Europe offers a variety of family-friendly ski resorts, catering to different skill levels and providing amenities that ensure a fun and safe experience for both kids and adults. Here are some of the best family ski resorts across Europe:
1. La Plagne, France
- Why it's great: La Plagne is part of the Paradiski area, offering extensive terrain for all levels. The resort has excellent ski schools, and many accommodations are ski-in/ski-out, making it convenient for families. The village atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for children.
- Family activities: Tobogganing, ice skating, and an Olympic bobsleigh run.
2. La Rosiere, France
- Why it's great: La Rosiere is an excellent choice for families looking for a unique winter experience. It shares it's ski area with La Thuile in Italy, providing opportunities to ski a family orientated ski area with a great snow record.
- Family activities: Swimming, bowling, ice rink, toboganning, forest trails.
3. Alpe d'Huez, France
- Why it's great: Known as the "Island in the Sun," Alpe d'Huez is perfect for families with its vast, sunny slopes and dedicated children's areas. The resort has a variety of beginner and intermediate runs, making it ideal for kids and adults alike.
- Family activities: Indoor swimming pool, ice rink, and a sports center.
4. Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria
- Why it's great: This resort combines the scenic beauty of a lakeside town with excellent skiing conditions. It offers a variety of slopes for all levels and an abundance of non-ski activities, ensuring that everyone in the family has something to enjoy.
- Family activities: Ice skating on the lake, tobogganing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
5. Avoriaz, France
- Why it's great: Avoriaz is a car-free resort, making it very safe for children. It offers direct access to the Portes du Soleil ski area and has plenty of slopes for beginners and intermediates. The resort is also known for its family-friendly entertainment and services.
- Family activities: Aquariaz water park, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and an igloo village.
6. Obergurgl, Austria
- Why it's great: Known as one of Austria’s most snow-sure resorts, Obergurgl offers quiet, crowd-free slopes perfect for families. The ski schools are highly regarded, and the small size of the resort makes it easy to navigate with children.
- Family activities: Indoor pool, tobogganing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
7. Cervinia, Italy
- Why it's great: Cervinia offers extensive, gentle slopes that are perfect for beginners and families. The resort provides breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and easy access to Zermatt in Switzerland for more advanced skiing.
- Family activities: Ice skating, snow tubing, and visiting the nearby Gornergrat railway in Zermatt.
8. Saas Fee, Switzerland
- Why it's great: Saas Fee is renowned for its super long ski season from late November to early May. There is a fantastic array of snow parks, making it a great destination for families with teens. The resort has numerous beginner-friendly slopes and excellent ski schools.
- Family activities: Glacier ice grotto, Academy ski training, sledging, and snowshoeing.
9. Les Gets, France
- Why it's great: Part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Les Gets is a charming village that offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families. The resort has an excellent ski school and gentle slopes ideal for young skiers.
- Family activities: Museum of Mechanical Music, night skiing, and ice skating.
10. Obertauern, Austria
- Why it's great: Obertauern is one of the most popular family ski resorts in Austria, known for its gentle slopes and family-friendly accommodations with a snow sure record from December to April. The resort offers great facilities for children, including ski schools that focus on making learning fun.
- Family activities: Bibo Bear family terrain park, Bobby's monster park, dedicated children's areas, tobogganing, snow shoeing, snow-biking, and swimming.
These resorts not only offer great skiing but also provide a wide range of activities and amenities to keep the entire family entertained off the slopes.