The Best European Ski Resorts For Families

Thinking of booking a trip for the family this year? Why not head over to the Alps and enjoy either Christmas and New Year, half term or Easter holidays together in these blissfully picturesque mountains? From dining out, relaxing, skiing, tobogganing and plenty of adrenaline filled activities, like paragliding or helicopter rides, there’s lots to keep everyone in the family happy!

Méribel, France

As part of the Three Valleys, which primarily includes Val Thorens and Courchevel, as well as smaller resorts like Les Menuires, La Tania and Orelle. The Three Valleys boasts the largest ski area in the world, where you can enjoy 600 kilometres of interconnected slopes. As Meribel is popular with British families, children won’t struggle to make friends in ski schools or childcare, where, in addition, many of the instructors and nannies speak English.

This resort is the main resort in the Grandes Rousses ski area, with 250 kilometres of pistes that can be enjoyed by the whole family. When you buy a 6 day ski pass you can also ski for a day in neighbouring Les Deux Alpes, which has 468 kilometres of slopes as its part of the Grande Alpes area. The children’s ski area is found at the Rond Point des Pistes, which is very close to most of the accommodation. You absolutely must visit the grotte de glace!

Wengen, Switzerland

Brits in particular love this quaint Swiss mountain resort; the locals are friendly, the scenery is spectacular and the best part, is that Wengen is part of the Jungfrau region, which joins with the slopes of Grindelwald and Mürren. With a nursery slope in the heart of the village, this is the perfect place for your kids to learn. There is also an ice-rink in the village hall for a magical evening of skating.

Flaine, France

This convenience-focused resort isn’t as easy on the eye as some of its competitors, but it does provide accommodation on the slopes. Some of the more newly built chalets look a little more traditional and also have great access to the slopes, the nursery slopes in particular which are right by the village. Flaine is part of the Grand Massif ski area, where the slopes range from beginners to expert as well as boasting extensive off-piste, perfect for the parents while the kids are at ski school!

Obergurgl, Austria

With its rustic and traditional charm, easy and well-groomed slopes and no traffic in the centre of the resort, families love it here, and they keep coming back year after year. In addition to this, there are great kindergartens and ski schools so that parents can nip off and enjoy the slopes. Esprit Ski, a chalet company that focus on families with young children have great childcare facilities here to boot.

La Plagne, France

La Plagne as a resort is rather spread out, but this adds to its village-like charm. The best villages to stay at with young children are Plagne Centre, 1800, Belle Plagne, Aime, Soleil, Bellecote as each of these have a kindergarten. The paradiski area brags 425 kilometres of slopes; then before bedtime, entertain the kids with either husky sledding, igloo village visits or an ice cave visit.

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