Skiing in Europe is not just a thrilling winter activity, it can be an unforgettable family experience too. However, choosing the right ski resort may tricky, especially when travelling with children. The best family ski resorts need to cater to all family members’ skiing abilities and preferences and offer non-ski activities such as ice skating, tobogganing, and indoor swimming pools – not to mention options for play areas or even sightseeing.
A family ski holiday should consider child-friendly accommodation, proximity to ski areas, variety of slopes for all abilities, ski schools for children, and off-piste activities suitable for families.
If you’re looking to get on the mountain this year, but want to keep everyone entertained both on and off the piste, we think these are the best options.
So… Here are our top ski resorts in Europe for families, including a pick of both luxury and budget options.
By the way, there are some affiliate links in this article. This simply means we earn a commission if you click and buy, at no extra cost to you. Cheers 🙂
1. Val d’Isere, France
Val d’Isere is world-famous, luxury skiing resort located in southeastern France and part of the Espace Killy ski area. It offers over 300 kilometers of ski slopes that cater to all levels, from beginners to experts. Its wide range of blue runs makes it an excellent choice for families.
Moreover, the resort offers numerous non-ski activities, including snowmobiling, indoor climbing, and husky rides.
While Val D’Isere is undoubtedly a luxury option, there are actually opportunities for affordable ski packages here too. In fact, there are great packages on Snowtrex for under £500 per person in this premium resort.
2. Seefeld, Austria
Seefeld is a quaint and picturesque ski resort located in the Austrian Tyrol region, close to Innsbruck. It is an ideal family-friendly destination for many reasons. First, the resort offers plenty of skiing activities that cater to all levels, including ski lessons for children. The beginner slopes are specifically designed to help children learn in a safe and fun environment. Besides skiing, Seefeld offers other snow sports like snowshoe trekking as well.
For families that want a break from skiing, Seefeld offers a vast array of non-ski activities. The resort has a dedicated children’s area called School & Kinderland where children can take part in fun and exciting activities supervised by childcare professionals. Children can also enjoy the natural ice-skating rink or enter the igloo village. For adults, the resort has a casino, bars, cafes, and shops for a well-rounded holiday experience.
3. Davos-Klosters, Switzerland
While Davos and Klosters have a reputation for premium, the twin resorts are also a great family friendly ski option. And despite being in Switzerland, you can actually find some reasonably priced ski packages in Davos-Klosters.
As a family friendly option, the pistes themselves are a nice mix of beginner friendly blues and intermediate slopes. And with 211 kms of ski terrain, you won’t be getting bored any time soon. But off the mountain is where the resort earns it’s family friendly stripes. There is tons to do, from shopping and relaxing, to tobogganing, swimming pools, a huge natural ice rink, various kids clubs and adventure lands and much more.
There are some amazing deals on Snowtrex for Davos-Klosters.
4. Les Sybelles, France
Les Sybelles might not be the first French ski resort that springs to mind, but for families this is definitely one that should be on the shortlist. For starters, we’ve got 310 kms of ski terrain making it one of the biggest in Europe. 71 kms of this is blue and green runs, so plenty for younger and beginner skiers and snowboarders to get their teeth into.
But the fact that might just swing Les Sybelles is that it has been highly rated ‘Famille plus montagne’, meaning it’s perfect for family ski holidays. From great shopping and dining, to ice skating, a great swimming pool and the usual hiking and snow shoe activties, check out Les Sybelles for your family break.
5. Fischen im Allgäu, Germany
While Germany often flies under the radar as a ski destination, Fischen im Allgäu is definitely one that more families should get to know. First up, it’s one of the biggest resorts in Germany, with around 128 kms of skiable terrain. It’s very beginner and family friendly too, with almost half the terrain being blues and greens.
However the resort also has a great reputation as a family friendly ski resort, and rightfully so. The resort features an all year round water park, plenty of natural hiking, the usual tobogganing and plenty of quality dining and shopping too.
Read up and book your stay with Snowtrex.
6. Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis
This off the radar ski area in Austria is one of the best family friendly ski areas in Europe, so much so that it is known for it’s kid friendly vibes by Austrians. For starters, you have 190 kms of excellent Alpine terrain, over 40 kms of which is gentle blue runs.
The resort is traffic free, and is actually three towns, Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis, and all have excellent ski schools, activities for the kids and things to do off the mountain.
Find some truly amazing deals with Europe-Mountain in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, and also check out the deals on Snowtrex too.
7. Andorra
One of the nice things about Andorra is that you have several resorts to choose from, including the expansive Grandvalira, or the smaller and quieter Pal-Arinsal. Nestled high in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra offers over 300 kms of skiable terrain including a great selection of gentle blues and more challenging reds and blacks.
We loved Andorra for it’s great long runs and mixed ability slopes. But there are also some excellent ski schools and learner areas, notably in Pas de la Casa and Soldeu/El Tarter.
For a sleepier resort, head to the Vallnord/Pal-Arinsal area instead. A great place to enjoy family friendly skiing.
Find some of the cheapest deals in Andorra with Estiber.
Finding Your Family Friendly Ski Break
Europe has some of the best ski resorts for families at both premium and budget-friendly price points. Whatever your budget or family preferences, we think these excellent resorts will cater to all skiing abilities.
Remember: family friendly ski breaks are all about the kids. Let them set the pace, enjoy the experience and avoid pushing them to go too far until they’re confident. Take lots of breaks, don’t forget to pack those snacks. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
(you might need a bigger ski rucksack)
It’s all about the fun!
Check out our guide: The best family friendly ski resorts in France.
