Some of the most beloved family trips are those taken on a family ski holiday, playful adventures in the snow, days filled with laughter, and trips that empower parents to teach their kids about the wonders of the mountain. The Alps span four different countries France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria and boast endless family-friendly destinations to embrace safe slopes, extra off-slope entertainment, and the quintessential alpine experience. From beginner areas to top-notch childcare facilities and homey chalets, this guide takes you through the best family ski destinations in the Alps for an incredible holiday getaway.
Reasons why The Alps is the place to go for a family ski holiday.
The Alps are Europe’s top choice for family skiing as they boast an impressive range. Geneva to Megève private transfers provide families with a smooth and stress-free way to reach these world-class resorts, ensuring comfort from the airport to the slopes. This means everything from small, charming villages with nursery slopes to major resorts with advanced paths for older children and parents. The infrastructure is superb, efficient lifts, good snowfall and top-quality ski schools for ages three and up.
However, the main attraction in The Alps is the ambience. There’s a level of tradition, safety, and inclusiveness, which makes families feel at home. On top of this, expect charming chalets, homely hospitality and ample après-ski options for all ages to cement the ideal backdrop for family memories.
Les Gets, France The Perfect Balance of Fun and Peace.
Les Gets is one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the French Alps. Located in the Portes du Soleil ski area, it offers a more relaxed, village-like atmosphere that’s as charming for adults as it is for kids. There’s an excellent beginner zone with plenty of wide, gentle slopes. In addition, ski schools like ESF Les Gets have a great reputation for friendly instructors with a focus on working with young minds.
Beyond the slopes, Les Gets really scores with attractions like a Mechanical Music Museum, snowshoe walks and Le Territoire du Grand Cry, an area reserved only for kids where kids can partake in themed ski runs. The centre is also car-free, making getting around safer and the local restaurants welcome families.
La Plagne, France a Family Playground.
La Plagne is a family fantasy come true as it offers a convenient yet extensive playground. Part of the Paradiski domain with more than 400 km of runs, La Plagne has several purpose-built villages of varying character keeping all families located in optimal locations while simultaneously boasting massive access to runs and activities.
Younger skiers and beginners will embrace the gentle slopes of Plagne Bellecôte or Plagne Centre (family ski-in, ski-out accommodation makes life easier for parents) where childcare options, kids clubs and family passes are ubiquitous. For activities beyond skiing, La Plagne boasts bobsleigh rides, snow tubing and an igloo village that works wonders with both children and adults.
Alpe d’Huez, France Sunshine and Easy Slopes for All Ages
Alpe d’Huez is called the “Island in the Sun” and for good reason! With 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s a great family-friendly option, not to mention one of the best ski resorts in France with excellent beginner areas, gentle gradients, and safe zone areas where kids can learn to ski at their own pace.
Families appreciate that this resort is very well suited for mixed ability; kids can get their snowplow turns down while mom and dad get their fill of challenging red and black runs close by. The resort has plenty of other leisure facilities, too; there’s a swimming pool, an ice skating rink and even indoor climbing so that when the family takes a break from skiing, there’s still plenty of fun to be had.
Wengen, Switzerland Alpine Magic and Old World Charm
Wengen is the ultimate Swiss village and perhaps for that reason, it seems to take families back in time. As it’s only accessible by train, it’s a car-free resort, a plus for families with small children.
It boasts incredible views of the Eiger and Jungfrau mountains, giving any ski adventure an enchanted backdrop. The slopes are also ideal for beginners and intermediates and the ski school here has an excellent reputation. Families love the nursery slopes that are located close to the village as well as the scenic train rides that add an element of wonder, as well.
Non-skiing activities like sledding, ice skating and horse-drawn sleighs keep Wengen just as magical as it is relaxing.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria – A Family Adventure Hotspot
Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Salzburg, Austria is the perfect combination of fun, variety and family comfort. For example, while its ski area is part of the SkiCircus which boasts over 270 km of slopes, what makes this region family friendly is its separate children’s areas and excellent family-friendly accommodations.
There are several children’s ski schools including the “Learn-to-Ride Park” and the “Snow Trails” which offer a more playful introduction to skiing compared to other resorts. Older children can take snow parks or even freestyle lessons. Then off slopes tobogganing, snow biking, and even opportunities to walk in the treetops of the Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps await families. Plus, the friendly Austrian hospitality is a great touch for travelers.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Austria Family-Friendly from the Ground Up
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis may be the most family-friendly resort in the entire Alps. Located in the Tyrolean Alps, this collection of three interconnected towns has been family-designed from the beginning. It’s also home to one of the largest children’s areas in all of Europe Murmlipark, which boasts conveyor belts, themed ski areas and even a mini snow train.
Safety comes first, with extensive signage and car-free access for villages; child care services like Berta’s Kindergarten ensure adults can also enjoy their time on the slopes. With a sunny orientation and modern lifts, this resort guarantees families stay comfortable while enjoying the best in alpine views over their stay.
Cervinia, Italy Gentle Slopes and Fantastic Scenery
Cervinia sits at the base of the Matterhorn and is one of the highest and snowiest resorts in the Alps. With wide, gentle slopes, kids (and beginner adults) will have plenty of space to practice skiing without feeling overwhelmed by busier runs and more experienced skiers on top of them.
Hospitality reigns supreme as this Italian resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, delicious food and laid-back vibe that makes anyone feel at home. In addition, Cervinia provides access to Zermatt in Switzerland, so parents who may feel ready to tackle some advanced terrain can find areas just a lift ride away. With sunny weather, gondola rides with great views of the Matterhorn and snow reliability, Cervinia has everything a family needs to have fun.
Grindelwald, Switzerland Family-Friendly Charm at the Foot of the Eiger
Finally, another Swiss location that provides family-friendly charm is Grindelwald. With accessible beginner slopes straight from the village and ski schools with patient instructors (many multilingual), kids will get up to speed on the slopes in no time.
Yet it’s not just about skiing in Grindelwald; it’s family-friendly appeal provides variety. Children can find themselves sledding down Europe’s longest sledge run, walking along the Grindelwald First cliff walk or snowshoeing through picturesque alpine meadows. Rounding out the experience are cozy chalets and charming views to add that Swiss touch with ample hospitality.
Madonna di Campiglio, Italy – Elegance and Family-Friendly Charm
Madonna di Campiglio is one of the most elegant yet family-friendly ski resorts in Italy and it is located in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites. The views are spectacular and the ski terrain is well-groomed with majestic mountains. While Madonna di Campiglio is known for its style and grace, Madonna di Campiglio is also a welcoming place for those families looking to partake in sophistication but on a more relaxed level.
They have great ski schools and separate learners’ areas just for kids. Off the slopes, check out the ice rink, sleigh rides and the pedestrian village filled with shops and cafes. With everything from Italian cuisine to picturesque appeal and family-driven amenities, this little gem is the ideal resort for families.
Every Family Has Different Priorities
Families have different expectations on their ski holidays. Whether it be a car-free resort or instant access to all-purpose ski areas, think about your children, their ages, their skiing levels and their non-skiing preferences. For example, many family-friendly resorts have beginner’s nursery slopes to help out younger children as well as childcare options.
On the contrary, teenagers sometimes gravitate toward snow parks or adventure zones. Transfer times can also make a difference; family-friendly transfers of shorter distances mean kids are less tired from travel upon arrival. For easy-going, romantic destinations try Les Gets or Wengen; for more adventurous and larger options, try La Plagne or Alpe d’Huez. Find what appeals to you and ensure it’s available at the resort for the smoothest, happiest experience.
Family Ski Holiday Tips for Maximum Success
When traveling with kids you want everything organized ahead of time. Book your ski school (and childcare if necessary) as early as possible especially during family holiday times and consider private transfers. The most family-friendly routes from Geneva to Morzine or Geneva to Avoriaz are ideal for families as they’re the shortest journeys through scenic terrain.
Make sure you have sunscreen and snacks and spare gloves in your day bag and note that not every day has to be a skiing day. Kids love to chill, sled, swim or explore the village too. Finding a happy medium between chill time, active time, skiing time, village time and dining time is key to keeping spirits up for all family members!
Non Skiing Things to Do For Children and Parents
The most memorable family ski holiday doesn’t just mean time on the slopes. The best family resorts in the Alps actively provide plenty of non-skiing options for all ages and abilities to ensure everyone has the time of their lives both on rest days and during shy skiing hours.
For example, younger children can opt for tobogganing, snow tubing, or treasure hunts in the snow to let off steam while having safe, enjoyable family time under supervision. Snowshoeing through pine forests or a romantic sleigh ride under the stars welcomes parental explorations, while ice skating in one of the many quaint mountain squares is a great way to connect with big kids.
Many family resorts even have indoor leisure centers equipped with swimming pools, climbing walls, and family spas to unwind at the end of the day. Alpe d’Huez and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, for example, have cinemas or play zones, as well as educational opportunities throughout the week that provide an extra twist to holiday ventures. Thus, families even with non-skiers or those looking for a day off can find enough entertaining and engaging activities in the mountains from dawn till dusk, and everything in between because wherever you are in the majestic Alps, there’s always something adventurously appealing nearby.
Conclusion – The Ski Holiday of a Lifetime Should Be In The Alps.
A ski holiday to the Alps is about memories made of those extra special moments when firsts and laughter are intermingled on a picturesque snowy wonderland. Whether it’s at cozy chalets in Les Gets or sunny slopes in Alpe d’Huez, or even Wengen’s calmness, the resorts open their doors for families of all shapes and sizes to explore winter delights.
The ultimate ski holiday needs to be in Europe, France, Switzerland, Austria or Italy and focused on comfort and proximity so families can bond over the lamest of snowball fights to be lifelong memories. The Alps is calling with powdery slopes, crisp air and family memories to be made with every chair lift!