Nothing beats a family ski holiday. Spending quality time on the lush white slopes, breathing in the amazingly clean fresh air, doing some exercise before spending time relaxing with some off-piste activities and cheese fondue. In addition to the quality ski schools and variety of slopes for all abilities we’ve researched the best family resorts’ pre-and-post ski activities.
From indoor swimming pools and waterslides, to creches, kids clubs and indoor soft play zones, restaurants and family-friendly bars, we’ve got you covered. There are so many great places to go but here we have selected a few of our favourite snow holidays for families in Europe which only have short transfers too.
Val Thorens, France
- Resort Altitude: 2300 m
- Slopes: 1260 – 3230 m
- Pistes: 150 km
- Usually Closes: early May
The highest resort in Europe and a favourite for reliable skiing. You can expect excellent conditions into May, with snow-sure nursery slopes and abundant terrain for the more experienced skier making this the best all-round family ski resort in France. The impressive lift system also makes getting around the area very easy.
You’ll have just as much fun with your skis off, with plenty of lively options for après ski, lots of restaurants, and a wealth of activities including tobogganing, zip-lining, and night hikes to keep everyone entertained.
Zermatt, Switzerland
- Resort Altitude: 1620 m
- Slopes: 1620 – 3820 m
- Pistes: 200 km
- Usually Closes: late April
A paradise in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn with glacier skiing and stunning alpine scenery describes Zermatt perfectly. Without doubt one of the best European ski resorts for families, with pistes to suit all abilities and an efficient network of lifts connecting 200 km of runs that extend into neighbouring Italy.
Boutiques and chocolate shops line cobbled streets in the beautiful centre, with varied après ski suited to all ages. Indoor and outdoor activities are as abundant as they are varied, with lots of high octane and more relaxing activities available.
Les Deux Alpes, France
- Resort Altitude: 1650 m
- Slopes: 1300 – 3568 m
- Pistes: 155 km
- Usually Closes: late April
Glacier skiing, snowmobiling, toboganning and dog sledging makes this one of the best snow holiday options for families in the French alps, with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and high-altitude pistes for all levels adding to its wide appeal.
On the slopes, La Toura, Freestyle Land and the kids’ snowpark at Les Cretes offer fun with skis, while off the slopes, the Croisette building, Espace 1800 leisure centre, and Palais des Sports offer enough activities to keep everyone happy.
The resort is compact and easy to navigate, with most of the entertainment on the main street, Avenue de la Muzelle, where you’ll find a variety of accommodation in-between a vast array of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Tignes, France
- Resort Altitude: 2100 m
- Slopes: 1550 – 3450 m
- Pistes: 150 km
- Usually Closes: mid May
The Grand Motte glacier is huge, allowing you to ski for at a greater height and for longer, making this a great option for a ski resort. Whatever your skill level you will find the right slope for you.
The resort of Tignes consists of five distinctly different villages. Le Lac is the central hub and a great option for young families with easy access to the main lift system and gorgeous views across the lake. Party lovers enjoy the best nightlife at Val Claret, while Le Lavachet offers more peaceful evenings. Down at 1850 m is the peaceful Les Boisses and lower still at 1550 m you’ll find classic alpine charm at Les Brévières.
There’s plenty on offer for all level of skiers and the après ski and non-skiing activities will appeal to all tastes, with the LIVE IN TIGNES by FRANCOFOLIES music festival in mid-April a favourite for those who like life a little louder.
Saas Fee, Switzerland
- Resort Altitude: 1800 m
- Slopes: 1800 – 3500 m
- Pistes: 100 km
- Usually Closes: late April
Good looks and killer snow, this fantastic family-friendly resort has it all. Located close to the Italian border, most of the 100 km of runs sit above 2500m and there’s glacier skiing as well, making it one of the best European ski resorts. There’s plenty of groomed pistes for all levels, a big terrain park for freestylers, and a Fun Park for the little ones.
The resort has oodles of charm and offers visitors a great all-round experience.
Obergurgl, Austria
- Resort Altitude: 1930 m
- Slopes: 1795 – 3080 m
- Pistes: 100 km
- Usually Closes: late April
Austria’s highest resort and among Europe’s most reliable for skiing the entire season. A traditional Tyrolean welcome awaits in the village and in the restaurants scattered across the slopes, where the après ski can often start mid-afternoon and go on well into the night with the glühwein flowing freely.
Once confident on the nursery slopes, you can move to the wide pistes further up the mountain and cruise the blues to slightly higher altitudes at neighbouring Hochgurgl or tackle the more challenging red 1 from panoramic Hohe Mut.
Still relatively unknown by the masses, the area has a nice, relaxed feel, with the slopes not overcrowded and the village very pleasant to stroll around on a sunny afternoon.
Cervinia, Italy
- Resort Altitude: 2050 m
- Slopes: 1524 – 3480 m
- Pistes: 200 km
- Usually Closes: late April
With runs as high as 3480 m, consistent low temperatures, and steady snowfall Cervinia in Italy has few equals when it comes to guaranteed good snow.
The après ski caters for both the raucous and the refined and a fantastic range of snow activities including air boarding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing available when not on your skis.
Avoriaz, France
- Resort Altitude: 1800 m
- Slopes: 1100 – 2466 m
- Pistes: 130 km
- Usually Closes: late April
When not on your skis, kids will love the horse-drawn sleighs which whisk you around this vehicle-free resort that offers stunning alpine scenery and beautiful wide slopes perfect for skiers of all abilities. For non-skiers, the excellent Aquariaz is a water paradise home to river rapids, slides, climbing walls, and pools.
Classic Savoie dishes such as tartiflette, fondue, and raclette are served in the restaurants and the unique Village Igloo offers a calming oasis away from the pistes. Home to the Children’s Village, an award-winning nursery and ski school, and the Lil’Stash snow park, Avoriaz has a worthy claim to the title of the best European ski resort for families.
St. Anton, Austria
- Resort Altitude: 1304 m
- Slopes: 1300 – 2800 m
- Pistes: 305 km
- Usually Closes: late April
St Anton in Austria is known for its challenging skiing and is more suited to thrill seekers looking for an adventure if you have older kids. The legendary White Thrill ski race in April usually marks the end of the ski season and presents a gruelling challenge for all who enter.
Noted for its après ski, partygoers are treated to DJs and live music at numerous venues that include renowned bars Krazy Kanguruh and the Mooserwirt. The 4.2 km long illuminated toboggan run from Gampen to Nasserein is among the many activities available when not skiing, and traditional Tyrolean cuisine can be enjoyed at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the charming resort centre.
Sölden, Austria
- Resort Altitude: 1350 m
- Slopes: 1350 – 3250 m
- Pistes: 146 km
- Usually Closes: late April
Amazing pistes and spectacular views await at this vast ski area nestled in the stunning Tyrol region of the Austrian alps. With extensive high-altitude skiing alongside the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, you will be sure of excellent snow conditions into late April and the Big 3 Foto Rallye points provide opportunities to capture the stunning mountain vistas for posterity.
The pretty riverside town boasts great entertainment away from the slopes, including an interactive James Bond Museum capturing the filming of Spectre in the town and family fun at the thermal spa and swimming pools at Längefeld just 20 minutes by bus.
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