The Top 6 Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in the Swiss Alps

Tucked under the shadow of the fearsome Eiger mountain, Grindelwald is a small resort in the Bernese Oberland. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the town is a pleasant and popular escape for families. Not only is it one of the most scenic resorts in the country, but there is a good blend of beginner and intermediate slopes that’ll challenge experienced skiers, but not put off novices. When you’re not careening down the slopes you can always hike to the foot of the Eiger and marvel at the mountain’s terrifyingly high North Face.

A short distance away from the glitzy resort of Davos – which attracts the world’s leaders every year to discuss global economics – is Klosters, a small traditional Alpine town. Klosters comes recommended by the Swiss Tourism Board for families. As you can expect there’s everything you’d need and more; including daycare, gentle pistes, fun off-the-slopes activities and hair-raising red slopes.

Car-free Zermatt is a good option for families with kids. The resort has fewer beginners’ slopes than at other ski resorts in Switzerland, but complete novices can learn the ropes at Wolliland. The town’s atmosphere is also incredibly relaxing and its views of the Alps, particularly the Matterhorn, are unrivalled. There are plenty of opportunities to do other activities than skiing, so all the family will have something to enjoy.

If your family is a bit more on the adrenaline-loving side, then Laax is the place to go. Known for its freestyle skiing and snowboarding opportunities, this resort is a favourite for the young and young-at-heart alike. There’s plenty of fun activities that’ll keep kids happy as well, like tubing (a hair-raising alternative way of getting down the slopes) and night-sledging.

If your family is initiating a newbie to skiing, the twin resorts of Crans Montana are a good choice. Around 40 percent of the slopes here are blue, meaning they are perfect for beginners to get the hang of the sport. It also boasts being a certified “Family Destination” and organises dozens of activities to keep young ones occupied in the snow.

Perhaps one of Switzerland’s best-known resorts, St. Moritz has plenty to offer families. Aside from the skiing – and one of the country’s best ski schools – you can take a stroll around the nearby lake, climb the local mountain Piz Nair, and enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine (both sweet and savoury) at its many, many restaurants. In short, there’s enough to keep the little ones occupied at St. Moritz and plenty more to please the older ones.