Winter is a magical time to visit a new European destination. Wonder with your family at the amazing Christmas lights and go skiing at an alpine resort. It’s a beautiful way to spend the festive season. If you would like to go skiing with your family this winter, here are some of the best family ski destinations in the Swiss, French and Austrian alps. The regions that are the most famous for this winter sport.
Family travel is so rewarding and especially if you are doing an activity together. Most people are dreaming of skiing at special and beautiful ski resorts, and it’s a really great family bonding experience. Lots of parents are probably afraid of doing this sport as a family. You might be wanting to choose one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe, or worried about safety. In case you are one of these people, it’s time to fight your fear. Don’t be afraid of your kids failing or falling down on the first attempt. They won’t be skiing down the mountain straight away! Similarly, don’t be afraid that your kids will hold you back if you are much more experienced. Go in a group and all levels can look out for each other. If you are planning a skiing holiday with your family, this post will give you some of the best ski destinations for families in Europe. Remember too that you don’t need to ski every day. Just doing any family activity outdoors will keep them busy and bring you closer.
The first of the best ski destinations is Val Thorens, France
This place is actually one of the most amazing ski destinations in the French Alps and is one of the best family ski destinations. In this place, you will be able to learn how to ski better than anywhere else. In this resort, you will find more than five zones that are tailor-made for kids and beginners in order to feel safe and free to practice themselves. All the pistes in this place are flat and wide enough to fall down without any danger too. After mastering these pistes, some members of your family can then ski in the more advanced zones. Erna Low are great to arrange your family skiing holiday with at this resort.
Val Thorens is also such a beautiful place and there is lots for families to do outwith skiing. For example, the resort organises treasure hunts you can collect at the tourist office. There are also some great family dining spots too, plus laser games and escape rooms for some post-dinner fun. It’s easy to get from Grenoble to Val Thorens too, with easy transfers.
La Plagne, France
Another great resort for families in France is ski destination La Plagne. This one is great for kits as it includes a lot of beginner-friendly zones and pistes. There are also ski clubs where your kids can make friends and take part in tournaments, whilst you ski. In La Plagne, there is a kids activiites zone for when they’re not skiing. It has trampolines and mini karts, plus lots more, to keep them entertained. There are also lots of other activities here that you can all do together as a family – such as horse-riding or cycling. The village has some great family-friendly restaurants too.
Soll, Austria
Soll in Austria is one of the best ski destinations for families who are all medium/proficient skiers. There’s lots of medium level pistes to explore here – 284km in fact, with 45% blue and 45% red slopes. This place is a beautiful and quiet resort famous for the picturesque pistes and the calm atmosphere. If your kids are of a similar level to you at skiing, this is a great place to all push yourselves a bit further as a family.
The village of Soll is beautiful, with chalet style buildings. Lots of the hotels are family-run and there are lots of family dining spots. If you are lucky enough to have a designated babysitter, there are some great apres-ski bars here too.
The ski destination of Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Last but not least, another amazing ski destination for families is Saas-Fee in Switzerland. This place is beautiful when there’s snow cover and the views are spectacular. It’s a real winner for scenery alone and it’s known as ‘the pearl of the alps’. A great traditional ski resort.
The resort is full of reasonably priced accommodation for couples and families but also has many 5* private properties for large groups. The Luxury Chalet Company have local knowledge of the resort and a great selection of vacation rentals, so why not spend a little more a book one of the Saas Fee Luxury Chalets?
It’s so safe for families as it’s traffic-free and the pace of life is so slow. There are lots of beginners blue and intermediate red ski runs here, that will cater to the whole family. There’s even a pool complex for non-ski days, as well as a bobsleigh for more family fun. There’s a pizza restaurant that’s perfect for families, called Del Ponte. Also, kids would be totally speechless in revolving restaurant Drehrestaurant Allalin, if they enjoy traditional Swiss food.
I’ve written another post on the resorts for beginners, if that’s relevant to you too.
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