Best resorts for a family ski holiday
Below is a list of resorts we have carefully put together thanks to their family friendliness, slopeside accommodation, great ski schools and fantastic facilities for families.
Ellmau, Austria
Nestled into the Austrian Tyrol, between Wilder Kaiser Mountains and the Kitzbuheler Alps, this resort is perfect for beginners, intermediates and families alike. It has slopes down to the village and a good lift system.
The snow-making facilities ensure there is enough snow coverage even in mild weather. You can take a trip up the Hartkaiserbahn, then descend along the blue and red trails. With excellent links to the SkiWelt circuit, with over 280 km of piste and 90 cable cars, it is understandable why Ellmau appeals to families.
Flaine, France
Flaine is very appealing to families as it is a short transfer from the airport and most of the accommodation has ski in/ski out facilities. It is a great purpose built resort located between Geneva and Chamonix in the Haute-Savoie. The resort has 265 km of piste to enjoy and get your skis in to.
It is set up particularly for families, but has a huge wide snow bowl, lining to Sixt, Morillon, Les Carroz and Samoens. Snowboarders have a snow park and some varied terrain to keep amused. In the resort centre there are plenty of bars and restaurants and a great ski school.
Valmorel, France
Valmorel is a beautiful area located on the forest's edge which has a fantastic village square, stunning alpine chalets and courtyards. The short transfer from Chambery Airport is very appealing to families, especially those with smaller children.
The green and blue runs are great for beginners, whilst the more expert skiers can enjoy the black runs. If you are a novice, there are wide motorways, a family snow zone, exclusive childrens areas and a fantastic snowpark.
Alpe d'Huez, France
Alpe d'Huez is a short 1 hour from Grenoble and offer many ski schools, ideal for those beginners in the group. The resort has a variety of activities to keep the whole family entertained through the holiday.
For the little ones there is swimming, ice skating, tobogganing and skidooing and for the adults there are plenty of bars and restaurants. The outstanding variety and scale of terrain offers so much for skiers and boarders.
Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs is part of the Paradiski area which has 425 km of pistes over a large area. It has 2 glaciers at 3000m and 818 snow machines, ensuring there is snow all year round. Les Arcs has 5 resorts, Arc 2000, Arc 1950, Arc 1800, Arc 1600 and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, all named after the altitude height.
In Les Arcs there is something for everyone from live music and bars to ice skating and skidooing. You can head to the neighbouring resort of La Plagne by taking the fabulous Vanoise Express cable car, the kids will love it.
La Plagne, France
La Plagne has a large ski area and a total of eleven villages to choose from. Most of the villages are purpose built but some are traditional villages with beautiful chalets. The accommodation caters for all group sizes from small groups to large families or groups of friends.
There are plenty of fantastic ski schools for the little ones to attend, even the adults can go to the ski school to learn new skills. Maybe you fancy a go at snowboarding, the ski school can help you get to grips with a board and learn the basics.
La Plagne has an amazing lift network which includes an 8 seater situated at Plagne Bellecote. Take a trip to the nearby Les Arcs on the double decker cable car known as the Vanoise Express, or enjoy the glacier at 3250m.
Avoriaz, France
This is the perfect ski destination for families. Whether you are a novice or an advanced skier, there are slopes here for all abilities. The purpose built resort was created in the 1960s and is located on a sloping plateau above the long established resort of Morzine.
Avoriaz has a fantastic ski area as well as fun filled activities to do in the evenings. There is a local swimming pool, bowling and a great ice rink. The activities will keep everyone in the family amused from young to old.
The snow coverage is great, pistes are suitable for everyone and the nursery slopes are close to the centre. Intermediate skiers can make the most of the 650 km of blue and red runs and the advanced skiers can try out the 20 black runs.
