km/h. There’s another zipline that’s suitable for younger children.
Families will also enjoy the Igloo Village, where you can explore the ice grotto and see sculptures carved into the walls of ice, while in Arc 1800, there’s a swimming pool and a bowling alley.
Where to stay
Like its neighbour, Les Arcs has several villages at different altitudes, giving families a number of options for where to stay. Arc 1600 is good for access to the beginner slopes, while Peisey Vallandry is one of the quieter villages and is situated right next to the Vanoise Express, the cable car that takes you to la Plagne. Chalet Petit Mont Blanc in Peisey Vallandry is located quite literally on the slopes by the Grizzly chairlift and includes kids’ meals at no extra cost.
Alternatively, high up in Les Arcs 2000, the Chalet L’Ours Brun is an alpine-style chalet and part of a complex with great access to the lifts and slopes. Sleeping 12, this is a perfect chalet for 2-3 families so be great for a group of family friends.
Le Village Apartments Double Bedroom
Morzine / Les Gets
Total beginner slopes: 34
Free lifts: 0
Local lift pass cost: €46
Kids ski free until: 5
Discounted family pass: Yes
Transfer time: 1h 30m
Morzine and its neighbour Les Gets have a much shorter transfer time than other French resorts - just 90 minutes from Geneva - which takes some of the hassle out of a long journey with kids.
Skiing
Perfectly situated in the massive Portes du Soleil, but forming their own smaller skiing area, Morzine-Les Gets is an enduring family favourite. With 6 greens and 28 blues, learners have plenty of local slopes to get acquainted with and can make use of the dedicated area lift pass if they don’t want to venture further afield. There are no free lifts, but families can knock a generous 10% of the total price of their passes when they purchase together. On top of that, lessons are cheaper than many other French resorts in our ranking.
Amenities
There are outdoor and indoor ice rinks in Morzine and Les Gets as well as a massive sports centre, with indoor climbing and swimming. It’s also only a short ride to neighboring Avoriaz, home to the ‘Aquariaz’, a massive indoor swimming centre with heated pools, water slides, a lazy river, and bubble-massage seats.
Where to stay
The Village Club Du Soleil Florimontane is the perfect choice for families who want full board catering, close proximity to the pistes and lifts and 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 like a mini palace. This luxury contemporary chalet in the heart of Morzine is just 100 metres away from the nearest lift and features a flat screen TV, heated terrace, and a living and dining area with its very own chalet host.
Chalet Little Lumi Living Area
La Rosiere
Total beginner slopes: 33
Free lifts: 2
Local lift pass cost: €54
Kids ski free until: 5
Discounted family pass: Yes
Transfer time: 2h 30m
With its quiet and friendly slopes, tree-lined runs and low-key apres, La Rosiere is often held up as the quintessential family resort.
Skiing
Sitting up at 1,850m and with lifts going up to 2,800m, La Rosiere’s nursery slopes and wide open blues make it both snow sure and ideal for little skiers learning the ropes.
Thanks to its south-facing orientation, the slopes are often bathed in sunshine, which always makes for a more memorable holiday, whether you’re a child making your first descent or a parent watching on. Even better, there are two free lifts - the Manessier drag lift in the main village, and Lutins magic carpet in Les Eucherts - and families skiing together can get up to 8% off the cost of a ski pass for each person.
La Rosiere forms the Espace San Bernardo with La Thuile, which is over the border in Italy, opening up a combined 160km of pistes, as well as the prospect of freshly baked pizza for lunch.
Amenities
Off the slopes, make memories while ice skating together, or go ten-pin bowling. There’s also a cinema which shows some English-language films (look out for VO - which stands for version originale).
Where to stay
Both La Rosiere and its small satellite village Les Eucherts are great for families.
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. You can ski to and from the chalet, while the ski school meeting point and Les Eucherts chairlift are very close by.
THE IGLU EXPERT
Iglu Ski’s Phil went to La Rosière recently with his young family:
"There is a great selection of easy slopes coming into town, which are all easily accessible from the ski school meeting points.
“The slopes are really quiet compared to most of the other French ski areas we've been to, and we had no lift queues.
“You can also head over the border into Italy and ski down to La Thuile, where there are some more intermediate and advanced pistes, and some great mountain restaurants to stop at for an Italian lunch."
Lech
Total beginner slopes: 60
Free lifts: 0
Local lift pass cost: €75
Kids ski free until: Discounted for under 8s
Discounted family pass: No
Transfer time: 1h 30m
The first Austrian resort in our ranking is a great example of everything that the country’s ski resorts offer for families, including friendly terrain, a picture-perfect resort centre, and activities for all.
Skiing
With its fenced off kids’ skiing areas and high quantity of blue runs, Lech is probably the most family-friendly of all the resorts in the 305km Ski Arlberg area. The Kinderclub, which takes children from ages 3 to 6 for a day of supervised skiing and fun in the snow, is a prime example of this, and parents with first timers can rest assured their kids are learning in a safe and encouraging environment. Those with more experienced children will love skiing on the many motorway runs and exploring the wider skiing area together
There are no completely free lifts but kids up to 8 can access the entire ski area for just €11 a day, which is a significant saving compared to French resorts.
Amenities
With its traditional architecture and beautiful mountain views, Lech is a classic Alpine skiing town and is rightly included alongside Chamonix, Zermatt, and St. Moritz as one of the 12 ‘Best of the Alps’. You do have to pay a premium for this status, but you’re sure to have a memorable family holiday.
In the resort itself, there’s a toboggan run, a leisure centre, and, for parents, a spa where they can unwind.
Where to stay
Families will love Lech’s warm and welcoming hotels.
The stunning Hotel Berghof has its own private lift that takes you to the village centre and ski lift hub, and offers children’s dining on request from 6pm.
The family-run Hotel Antonius is conveniently located at the foot of the slopes and offers the best in Austrian hospitality.
Alpbach
Total beginner slopes: 13
Free lifts: 0
Local lift pass cost: €54
Kids ski free until: 5
Discounted family pass: No
Transfer time: 1h
Whether you’re on the slopes or down in the village, the pretty and sleepy resort of Alpbach guarantees a serene skiing holiday that’s particularly suited to families with young children. It’s also only an hour away from the nearest major airport, Innsbruck.
Skiing
Alpbach is great for families with first time skiers. The nursery slopes are very accessible as they surround the village, and there’s a good supply of beginner level blues on Wiedersberger that are perfect for progressing onto. However, there’s no family discount to speak of or free lifts.
Amenities
Alpbach is one of those pretty Austrian villages. There are plenty of outdoor activities for all the family, including tobogganing, and ice skating, but not heaps of other evening entertainment options.
Where to stay
Head to the Aktiv & Wellnesshotel Pirchnerhof where you can enjoy the heated indoor pool, while the children mess about in the kids’ play area and games room, which has pool and table football. The ski room has heated boot racks, too.
Zell am See
Total beginner slopes: 31
Free lifts: 0
Local lift pass cost: €65
Kids ski free until: 6
Discounted family pass: No
Transfer time: 1h 30m
In a country with some stiff competition, Zell am See, with its lakefront location and traditional Austrian architecture, stands out as an exceptionally pretty resort. For families, that makes it an idyllic ski holiday destination.
Skiing
Zell am See is great for family skiing. As well as a high proportion of blue runs, it has themed fun runs for young skiers, nursery slopes, and a number of nursery slopes served by moving carpets and button lifts.
If the parents are more experienced, they can leave their kids safe in the hands of one of the excellent ski schools and explore neighboring Kaprun on a Ski Alpin Card. Additionally, if you purchase Ski Alpin Cards for two children (born in 2006 or later) any other children you have born in 2007 or later ski for free.
Amenities
There’s loads for families to do off the slopes, including an ice rink, an indoor swimming centre with a heated pool, 74m slide, toddler pool and pirate play ship. Or, if you haven’t had enough of sliding down slopes, the floodlit toboggan run is open until 10pm.
Where to stay
The Sportresort Alpenblick has a 3-8 kids’ club, as well as a games room with table football, board games and table tennis, plus heated indoor and outdoor pools and a heated boot rack.
Or choose the Hotel Waldhof, which has a children’s playroom with toys, a games room with pool, table football, table tennis and computer games, and a heated indoor and outdoor pool.
THE IGLU EXPERT
Iglu Ski's Gordon has spent many a family holiday in Zell am See, both as a child and as a dad:
"Zell am See has been a family favourite since I was very young. There's something quite special about a ski resort on a lake with a glacier off in the distance (Kaprun Kitzsteinhorn).
"Better still, access to the mountain is easy from the town centre (cityXpress) with the added convenience of a super convenient ski bus network to whisk off to neighbouring ski areas & resorts. I recall hours of fun in the Dragon Park & Kinder-Skiland and regular visits to the centrally located indoor swimming pool which now has a rival - the impressive Tauern Spa in Kaprun."
Zell am See: possibly the prettiest resort in Austria
Obergurgl
Total beginner slopes: 16
Free lifts: 0
Local lift pass cost: €65
Kids ski free until: 8
Discounted family pass: No
Transfer time: 1h 30m
Sitting up at 1,800m and with lifts going up to 3,082m, Obergurgl is one of Austria’s most snow-sure ski resorts - it’s also one of its most family friendly.
Skiing
Linked to the smaller satellite resort of Hochgurgl, over half of the slopes in the combined 110km ski area are blue, many of which are wide open runs above the treeline. These pistes are great for little skiers looking to progress - and the views aren’t bad either. The modern lift system provides safe and efficient transport around the ski area, and the high number of runs into the resort and ski-in-ski-out accommodation allows you to maximise family time on the slopes.
Obergurgl’s snow surety means its season typically stretches from November to late April. That means you can take advantage of the cheaper prices in the second week of Easter holidays.
And while there’s no family ski pass, kids up to 8 ski for free.
Amenities
Your children will love the family-friendly adventure pool, which has slides and a rock grotto. For older kids and adults, there’s a fitness centre, tennis hall, and a 700m² indoor golf centre.
Where to stay
Obergurgl has hotels to suit all needs and budgets, many of which are very family-friendly.
Hotel Lohman is a good option. It has hotel-run childcare and a kids’ playroom with a slide, trampoline and ball pit. The English-speaking staff keep kids entertained with crafts, games, and songs. They can also collect children for lunch at the hotel and return them to ski school in the afternoon.
Hotel Bergwelt has complimentary childcare, indoor and outdoor activities for kids, and kids’ cinema. It also puts on a shuttle service to ski school.
La Thuile
Total beginner slopes: 13
Free lifts: 2
Local lift pass cost: €55
Kids ski free until: 8
Discounted family pass: Yes
Transfer time: 3h
Just over the border from La Rosiere, La Thuile shares many of the same charms as its neighbour, including wide, uncrowded slopes, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a healthy snow record.
Skiing
There are over 13km of easy to very easy slopes in La Thuile - perfect for children and beginners, while the north-facing aspect maintains excellent snow conditions.
As well as two free magic carpets, La Thuile has some great ski pass discounts for families. Kids up to 8 ski for free if they’re with an adult with a valid pass, while those up to 16 get a 30% discount and there’s a 20% discount for under 24s. The resort also has dedicated Green (€11 for children up to 8 years) and Blue (€12 for children up to 8 years) beginner passes, which grant access to specific areas for a significantly reduced rate.
There is also a discount for parents with children up to 3 who aren’t yet skiing. It allows them to share a pass and take turns doing childcare - rather than buying a pass each they can only use for half the time.
Amenities
La Thuile is a quiet resort and there aren’t loads of post-ski activities. However, there is a small sledging hill, a swimming pool, and any number of restaurants selling hearty and authentic Italian/Aostan cuisine.
Where to stay
The hotels in la Thuile are charming and affordable. The family-run Hotel du Glacier is just 5 minutes’ walk from the resort centre and ski school meeting point. Hotel Planibel is right next to the resort’s lifts and has its own indoor pool and restaurants.
Planibel Apartments are also good for families, with a large indoor pool, evening entertainment and on-site childcare.
Passo Tonale
Total beginner slopes: 10
Free lifts: 0
Local lift pass cost: €60
Kids ski free until: 8
Discounted family pass: 8
Transfer time: 1h 40m
Perched up at 1,883m, Passo Tonale is one of Italy’s most snow-sure resorts and is an affordable skiing destination for families.
Skiing
13 of the resort’s 46 slopes are blue, and they’re mostly wide and gentle, making them easy for learners.
There are some very accessible nursery slopes right next to the resort’s compact centre. For example, Fantaski Park is the perfect place for young beginners and non-skiing kids. It has 2 easy slopes served by magic carpets, as well as bouncy castles, sleds and baby snowtubing There’s also a mini-club where children can leave their parents and a babysitting service.
Like many Italian resorts, under 8s ski for free, while juniors (those born between 2008 and 2016) get a reduced rate.
Amenities
Once a week, Passo Tonale puts on an evening extravaganza for kids, with music, entertainment, novelty ski competitions, face painting, hot chocolate and more.
There’s also the Acquapark, an aquatic family playground that provides hours of entertainment with its two giant slides, ‘anti-shock’ floor, and water cannons.
Where to stay
Many of the resort’s hotels have child-friendly facilities and kids’ clubs. In particular we’d recommend Hotel Paradiso, which is just 10 minutes’ walk from the ski school meeting point; Hotel Adamello, which has a playroom with a ball pool, soft toys, slides and a painting corner; and Hotel Miramonti, which has its own indoor pool and evening entertainment for for kids.
Book your next family ski holiday with Iglu Ski
We’ve been helping families organise their ski holidays for over a quarter of a century, so we know what makes for an unforgettable trip. At Iglu Ski, we work with dozens of tour operators to be able to bring you more ski deals than any other agent, so you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. Or if you have more specific requirements, we can tailor a package to your needs
Have a look at our best family ski holiday deals, or get in touch with us on 020 3811 6801 - we’re here to help. You can also enquire using the online form.