Planning a family ski holiday can seem daunting, especially when you’re trying to cater to everyone’s needs. From keeping toddlers entertained to finding slopes that challenge teenagers, choosing the right destination is essential. o help you decide, we’ve hand-picked the best family ski resorts in Europe for winter 2024.. These ski resorts offer a great mix of child-friendly accommodation, ski schools, and off-slope activities, ensuring that every family member has an unforgettable holiday.
Gressoney La Trinité, Italy
A Hidden Italian Gem for Families
Nestled in the Monterosa ski area, Gressoney La Trinité is a picturesque Italian village with charming cobbled streets and welcoming locals. It’s perfect for families who want a balance between relaxation and adventure. The resort caters to all skiing abilities, from beginners to experts. While the kids enjoy ski lessons at the Monterosa ski school, parents can explore the more challenging slopes in nearby Champoluc. There are also great family-friendly hotels like Hotel Lyshaus, offering easy access to the slopes and family dining options.
Passo Tonale, Italy
Beginner-Friendly and Family-Focused
Passo Tonale is one of Italy’s most family-friendly ski resorts, with slopes designed for beginners and a large playground for kids. The high-altitude resort guarantees good snow conditions, ensuring everyone in the family gets time on the slopes. The Fantaski Kindergarten offers ski lessons and fun activities, keeping children entertained while parents enjoy more challenging slopes. Hotel Grand Paradiso provides a family-friendly atmosphere with a children’s games room and nursery.
Courmayeur, Italy
Nature and Adventure for the Whole Family
Courmayeur Mont Blanc is a perfect family-friendly ski destination with stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by greenery and alpine charm, the villages in Courmayeur provide a peaceful yet exciting environment for family holidays. Children will love the winter fun park, swimming pools, ice rink, and cable cars, while parents can enjoy scenic walks, playgrounds, and the resort’s renowned sports centre.
Discover more about travelling to Lapland with kids with our free travel guide to Courmayeur.
Courchevel, France
A Premier Family Destination
Awarded the Famille Plus label in 2010, Courchevel is one of the top family ski resorts in France. All Courchevel villages are well-suited for families with babies and toddlers, offering a wide range of services like skiing rentals, ski schools, and shops. There are plenty of activities beyond skiing to keep the entire family entertained, including paragliding, dog-sledging, canoeing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and luxury, Courchevel is the ideal choice for your winter 2024 ski trip.
Discover more about travelling to Lapland with kids with our free travel guide to Courchevel.
Val d’Isère, France
Family Fun Beyond the Après-Ski
Though often known for its après-ski scene, Val d’Isère is also an excellent choice for families. The Espace Killy ski area, shared with Tignes, provides plenty of slopes for all levels. Beginners should avoid skiing back into Val d’Isère in the afternoon, as the slopes can become icy. Off-slope activities like dog sledding and ice skating ensure that the whole family has plenty to enjoy. Stay at Club Med Val d’Isère for an all-inclusive, family-friendly experience with excellent childcare options.
La Plagne, France
Pedestrian-Friendly and Ideal for Kids
The village of Belle Plagne, one of La Plagne’s ten villages, sits at a high altitude and is entirely pedestrianised, making it a safe and child-friendly environment. The Paradiski area offers 425 kilometres of pistes for all abilities, with nursery slopes perfect for younger skiers. The Hotel La Terra Nova offers ski-in, ski-out access and family-sized rooms, making it an excellent choice for those with toddlers.
Grenoble, France
Gateway to Multiple Family-Friendly Resorts
Grenoble, located at the foot of the French Alps, is often referred to as the “Capital of the Alps” and serves as a gateway to several family-friendly ski resorts. While Grenoble itself isn’t a ski resort, its proximity to numerous excellent ski areas makes it a fantastic base for families looking to explore different slopes.
Families can access nearby resorts such as Chamrousse, Les Deux Alpes, and Alpe d’Huez, all offering great skiing options for various skill levels, and family-friendly amenities. Activities for kids include snowshoeing, tobogganing, and snow parks, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Grenoble also has plenty of off-slope entertainment with museums, parks, and child-friendly restaurants. Staying in Grenoble gives families the flexibility to choose from multiple ski resorts in the region while enjoying a lively city atmosphere. Grenoble is ideal if you’re looking to explore the best family ski resorts in Europe without staying in one place.
Discover more about travelling to Lapland with kids with our free travel guide to Grenoble.
Morzine, France
Perfect for All Abilities
Morzine is a family-friendly resort with something for everyone, from toddlers to advanced skiers. Its wide range of ski schools and childcare facilities, including the ESF Kindergartens and Cheeky Monkey’s Childcare, make it one of the best family ski resorts in Europe. The village atmosphere is laid-back, with plenty of restaurants offering kids’ menus, making it a top choice for family ski holidays. Stay at Hotel Le Dahu for exceptional service and a prime location.
La Rosière, France
Varied Terrain and Top Childcare
La Rosière is a fantastic ski destination for families, with plenty of varied terrain suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. The Les Galopins Kids’ Club takes children as young as 18 months, allowing parents some freedom to explore the slopes. Off-slope activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog-sledding make this one of the best family ski resorts in France. For an all-inclusive experience, stay at Club Med La Rosière.
Obergurgl, Austria
Tranquillity and Fun in the Austrian Alps
Located in Tyrol, Obergurgl is a high-altitude ski resort perfect for families seeking peace and quiet. With a low traffic environment, it’s particularly child-friendly. The resort offers a range of blue runs for intermediate skiers, while advanced skiers can head to nearby Sölden for more challenging pistes. Families love staying at Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl, which offers excellent childcare and family-focused amenities, making it one of the best family ski resorts in Europe.
Lech, Austria
Free Skiing for Kids Under 8
Lech in the Arlberg ski area is a fantastic destination for families, offering everything from nursery slopes to advanced pistes. Children under eight ski for free, making it one of the best ski resorts for young families. With 502 kilometres of pistes, Lech is linked to other popular ski areas like St. Anton and Zürs. Stay at Hotel Monzabon for comfortable, family-friendly accommodation with direct access to the slopes.
Ellmau, Austria
Endless Activities for Children
In the heart of the SkiWelt area, Ellmau is a top choice for families thanks to its fantastic range of children’s activities, ski schools, and crèche s. With plenty of blue runs and easy access to beginner slopes, the resort is perfect for young skiers. Off-slope activities like ice skating, bowling, and swimming ensure there’s always something to do. Hotel Hochfilzer is popular with families due to its brilliant location and facilities tailored to younger visitors.
Zell am See, Austria
Stunning Views and Family Fun
Zell am See is a charming resort offering 138 kilometres of slopes and stunning views over Lake Zell. It’s a low-key resort with a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families. Excellent childcare and ski schools make it easy for parents to relax while the kids are occupied. Off-slope activities like ice skating and curling provide plenty of family fun. Stay at SportHotel Alpin for spacious rooms and ski-in, ski-out access.
Geilo, Norway
Norway’s Best for Young Families
For those travelling with very young children, Geilo is one of the best family ski resorts. The resort offers a range of activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides and dog sledding, perfect for toddlers and beginners. Geilo also has a superb crèche, taking babies from six months to eight years old, making it a perfect destination for families with infants. Stay at the Vestlia Resort, which offers ski-in, ski-out convenience and family-friendly services.
Lapland, Finland
The Magic of Santa Claus
A family ski holiday wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Lapland. Located in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, Lapland is a magical winter wonderland for all ages. The resort offers activities beyond skiing, including visits to Santa Claus Village, Santapark, and the Snowman World. Whether you’re travelling with babies, toddlers, or older kids, Lapland guarantees a festive and enchanting family holiday.
Discover more about travelling to Lapland with kids with our free family travel guide to Lapland.
Saas-Fee/Saastal, Switzerland
Winter Wonderland for Families
Located in the Swiss Alps, Saas-Fee/Saastal is a dreamy mountain village perfect for family ski holidays. Families feel right at home here, with an array of activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and night sledging. During the festive season, the resort transforms into a Christmas wonderland with markets, concerts, ice-skating, and nativity exhibitions. It’s an ideal winter holiday destination for families with young children.
Discover more about travelling to Lapland with kids with our free travel guide to Saas-Fee.
Whether you’re skiing with toddlers or teenagers, these best family ski resorts in Europe offer everything from beginner slopes and ski schools to off-slope activities that will keep everyone entertained. With excellent childcare, convenient accommodation, and a range of family-friendly facilities, these are the top choices for winter 2024, ensuring your next ski holiday is one the whole family will remember fondly.
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