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Are you planning a family ski trip to the Alps? We’ve compiled a list of the best family-friendly ski resorts that offer something for everyone, from beginner slopes to kids‘ entertainment. Whether you’re seeking world-class skiing, cosy accommodation, or unforgettable family experiences, these top European ski resorts have you covered.
Top Family Ski Resorts in Europe
Avoriaz, France
Avoriaz is a car-free resort perfect for families seeking a safe and convenient skiing experience. At 1800m altitude, it’s guaranteed snow coverage from early in the season to later into spring, which makes it a reliable choice.
Avoriaz is a family-friendly resort because:
- There are plenty of beginner-friendly slopes (25 blue runs, to be precise!)
- Aquariaz: An indoor tropical water park for après-ski fun
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the village
Avoriaz must be at the top of your ski destination list if you’re looking for a ski resort with excellent ski schools, fun activities for kids, and a vast ski area with plenty of nursery slopes for young families. It’s one of our favourite child-friendly ski resorts because of its varied terrain, choice of non-skiing activities, high altitude and proximity to Geneva airport (just under 2 hours).
Family Skiing in Avoriaz
It is hard to find a resort that is as safety-focused and centred around children’s enjoyment on the mountain. Avoriaz is connected to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, which crosses the borders between France and Switzerland.
- Three specific zones for beginners
- 37 green slopes
- 123 blue slopes
- 30 special fun areas and snow parks
The Portes du Soleil ski area abolishes the borders between valleys and countries, connecting twelve French and Swiss resorts located between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva: Morzine, Avoriaz, Châtel, Les Gets, Montriond, La Chapelle-d’Abondance, Abondance, and Saint—Jean d’Aulps in France and Champéry, Val-d’Illiez-Les Crosets-Champoussin, Torgon, and Morgins in Switzerland.
You’ll find many landscapes in the Portes du Soleil area for ultra-varied skiing experiences. From wide open slopes to beautiful tree runs winding through the forests. Gentle beginner slopes to steep black runs. There are also fun zones for kids, free ride areas for off-piste lovers, and authentic, welcoming villages to ski down to at the end of the day.
It’s also worth noting that in Avoriaz 1800, children under five ski for free, and the child ski pass is valid up to 15 (inclusive) rather than the usual 12. There’s also a reduced rate for teenagers aged 16 to 19.
If you’re interested in booking ski lessons in Avoriaz, please contact our Avoriaz Ski School to check the availability of our lessons.
Seven more reasons we love skiing in Avoriaz
Non-skiing activities in Avoriaz
There is an ice skating rink in the centre of Avoriaz ski resort and multiple indoor swimming pools, our favourite of which is the tropical paradise waterpark Aquariaz. And, of course, we must mention the magical horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow with hot chocolate breaks to make once-in-a-lifetime memories on your next family trip.
We have an experienced team of ski instructors at our Avoriaz Ski School, and we’d love to share the slopes with you and your family. Choose between our group and private ski lessons in Avoriaz.
Accommodation in Avoriaz: Choose from various ski-in/ski-out apartments and hotels, making it easy to hit the slopes with little ones in tow.
Cons: There is no magic carpet for tiny kids to learn on.
Courchevel, France
Part of the world’s largest ski area, Les Trois Vallées, Courchevel offers a luxurious family ski experience. Courchevel has unbeatable terrain for anyone learning to ski or snowboard, shopping, spas, and plenty of non-skiing activities for those who don’t ski. Courchevel is split up into 5 villages: Courchevel 1850, Courchevel Moriond 1650, Courchevel Village 1550, Le Praz 1300 and La Tania.
In this article, we will focus on Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850, and we have a special featured section lower down in this article on La Tania.
Courchevel’s family-friendly features:
- Excellent ski schools in Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850 with lessons for all ages and abilities.
- Unbeatable terrain for beginners and children learning to ski. With many free lifts to use.
- Family Park: A dedicated area in Courchevel 1850 with fun obstacles, jumps, and games for all ages
- Ice skating rink, indoor climbing and toboggan runs
Courchevel 1650 is an excellent option for families who want to enjoy the fantastic terrain of Courchevel but prefer a more family-orientated atmosphere. It has long been a family favourite for many skiers, and there is good reason for that.
The great thing about Courchevel 1650 is that it has a tobogganing run from the top of the Ariondaz bubbles. In Courchevel 1850, you can easily access all the kids‘ entertainment, including an ice rink and an indoor climbing wall. It’s only 10 minutes on the free ski bus from Courchevel 1650 to 1850.
The best ski-in ski-out chalets in the French Alps
Family skiing in Courchevel
Firstly, there are many easy runs close to the centre of Courchevel 1850. The Jardin Alpin area is an excellent place to start, and there is a gondola with multiple stops, so you can begin with the magic carpet and then continue up on the lift when you’re feeling more confident.
Courchevel 1650 has a separate beginners‘ ski area at the top of the Ariondaz bubble. It has two magic carpets and keeps first-timers separate from fast skiers whizzing by. The Bel Air restaurant and snack bar are opposite, and pedestrians can ride the Ariondaz bubble. It’s a fantastic base for your family to build confidence before further exploring.
There’s also a fun teepee at the top that you can visit, shoot some bows and arrows, play some instruments, enjoy a hot chocolate with a mountain of ‚chantilly‘ (whipped cream) or get your face painted. The area also gets a lot of sun and has several wide, gentle slopes – ideal for beginners and intermediates with various green, blue and red runs.
An insider’s guide to skiing in Courchevel.
Activities in Courchevel for non-skiers
Keep the family entertained on the massive luge run down from the top of the gondola to the resort’s base. For 10€ a go, you can race each other down this winding slope, which includes tunnels, alternate routes, and photos. We recommend wearing your ski helmet and ski gear for sledging as you pick up speed and it gets chilly. Make sure you download your photos at the end!
If some of your family members are non-skiers or would prefer a day to rest your ski legs, the swimming and spa facility Aquamotion is just around the corner, between Courchevel 1650 and 1550. This state-of-the-art centre boasts several different waterslides, a surfing pool, aquafitness classes, a spa, a climbing wall, a restaurant, and more. And it’s only 5 minutes away by bus or a 20-minute walk.
Courchevel 1850 also offers snow biking with fat tyres to explore the pistes after the skiers have finished for the day, as well as dog sledding, which is lots of family fun for those who like an adrenaline rush.
Restaurants in Courchevel for your next family skiing holiday
Ski holidays can be pricey, and mountain restaurants in Courchevel are no exception. But even the most high-end restaurants in Courchevel are child-friendly. The Bel Air restaurant at the top of the Ariondaz bubble is the best option for family-friendly Dining.
Copina, Restaurant Henri, and The Pelican in Courchevel 1650 have great lunch or supper options with a relaxed atmosphere, yummy food and a family-friendly vibe at a reasonable price – and you might get some impromptu entertainment from live bands. Both restaurants are in a prime location in the middle of Courchevel, 1650 Main Street.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, the Manali and Portetta hotels, which are side by side, offer a great range of food and are still family-friendly.
Whole family fun in Courchevel
Cons: Courchevel can be a relatively expensive resort, but there are more reasonable places to stay with access to the same family-friendly activities and skiing. La Tania is an excellent choice because it has access to the same great facilities and accommodation at a more reasonable price.
La Plagne, France
Known for its wide, gentle slopes, La Plagne is ideal for families with beginners and intermediate skiers.
Family-friendly features:
- Extensive network of green and blue runs
- Free lifts for absolute beginners in some areas
- Colorado Park: A fun zone with obstacles and jumps for all levels
- Dog sledding and snowmobiling activities
La Plagne is one of the best ski resorts for families. It has it all! The ski slopes are wide, gentle and rolling, making it the perfect place to explore together as a family. La Plagne also has multiple kids‘ parks within the ski area, with activities for kids, such as jumps and rollers and characters built into the snow.
Fun Activities for the whole family
If you’re looking for off-snow activities, there is sledging, the Olympic Bobsleigh, paragliding flights, husky dog sledding, snowmobile rides and outdoor heated swimming pools to explore. Oh, and remember the ice skating rink in the centre of the ski resort!
Get ideas on how to make memories with your family in La Plagne this winter.
Family Style Ski Chalets & Hotels in La Plagne
As for accommodation in the Paradiski ski area, there is something to suit every budget. From ski-in ski-out accommodation, self-catering apartments, catered chalets, and a wide range of hotels with kids‘ clubs. In La Plagne, there are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options.
Ski Schools and Lessons for all ages and abilities
La Plagne also has a wide range of ski schools with options for kids, regardless of age. Here at New Generation Ski and Snowboard School, we run kid’s groups from age four years and have specifically designed groups for teenagers. The teens who aren’t old enough for adult lessons but have outgrown kid’s lessons learn about avalanche safety, how to race in the gates, and how to grip and rip like a pro skier!
Please learn more about the ski lessons we offer at our La Plagne ski school.
Cons: Most skiing takes place above 2000m, beyond the tree line. Therefore, skiing can be challenging when the weather is bad. In other resorts, when the weather turns, you can ski through forest runs as the trees help break up the clouds, making it easier to see.
La Tania, France
A hidden gem in the Trois Vallées, La Tania offers a more affordable and intimate family ski experience.
Reasons why La Tania is a family-friendly ski resort:
- Traffic-free village centre
- Excellent nursery slopes and ski schools
- Sledging area in the village centre
- Regular family-friendly events, activities and family-orientated dining experiences
La Tania is a good-value, family-friendly base to head out and explore the slopes of its nearby resorts, Courchevel and Méribel. La Tania was purpose-built for the 1992 Olympics, and it’s good to note that it is car-free, so it’s extra safe for little ones and everything is within walking distance. If you’re looking for a self-catering apartment or a hotel with family rooms or suites, La Tania has something for everyone.
Best restaurants in the 3 Valleys
Family Skiing in La Tania
The new magic carpet and nursery slopes for younger skiers are right in the town centre and easy to get to. After your kids improve their skiing skills, you can take the winding green run down from the gondola, and for those a bit more advanced, the blue run Folyeres into La Tania is brilliant.
For the advanced skiers in your family, there are some great tree runs, off-piste skiing areas near Du des Launches, and a few black and red runs at higher altitudes.
We have a great ski school in La Tania with ski and snowboard instructors that cover the whole of the 3 Valleys. Book your ski and snowboard lessons ahead of time for the perfect holiday in La Tania.
Kids Events and Activities in La Tania
The tourist office often organizes evening activities for kids, including sliding down the piste after the skiers have gone or playing on the playground in the village centre. With a local creche near the gondola station, it’s convenient to bring tiny tots with you and still get some time out skiing.
Casual Dining for family and friends
Most restaurants in La Tania offer casual dining settings and early sittings from 6:30 PM. Pub Le Ski Lodge, La Taiga, Marmattons and La Ferme are also excellent options with kids‘ menus.
Cons: La Tania only has one hotel, La Montana. So, if you’re after a hotel experience in La Tania, there’s only one choice. Nearboughring Le Praz (5 mins via car or bus) has a luxurious hotel called La Peupliers, which could be an option. Although La Tania has some stunning chalets with every detail accounted for, it’s best to choose an all-inclusive private chalet if you want a more luxurious stay.
Eight reasons why La Tania is the best resort for family ski holidays
Lech, Austria
Lech is a high-altitude snowy playground, perfect for family ski holidays. The village centre is pedestrianised and offers a wide choice of ski-in-ski-out accommodations, making it convenient and safe for families. Hotels often provide childcare options and children’s clubs to entertain the little ones. The family-orientated casual dining experiences are what make Lech one of Austria’s most family-friendly ski resorts.
Skiing in Lech
Booking children’s ski lessons is a good idea as it allows your kids to learn how to ski safely in the mountains and gives you some child-free time to ski and explore.
Learning to ski in Lech is easy. Wide open slopes and designated beginner areas ensure your family feels safe and supported when trying out a new sport.Once your family has gained confidence in the beginner area, there are plenty of delightful blue and red runs for further exploration. It’s worth noting that Lech offers exceptional discounts for family life passes.
We offer group and private lessons in Lech and would love for your family to join us on the slopes this winter. Check our online lesson availability to find out more.
Non-Skiing Activities in Lech
In addition to skiing, non-skiing activities in Lech include igloo building, sledging, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, and more.
Serre Chevalier, France
This enormous ski area comprises several villages, offering diverse family-friendly activities and accommodation options.
Family-friendly features:
- Extensive network of gentle slopes for beginners and intermediates
- Themed ski areas for children, including the Jungle Park and Western Park
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Ice karting for older children and teens
Family Ski Holidays in Serre Chevalier
Its family-friendly atmosphere and local feel immediately make families feel right at home. The ski area has dedicated kids‘ areas on the slopes and an abundance of childcare facilities. The ski area boasts 31 blue and 18 green runs, so beginner and intermediate skiers have plenty of nursery slopes and terrain to explore.
The resort offers family lift pass deals and free skiing for children under 5.
Other activities in Serre Chevalier
At the lower end of Serre Chevalier is the large town of Briancon. Enjoy a day off the slopes and wander around the cobbled streets steeped in history, cafés (must stop: Café Turin), art galleries, tourist offices, and restaurants, all overlooked by the Croix de Toulouse and the peaks surrounding this alpine town.
The highest end of Serre Chevalier is a town called le Monetier Les Bains, which boasts one of Europe’s largest thermal baths, Les Grands Bains. With an indoor and outdoor steaming pool, jets, plunge pools of differing temperatures, a sauna, and a waterfall, it is a must for skiers and non-skiers alike. Please note that this can get busy during the Easter holidays.
Discover more about the picnic rooms, kid’s clubs, childcare facilities and playgrounds in Serre Chevalier.
Tignes, France
Tignes is located in the Espace Killy ski area in France and is renowned for its high altitude and reliable snow conditions. It’s an ideal destination for any size group, particularly families, those new to skiing and off-piste enthusiasts.
Tignes is made up of four villages: Val Claret at 2,100m, Le Lac at 2,100m, Lavachet at 2,000m, and Les Brévières at 1,550m. Tignes Le Lac, situated in the centre, is highly recommended for families as everything is conveniently within walking distance. There are plenty of accommodation options, whether it’s an apartment, chalet or hotel. Most places to stay in Tignes are ski-in ski-out. And if you do need to get around quickly, there are regular free ski buses that run nearly 24hours a day.
We offer group and private ski and snowboard lessons, on and off-piste and have highly experienced instructors available to help you find your potential.
Tignes features wide, gentle slopes and a well-designed nursery area for beginners in the middle of the snow front. It’s a fantastic place to learn to ski or snowboard, and the free lifts allow you to begin skiing for free.
These areas allow you to progress in safety within an identified area. They’re served by free ski lifts:
- Four magic carpets (Claret, Centre, Boisses 1&2)
- Two teleskis (Lavachet et Grande Pareï)
- Three chairlifts (Bollin, Almes et Rosset)
Over half of the runs are greens or blues, so you can easily progress onto the mountain. And with neighbouring Val d’Isere, too, there are an additional 150km of slopes to explore. More details on beginner skiing in Tignes.
Tignes offers various family-friendly off-slope activities, such as an ice rink, swimming pool, climbing wall, helicopter rides, and more to keep the kids entertained.
Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez is super convenient, with amenities, ski schools, childcare options, and family-friendly places to stay and eat.
It’s part of the Grandes Rousses massif and has reliable snow at 1800m. The resort grew during the 1968 Winter Olympics when a bobsleigh track and large chalet and hotel infrastructure were built. Nowadays, the resort is famous for its sunny weather, excellent family facilities, and closeness to Grenoble airport.
The ski and snowboarding scene is incredible, with over 250km of slopes to explore. There are easy slopes for beginners and more challenging ones for the pros. Plus, there are special fun zones for kids, and the ski patrol ensures everyone’s safety. You’ll find lots of ski schools and instructors teaching in English, French, or Italian.
If skiing isn’t your thing, there’s snowshoeing, ice skating, sledging, and more to enjoy. We highly recommend a visit to the iconic ice cave. And after a day on the slopes, hit up the family-friendly bars for some après-ski fun with music and dancing. Alpe d’Huez is perfect for your next family ski trip!
Our top family ski resorts in Europe
These top family ski resorts in Europe offer the perfect blend of excellent skiing, family-friendly accommodations, and exciting activities for all ages. Whether looking for a luxurious getaway or a more budget-friendly option, the Alps have something for every family. Start planning your winter adventure today by booking your children into group ski lessons.
Book early, especially if you plan to visit during peak seasons like school holidays. Many resorts offer early booking discounts and family packages, so look for deals to make your family ski trip even more affordable.
