Top 10 ski resorts for a great family ski holiday
It seems the ski resorts have realized that attracting families is the master key to their successful survival in the skiing industry. This is the reason why most of them have put in a lot of effort to create an enticing family-friendly environment. Irrespective of what you need such as ideal childcare, ski school, ski kindergarten, or piste-side accommodation; you will need to look for family ski resorts that cater to kids of all ages. So, here are our top 10 family ski resorts to help you chose while planning for your next ski holiday.
10. Arinsal - Andorra
This resort is ideal for families who do not want to spend much on winter sports but yet wish to enjoy good skiing or snowboarding. At a height of 4,950 ft, Arinsal offers some excellent ski holiday attractions such as confidence boosting cruisey runs, affordable ski apartments and restaurants, advanced ski schools, great instructors, and lively nightlife. The famous kids clubs and snow gardens are just exciting for small ones.
Snow Fun: Snowboarding, 30 km of piste runs, Ski school, Pic de Coma Pedrosa (highest mountain)
9. Whistler - Canada
Having been host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, this ski resort offers endless skiing with two mountains soaring from the village and providing several runs composed of ideal beginner slopes and slow speed regions, excellent intermediate bowls, and advanced off piste terrain. Ski down from 2,214 ft to explore the beautiful pedestrian village filled with affordable restaurants, hotels, and spas along with several other activities and adventures.
Snow Fun: 200 runs, snowboard school, lifts, heli-skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, ice hockey
8. Kranjska Gora - Slovenia
Tucked at 2,656 ft between the Italian and Austrian frontiers, this resort offers everything for memorable family ski holidays at affordable rates. The sunny slopes are conquered by the striking Julian Alps boasting spectacular scenery for skiing and boarding. Ski clubs for kids, childcare facilities and great ski tuition are some of the attractions that your little ones will enjoy.
Snow Fun: 30 km of pisted runs, snowboard park, mountain restaurants, minimal lift queues
7. Scheffau - Austria
Set against a backdrop of the striking Wilder Kaiser Mountains, Scheffau is an excellent resort situated in the largest ski-area of Austria – the Ski Welt. Boasting a great family atmosphere, the resort ensures an interesting skiing experience with intermediate and advanced runs. It is also a great place to learn for both kids and adults. Attractions for kids include the Pepi Penguin Club and winter activities.
Snow Fun: 279 km of piste, tobogganing, and sleigh rides
6. Val di Fassa - Italy
This UNESCO World Heritage site features the exhilarating skiing experience of the Dolomites and a flawless Italian ambiance. Beginners can learn to ski or snowboard while the more experienced can explore the wide open runs on the mountain, including the high-speed World Cup run. For kids, clubs are simply the ideal hubs of alpine entertainment.
Snow Fun: 230km ski area, 9 linked ski resorts, ice skating, bowling, night skiing, snowshoe walking, paragliding, ice hockey
5. Alpe d’Huez – France
This resort offers a great range of family facilities along with first-class skiing for families and groups. Suitable for all skiers regards of ability, it is one of the largest alpine resorts boasting lively après ski and excellent family services. The main attractions here are the linked ski area of Les Grandes Rousses, large cable cars, Pepi Penguin Club for kids, and the affordable French cuisine.
Snow Fun: 249 km of piste, quick ski lifts, skating rink, sports centre, ice driving, sledging, ski-dooing
4. Claviere - Italy
Meant for all types of skiers, this one is tagged as the Milky Way ski area due to quality snow, traditional charm, and striking scenery. With several childcare and kids clubs, your kids will also tend to enjoy on its slopes. The Milky Way never fails to disappoint for excellent mixed ability skiing.
Snow Fun: 400 km of ski runs, easy chair lifts, natural ice rink
3. Tignes - France
With a wide selection of enticing and affordable ski chalets and hotels, this ski resort is ideal for family on all budgets. The main attractions here are the vast array of of slopes for experts and intermediates, the Grande Motte glacier, a link into Val d'Isère resort, and kid clubs with childcare options.
Snow Fun: Snow park and gardens, sports centre, spa, bowling alley, ice driving, ice climbing, ice karting
2. Zell Am See - Salzburg
Easy transport links, ski slopes for all abilities, quality low cost ski tuition for kids, and incredible views of the valley and glaciers make this resort an ideal destination for family ski holidays. Its worth going just to ski the runs with the amazing lake directly below you. Uniquely, it is open on all 365 days.
Snow Fun: 138 km of trails, special trails for kids, tobogganing, ice skating, Nordic walking
1. La Plagne - France
This is one of the most famous French ski resorts. Located at high altitude and offering varied slopes for all abilities and ski accommodation and chalets for all budgets in its cluster of villages. Your kids will also love to learn and entertain themselves at the various kids clubs and spas.
Snow Fun: Ice rink, paragliding, skidoos, Olympic bobsleigh, amazing off piste if you search it out.
So there you go. 10 ski resorts that are perfect for family ski holidays. Just take your pick and have a super ski break with your family. For more inspiration take a look at our chalet search page.
