Top 20 Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Europe

Nothing beats a family trip to the snow-covered mountains of Europe—especially one that begins with minimal effort and ends with relaxed parents, happy children, and a bundle of cherished memories. You want comfortable, high-quality accommodations, plenty of slopes for the whole family, stunning landscapes, ski schools, and après-ski activities. From fantastic learning facilities to fun activities and short transfers, these top ski resorts offer the perfect mix to make your family ski vacation truly special.

Aletsch Arena, Switzerland

The largest glacier in the Alps may be impressive, but it welcomes you and your family with idyllic charm. The adjacent ski resorts of Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiesch are car-free zones. While you tackle the more challenging slopes, like the 250-meter-long tunnel, your kids can have a fantastic time with the mascot Gletschi in one of the numerous children's areas. Aletsch Arena offers over 100 kilometers of snow-sure slopes, making it a popular family destination.

Aletsch Arena: Family-friendly slopes in the Fiescheralp ski area

Meringen-Hasliberg, Switzerland

The "Families Welcome" label is reason enough to consider Meiringen-Hasliberg for a winter vacation with the family. The children's area features a gentle practice area, making it one of the best learning grounds in Switzerland for playful ski learning. Off the slopes, there's an igloo village and a junior fun park—what more could a child's heart desire? 

La Plagne, France

As one of the best ski resorts in France and Europe, La Plagne features an excellent ski school, special beginner zones, and plenty of gentle slopes for kids to develop their skills. Off the slopes, enjoy ice skating, explore an igloo village, or admire the sparkling sculptures in the glacier ice grotto. La Plagne consists of several purpose-built villages, all with easy mountain access, and has many self-catering apartments ideal for families.

Sunny winter day in the La Plagne ski resort 

Valfréjus, France

In Valfréjus, accommodations are located right by the slopes, making it convenient for families with young children who need a rest. Head back to your accommodation for a midday nap and then return to the slopes refreshed. A baby club provides childcare for the youngest, while you explore the 65 kilometers of slopes.

Flaine, France

Flaine is known for its sunny slopes and some of the best snow conditions in Europe. Combined with an excellent beginner area, it's easy to see why it's one of the most popular family ski resorts in France. Off the slopes, enjoy ice skating, bowling, or a cozy dog sled ride through the snowy landscape. The practical resort has been renovated over the years and now hosts many high-quality apartments with private swimming pools, all within a minute or two of the slopes.

Wonderful view in the Flaine ski area

 

Morzine offers many cozy, family-friendly chalet hotels that welcome families with young children. Located in the heart of the vast Les Portes du Soleil area, the resort offers a wide variety of slopes for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders of all levels. There are also plenty of fun activities like paragliding, husky sledding, and snowshoe trekking, as well as numerous child-friendly bars and restaurants.

Soldeu, Andorra

Beautiful and peaceful, Soldeu is one of the best family ski resorts in Andorra and is part of the 210 km Grandvalira area. The gondola takes you directly to the ski school and children's slopes. If you feel ready, venture onto the local tree-lined green and blue slopes. Or visit nearby El Tarter for colorful obstacles on the Baba Boom Circus route. Hotels in the village are high-quality, with swimming pools and kids' clubs, and everything is within easy reach of the gondola.  

Insider tip: The quiet ski slopes of Soldeu

 

This bustling small town by a beautiful lake always has a lot going on, both on and off the mountain. The Zell am See - Kaprun ski area is excellent for beginners, with one of Austria's largest ski schools ensuring you'll be skiing confidently in no time. Kids who already know how to ski should head to Schmidolin's Dragon Park. There are also plenty of other activities, from an exciting alpine coaster ride to a 1.3 km toboggan run, and a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride through the town.

Obergurgl, Austria

For an authentic Austrian resort, head to Obergurgl. The village is full of charm, and as the highest village in Austria, it usually has excellent snow cover all season long. Beginners will make quick progress thanks to the great ski school and quiet slopes. Once you have the basics down, try the Audi Quattro fun slope or some tricks on the mini jumps in the family park.

Particularly snow-sure: Obergurgl ski area

 

Lech, part of the Arlberg ski area in the Tyrolean Alps, is known for its wonderfully welcoming residents, and it's no surprise that visitors return year after year. Lech is perfect for beginners, with plenty of kindergartens and beginner slopes. Skiing is free for children under eight. Advanced skiers and experts can also enjoy a wide range of runs. The Arlberg ski area has 502 kilometers of slopes and is connected to the popular resorts of Zürs, Stuben, and St. Anton, all covered by a standard lift pass.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser, Austria

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser in Brixental, Austria, boasts of being "insanely large." With nearly 300 kilometers of slopes, 90 ski lifts, and 80 ski huts and restaurants, it's a top destination for families. Alongside family-friendly slopes, there are also runs for professionals. Young skiers will enjoy the learning carousel, snow castle, and ghost train. There's no chance of getting bored in SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser.

Endless expanses: ski slopes for families in the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser

 

Children, teenagers, and parents love this world-famous Austrian ski resort for its high-quality 130 kilometers of slopes. Mayrhofen-Ahorn is the place to book if you want to keep your kids entertained with activities like a raptor show at the Eagle Stage and adventures on the Ahorn sensory trail. Discover the Fun Zone Mayrhofen, a recreation park for young and old with indoor and outdoor pools.

A long-time favorite among family ski resorts, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in Austria is a must for any family, thanks to its unparalleled child-friendliness. Various attractions, such as an Indian land and dinosaur forest on the slopes, a snowmobile course, and the Children's Snow Alm, make the winter holiday in Austria unforgettable for children of all ages.

Beautiful views: In the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski area

 

Warth-Schröcken is part of Austria's largest contiguous ski area and is located in one of the snowiest regions of the Alps. A mix of family-friendliness, modernity, and cozy après-ski make Warth-Schröcken a hidden gem. Children's areas with fun slopes and speed checks allow you to hit the powdery runs. For quality family time, guided husky tours or "Pauli's Ski Circuit," a tour around the ski area on blue slopes, are great options.

Alta Badia, Italy

Alta Badia not only impresses the pros of the Ski World Cup but also families looking for the perfect ski holiday destination. With 130 kilometers of slopes, the area is ideal for beginners. Teenagers will especially enjoy the snow park, featuring a fun slope, boardercross, and a course. Younger guests can explore a climbing park and a bear cave with a play area.

Alta Badia: Many ski slopes also for beginners

 

Eggental, Italy

Eggental caters to both young and old, with 90 kilometers of slopes, over 100 kilometers of cross-country trails, toboggan runs, and ice rinks. Discover a world of fairy tales and legends that will captivate your children. Quality time for couples can be enjoyed on a romantic winter hike that passes noble restaurants and rustic huts, offering regional and international delicacies.

Passo Tonale, Italy

Passo Tonale has a relaxed atmosphere, with just one main street, making it easy to navigate. The quiet slopes provide plenty of space to practice your turns as a family. It's also one of the best places for children to learn skiing in Italy, thanks to a great ski school and the compact 100 km area. The high altitude means excellent powder is almost guaranteed. Children will love the gentle slopes, the inflatable slide, and the tubing at Leolandia Fantaski. On Wednesdays, join other families for races, face painting, and a children's torchlight descent.

Rast im Skigebiet Passo Tonale 

Arber, Germany

Family-friendliness is a top priority at the Arber ski area. With the ArBär Kinderland and Gnome Land, kids will have plenty of fun. The resort's 14 ski and snowboard schools ensure that beginners quickly learn how to ski and snowboard. It's no wonder that Arber is the most popular family ski resort in the Bavarian Forest.

Oberjoch, Germany

Oberjoch in the Allgäu, near Bad Hindelang, is relatively small, with 30 kilometers of slopes, but offers plenty of activities for kids. The learning and action area is perfect for young beginners. Different sections, such as the fairy-tale forest or wave slopes, help young skiers learn in a playful way. Besides the ski slopes, Oberjoch also has a toboggan hill with three different tracks—guaranteeing winter fun for the whole family!

Relaxed and family-friendly: Oberjoch ski area in Allgäu

 

Ruka is a true winter wonderland for families, featuring traditional log cabins and a breathtaking landscape. As a bonus, it's only a 25-minute drive from the airport. Ruka boasts Finland's largest beginner area, as well as many gentle slopes perfect for family skiing. The Rosa & Rudolf Family Park offers magic carpets and fun obstacles that are popular with children. Plan plenty of time for other activities like husky sledding, reindeer safaris, and snowmobiling. And if you're visiting around Christmas, a trip to Santa's Secret Cottage is a must.