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Skiing with the family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Tons of budget-friendly ski resorts offer awesome experiences for families. This guide highlights some affordable spots that cater to families and shares tips to save money and enjoy your ski holiday to the fullest.
Top Affordable Ski Resorts for Families
La Tania, France
La Tania is a budget-friendly village in the expansive Three Valleys ski area, between Courchevel and Meribel.
Families can take advantage of affordable accommodation and an intimate village feel while still having access to the world-class skiing of the Three Valleys. La Tania’s car-free village centre ensures families a safe and enjoyable environment, plenty of activities for kids and multiple restaurant options for the whole family.
The new Kodiak area is a fantastic place for kids and adults to learn in a safe, designated beginner area in the middle of town. You can walk to this beginner area on the snowfront from most accommodations in the village, making it convenient. As it’s in the middle of town, there are cafes nearby where you can stop for a coffee or croissant and take a break.
Family Skiing in La Tania
Once ready to go up the mountain, you can quickly jump on the La Tania bubble, which takes you up to a network of green and blue runs. At the top of La Tania is a fantastic, family-friendly restaurant called Bou Blanc. They have a large sun terrace, a wide selection of drinks, and a family-friendly lunch menu, making it an excellent base for meeting up and having an affordable lunch between ski lessons. There is also the Ski Lodge, which is equally accepting of families but gets lively at apres on certain nights.
La Tania has a variety of ski lessons available from different ski schools and independent instructors. We definitely suggest that kids join group lessons for maximum fun and learning. With both group and private options, we’re here to help you progress on the slopes based on your needs.
Les Menuires, France
Les Menuires is an excellent choice for families on a budget who want to ski in France. This underrated resort offers affordable ski-in and ski-out accommodations and reasonable lift passes. With over 600km of ski runs across the Three Valleys, it’s perfect for all skill levels.
The resort has slopes for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers, and the beginner area is convenient and easy to access. Over 60% of the local pistes are gentle and wide, making them perfect for families and beginners.
There is also easy access to neighbouring resorts such as Val Thorens, St Martin de Belleville, and Meribel, but remember to ski back in enough time before the lifts shut. Otherwise, you can get stuck in the wrong valley. If you get yourself in a pickle, a quick call for help from your accommodation provider or taxi company can swiftly pick you up.
While it may not be the most picturesque village, it provides access to extensive terrain in the world’s largest ski area. There may not be any luxury hotels, but you can find ski-in ski-out apartments. Moreover, regular free buses connect all the villages throughout the day and night, making it easy to get around.
We offer ski and snowboard lessons in Val Thorens, St Martin de Belleville and Meribel. If you choose to spend time with an instructor in Private Lessons, the instructor can meet you at a convenient location closer to Les Menuires. Just let us know at the time of booking.
St. Johann in Tirol, Austria
It is a hidden gem in the heart of the Tirol region in Austria. It’s a small but perfectly formed affordable ski village within the larger Kitzbühel Alpine ski region. This charming village offers low-priced accommodation and lift passes compared to neighbouring Kitzbühel.
Families can enjoy access to over 170km of ski runs, making it an excellent choice for a budget-friendly ski holiday.
It has plenty of childcare options and three ski schools with friendly and experienced instructors for both kids and adults. Young children can join the ‘baby hotel,’ where they’re cared for by professional childminders. Older children and teenagers will find plenty to keep them busy on the slopes, including a fun park with jumps and obstacles.
Non-Skiing Activities in St.Johann
After hitting the slopes Austrian-style, you can chill out at the Wellness Center Kaiserquell in Kirchdorf or the Panorama Badewelt in St. Johann, known for its awesome giant water slide. In St. Johann, you can check out the zip wire at the Hornpark Adventure Center, which switches it up with a unique obstacle course during the winter. You could also give biathlon a shot, an incredible winter sport that mixes shooting and cross-country skiing.
Head to Murmis’s Kinderland, which has a substantial 1,200-square-meter soft play area for indoor fun on those not-so-great weather days.
Ski hire shops:
- Rent-World Noichl, St. Johann
- Intersport Patrick, St. Johann
Family-friendly mountain restaurants in St. Johann:
- Berggasthaus Grander Schupf – a fantastic pitstop in the heart of the ski lifts. It is family-friendly and features a large sun terrace for catching some rays at midday.
- Penzinghof – A family-style dining experience in the 4-star hotel focusing on fresh and local produce. They’re proud that everything on the menu is locally sourced and proudly Tirolian.
If you’re seeking a traditional alpine experience with an affordable price tag and numerous activities for children, consider straying from the popular congested ski resorts and exploring St. Johann in Austria.
Soldeu, Andorra
Soldeu in Andorra is ideal for families seeking affordable skiing in Europe. You can get reasonably priced lift passes and stay close to the lifts, which is perfect if you’re a young family watching your budget. The village has a relaxed vibe and some cool old stone buildings, giving it an authentic alpine feel.
Soldeu is part of the Grandvalira ski area and offers high-altitude skiing at prices that won’t break the bank. Their top-notch ski school ensures everyone has a blast on the slopes. Plus, there are beginner zones, gentle slopes, family ski pass offers, and lots of non-skiing activities like thermal spas, dog sledding, and adventure parks.
When it’s time to eat, there’s a good variety of restaurants, mostly in hotels, but you can also grab fast food and pizza for a quick meal on the go.
With its affordable prices, excellent ski facilities, and tons of family activities, Soldeu is a prime choice for families looking to save some cash.
Morzine, France
Morzine is great for kids and larger groups in the Portes du Soleil ski area. Many easy slopes are perfect for kids and adults who are still learning. You can explore Switzerland and Italy and the multiple French resorts connected to Morzine with one lift pass.
If it’s your first time in Morzine and you need to book ski or snowboard lessons for your kids, or if you need a refresher for yourself, get in touch. We can help you determine which lessons suit you and your family.
Ski Lessons in Morzine
We run group and private lessons, and our team knows how to make your first Morzine holiday awesome.
There’s an outdoor ice skating rink in the square near the tourist office and an indoor ice skating rink in Parc des Dérêches for when the weather’s not great. Many of Morzine’s hotels have swimming pools, but kids will love the massive indoor swimming complex near the Super Morzine gondola. It has separate pools for beginners and kids and a big 25 x 15-meter pool for everyone.
Kids can have a blast sledging at the dedicated slope near the Crusaz chairlift, and older ones can enjoy night sledging from the top of the Pleney lift. Younger kids will have a great time on the vintage merry-go-round near the tourist office.
Apres-Ski in Morzine
There are also plenty of excellent places for Apres Ski and some fantastic spots to grab a drink and enjoy local food. A few bars near the top of the Pleney gondola get pretty lively by mid-afternoon and are easy to ski back down to the resort from, assuming you haven’t overdone it!
The bustling terrace of Le Tremplin, right next to Le Pleney gondola station at the base of the mountain, usually has a happy hour between 4 and 6 PM.
Regarding restaurants in Morzine, there’s nothing better than refuelling with some hearty Savoyard cuisine. Which usually involves cheese-based specialities with meat and potatoes in different forms. Les Mouilles on the Pleney side of the mountain serves fantastic tartiflette and fondue. Its large outdoor terrace is always busy when the sun’s out.
The only downside to Morzine is its low altitude, so it does get affected when snow quality could be better or it’s been a warm winter. So be aware of booking early in December when the resort first opens or late into the Spring as the resort is shutting.
Money-Saving Tips for Skiing with Children
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Book Early
Booking your ski holiday in advance can help you secure the best accommodation and lift pass deals. Many resorts offer early bird discounts, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of your trip. Planning also gives you more time to research and compare prices.
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Avoid Peak weeks
This topic may be controversial as schools have recently become stricter about allowing children to miss school during term time. However, skiing outside school holidays, such as Christmas or February half term, is more affordable. Early December, mid-January or mid-March are great times for skiing, with fewer lift queues and significant cost savings. Easter is the most economical peak option if you can’t take your children out of school.
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Look for Package Deals
Many ski resorts have deals for families that include a place to stay, lift passes, and even ski lessons at a cheaper price. These packages can help families save money and make it easier to vacation together.
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Research accommodation options
There are so many options when searching for accommodation, and it can feel overwhelming. However, it is crucial to research to find the best deals.
When travelling with a group, booking a catered chalet can be the most cost-effective option, enabling everyone to stay together. Alternatively, self-catered accommodation options are more economical for families or smaller groups.
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Bring Snacks
Food on the mountain can be expensive, so packing your snacks and lunch can help you save money. Bringing a hot chocolate or soup thermos can keep everyone warm and energised throughout the day, reducing the need for costly on-mountain dining.
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Research before buying a lift pass
Many resorts offer beginners free skiing on the first day. Before buying a lift pass for the week, it’s worth researching or asking for recommendations, as you could save yourself some money. Many resorts offer family packages on lift passes and offer children under five free skiing for up to two weeks!
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Book ski or snowboard lessons together
If you’re travelling in a group and all the children or parents are at a similar level, then it works out cheaper to book a private lesson for the children and another for the parents than to join group ski or snowboard lessons. In our private lessons, you can have up to 6 people per hour, which makes it far more affordable, and your children can all ski together as a group.
Are private lessons right for your family?
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Rent Equipment in Advance
Renting ski or snowboard equipment in advance can save money and ensure you get the best gear for your family’s needs. Many rental shops offer discounts for online bookings, and pre-booking guarantees that the equipment will be available when you arrive.
Use our exclusive discount code for gear rental at SkiSet (They are the number 1 rental shop in Europe, with 260 ski hire shops in France, 50 in Switzerland, 110 in Italy and 140 in Austria.)
Planning an affordable family ski holiday is possible with the proper knowledge and preparation. By choosing the right resort, taking advantage of available discounts, and following money-saving tips, families can enjoy a memorable skiing experience without overspending. With the variety of budget-friendly ski resorts available, there’s no better time to start planning your next family ski adventure.
Ready to hit the slopes? Discover the perfect family-friendly destination for your next winter holiday by exploring these affordable ski resorts. Happy skiing!
