Going skiing for a family holiday is something many generations have enjoyed. Providing something much different to a standard beach holiday, you can find many great destinations across the world ideal for beginners of any age. Stunning mountainous locations, comfortable accommodation and lots of activities alongside skiing can all be found when choosing the perfect resort.
However, with literally thousands of resorts found in Europe alone, with Germany (498), Italy (349), and France (317) topping the list according to recent data from Statista, how can you ensure you choose one perfect for both adults and children? Well, below we’ve selected a few destinations that are worth considering, along with some helpful tips when looking to book. Ski resorts that are designed with families in mind offer more than just child-friendly slopes, so read on to find out more to help you decide the best location for you and your family.
The Importance of Being Prepared For Your Family Skiing Holiday
Long before zipping up your jackets and strapping on your skis, you’ll need to consider a few things first. With any active holiday, it’s best to find a travel insurance provider that will give you peace of mind just in case anything did happen. Having a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will cover up to unlimited medical expenses will ensure you can get the help you need in case of an emergency.
As Winter sports, particularly skiing, come with their fair share of risks, you’ll also need to check the policy covers these activities. This may be an optional extra with some providers. This will ensure that you can cover things like damage to your own skiing equipment as well as if you have a medical emergency whilst on the slopes.
Holidaying with family should be eventful for the right reasons, but it’s best to prepare for the unexpected. As per survey data from travel insurer Staysure, whilst 68% of people never had to make a claim on a policy, 95% understand the importance of taking out cover. Skiing with children can be a rewarding family experience with the right preparation. Here are some additional tips to think about:
- Ensure that your children are equipped with well-fitting ski gear, including helmets, goggles, and waterproof gloves as well as base layers. It’s going to be cold being outside a lot of the time, so this will keep them safe and comfortable.
- If it’s the first time skiing (or has been a while), think about enrolling them in ski lessons tailored to their age and skill level. The resorts will have professional instructors to make learning both fun and safe.
- Remember to plan for plenty of breaks to rest and warm up. Keep snacks handy to maintain their energy throughout the day.
These simple tips can help create a positive and memorable skiing experience for your children, as well as yourself as parents. A big part of this is also the destination, so here are 4 European resorts that will be ideal for your family.
4 Top Ski Destinations for Families
#1 – Gressoney La Trinité, Italy
Ideal for families seeking a quieter ski experience without sacrificing the quality of the slopes, Gressoney La Trinité is a wonderful option in the Monterosa ski area of Italy. The resort is known for its friendly atmosphere and the Monterosa Ski School caters to children from 5 years of age and beginners, with even a Baby Snow Park for little ones too that includes other activities like foam rubber games and inflatable boats.
The wide, gentle runs are perfect for first-timers, while more experienced skiers can explore more challenging options. The Mini Club Fiocco di Neve in Stafal will help look after children from 9 months of age up to 12 years old, so you can explore more challenging slopes not suitable for children. A versatile choice for families, there are also plenty of suitable accommodation options too for rest after an active day together.
#2 – Lech, Austria
Lech is not only a favourite among families looking for a luxurious ski experience. This picturesque village is known for its high-quality service, family accommodation, and exceptional ski schools for all budgets. Part of the Arlberg ski area located in the Tyrolean Alps, it’s not the cheapest location for a family ski holiday, but there are chalets and hotels for those on a budget.
When it comes to the slopes in Lech, they are well-suited for beginners and intermediate skiers, with children’s areas and child-friendly runs available. They even have a conveyor belt (also known as magic carpets) as an alternative to the ski lift which is much easier to use for children. The children’s club in Lech and professional ski schools can ensure they stay safe and learn in a fun environment. Children as young as four and a half can take part in group sessions.
Beyond skiing, the resort offers a charming village atmosphere with lots of suitable restaurants, as well as other activities including Schottenhof farm which children under 14 can visit free of charge, and a toboggan slope which is illuminated at night.
#3 – La Plagne, France
As part of the Paradiski ski area, one of the largest ski areas in the world, La Plagne offers a variety of slopes that cater to all levels, including numerous beginner-friendly areas that are safe for children and fun for adults. The resort is made up of several villages, each with its own character and amenities, many of which are directly on the slopes for easy access. It offers ski passes for families and has ski and snowboard schools ideal for younger children, whilst kid’s clubs and creches for the youngest are available too.
Along with skiing, you and the family can enjoy sledging, ice skating and even dog or pony sledging. There are also pony rides and a zip line to keep everyone busy. La Plagne also has 2 villages that are labelled ‘Famille Plus’, meaning they ensure they offer everything a family could need whilst visiting. This includes children being able to ski for free until they are 5 years old, then at a discounted rate until they are 12, as well as plenty of activities families can do together. With many different types of accommodation available too, La Plagne is definitely not one to overlook.
#4 – Geilo, Norway
Lastly, we have Geilo, which stands out as a family destination not only for its reliable snow conditions across 45 slopes, but also for its tranquil setting and wide range of non-skiing activities. It’s a great place for families who want to experience a true Winter wonderland with opportunities to try sledging at Dagali Fjellpark, dog sledging, and visit Langedrag Nature Park where you can feed the animals and get close to arctic foxes and reindeer. The ski schools here are excellent, with friendly instructors who specialise in teaching children, including special weekend courses for those aged 6 to 15 years old. The slopes are diverse, with plenty of easy runs for kids and more challenging terrain for adults.
Services including a creche that takes babies from 6 months old, to family-friendly hotels and children’s areas on the slopes make this a great choice. Away from the slopes, there are also indoor activities to stay warm, from bowling to the cinema and even the Vestlia Resort water park.
Choose The Ideal Family Ski Location
With resorts like Gressoney La Trinité, Lech, La Plagne, and Geilo all offering tailored experiences for families, you’re sure to find the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and adventure. A successful family ski trip starts with careful planning, so do research further into the destinations above and choose one that caters to the needs of each family member.
Hopefully, the 4 locations above will inspire you to book a memorable skiing trip this year, and if you can’t decide, you can always book another trip to a different location next year.