happy family on skis
The Ultimate Guide to Family Skiing in the Alps

The Ultimate Guide to Family Skiing in the Alps

happy family on skis

With the arrival of winter comes the chance to hit the slopes and enjoy a memorable family ski holiday. Skiing in the Alps is a magical experience for families! Whether you’re a first-time skier or an experienced powder hound, it’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with family and nature. 

With its picturesque mountain views, diverse ski slopes and abundance of activities for all ages, a ski trip in the Alps is guaranteed to be an adventure to remember. 

With this ultimate guide to family skiing in the Alps, you’ll find advice on family-friendly accommodation and resorts that cater to all levels of skiing, along with suggestions on fun activities for the whole family.

When is the best time to visit the Alps as a family?

Snow in the Alps tends to fall in late November before melting away by the end of April, giving you a five-month window of opportunity. In December, resorts tend to be more expensive due to those combining their skiing trip with the festive holidays when kids are off school.

Resorts are quieter in January, with slopes slightly snowier throughout February, and March is better suited to those with young families and beginners due to the milder temperatures. To avoid missing too much school, half-term ski holidays are usually the best bet!

Which ski resorts in the Alps are best for families?

The Alps provide an abundance of ski resorts that cater specifically to families, offering a mix of activities, accommodations and amenities designed to please everyone in the group without breaking the bank. But which resorts are family-friendly? Here are our top picks…

Flaine, Grand Massif, France

Beginner slopes: 

20 green runs, 64 blue runs

Best ski school:

ESF Flaine

Closest airports to Flaine:

Transfer times:

  • Geneva Airport (GVA) – 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Chambery Airport (CMF) – 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Grenoble Airport (GNB) – 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Lyon St-Exupéry Airport (LYS) – 2 hours 50 minutes

One resort that stands out as a family favourite is Flaine – an idyllic spot located at the heart of the Grand Massif ski area where you can explore over 265 km of pistes. With spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and a range of ski slopes to suit all levels, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Flaine ski resort. 

The ski runs range from beginner to expert levels, making it a perfect spot for those just starting out as well as seasoned veterans. Flaine ski area is large enough to challenge an improving young skier with new runs every day, and, whilst it’s an excellent place for complete beginners to learn to ski with expert ski schools and two nursery slope areas, it also has some more challenging runs within easy reach of the resort centre.

When it comes to accommodation options, there’s something for every budget and preference at Flaine. It’s the ideal resort for families looking for convenience and value for money, with plenty of cost-effective slope-side accommodation. Flaine is also easy to get to (quick transfers from Geneva airport or a relatively short drive from the UK or Northern Europe).

Family activities in Flaine

Winter activities include snowshoeing, ice skating, ice quad biking, dog sledding and snowmobiling and are all conveniently located within walking distance of the resort village. 

Alpbach, Ski Juwel, Austria

Beginner slopes: 

29 km of blue runs

Best ski school: 

Alpbach Aktiv

Closest airports to Alpbach:

Transfer times to Alpbach:

  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) – 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Salzburg Airport WA Mozart (SZG) – 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Munich International Airport (MUC) – 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Memmingen International Airport (FMM) – 3 hours 30 minutes

Ski Juwel is an ideal destination for a family ski trip with its stunning views, activities-a-plenty and easy access to over 150 km of pistes. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert skier, you can find slopes to suit all levels. 

The Alpbach ski resort is linked by lift to Auffach and by bus to Reith, Niederau and Oberau as part of the Ski Juwel area, so there is plenty to explore, although there are not too many challenging runs for experts.

There are gentle, dedicated nursery slopes right by the centre of the village, so absolute beginners can make their skiing debut without the distraction of professional skiers flying past them. On the mountain, there are gentle slopes to graduate to near Hornboden. The slopes aren’t too crowded and are perfect for practising wide turns. There are also four schools, all with excellent reputations.

Family activities in Alpbach

Alpbach offers a wide variety of activities that everyone can enjoy. From snowshoeing and sledding to horse-drawn sleigh rides and tobogganing, there’s something for everyone! If a full day on the slopes is proving too much for the little ones, there is an indoor swimming pool and outdoor ice rinks to entertain, and kids can have loads of fun at Adventureland or try their hand at tubing on one of Europe’s longest runs!

Courchevel, France

Beginner slopes: 

180 green-blue runs

Best ski school:

Ecole du Ski Français Courchevel 1850

Closest airports to Courchevel:

Transfer times:

  • Geneva Airport (GVA) – 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Chambery Airport (CMF) – 2 hours
  • Grenoble Airport (GNB) – 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Lyon St-Exupéry Airport (LYS) – 3 hours
  • Lyon Saint-Étienne–Bouthéon Airport (EBU) – 3 hours 40 minutes

Courchevel resort is a classic ski area located in the French Alps, part of Les Trois Vallées – the largest ski area in the world and has been recognised as a perfect family ski resort spot offering plenty of benefits for all ages.

There is a nursery for the smallest family members, and the resort provides a number of skiing areas specifically designed for children – a completely closed and absolutely secured ski terrain equipped with its own lifting system and qualified and dedicated ski instructors who will teach and encourage your kids and make them remember their first steps on the snow.

Family activities in Courchevel

You can take advantage of family ski pass prices, and organise children’s parties, as well as other different entertaining activities to keep children busy while you are enjoying the slopes. Young children can experience adventures in the Maison des Enfants play area in Courchevel Village or attend the P’tits Pralins de Moriond kindergarten in Courchevel Moriond. 

There are also fun-filled family activities such as bowling, dog sledding, ice skating and the newly-built Aquamotion swimming and leisure complex.

Les Arcs, Paradiski, France

Beginner slopes: 

3 green pistes, 64 blue pistes and a few slow-speed zones or “Ski Tranquille” areas

Best ski school:

Supreme Ski School

Closest airports to Les Arcs:

  • Geneva Airport (GVA) – Switzerland
  • Chambery Airport (CMF) – France
  • Grenoble Airport (GNB) – France
  • Lyon St-Exupéry Airport (LYS) – France
  • Lyon Saint-Etienne-Boutheon Airport (EBU)

Out of these, Geneva to Les Arcs is usually the most popular option, largely due to convenience. 

Transfer times:

  • Geneva Airport (GVA) – 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Chambery Airport (CMF) – 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Grenoble Airport (GNB) – 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Lyon St-Exupéry Airport (LYS) – 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Lyon Saint-Étienne–Bouthéon Airport (EBU) – 3 hours 50 minutes

Les Arcs, one of the most weather-proof ski resorts in the Alps is located in the Paradiski area of France and offers an incredible Alpine experience that both adults and children will love. 

Les Arcs ski resort welcomes all skill levels, from novice skiers to seasoned pros. With over 425 km of trails between Les Arcs and its neighbouring resorts, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy breathtaking views while being surrounded by picturesque snow-capped peaks. Plus, there are excellent ski schools available, so even first-timers can get out on the slopes and explore. 

Families who can’t afford to eat out in mountain restaurants every day will appreciate the high-quality picnic areas in Les Arcs with free toilets, wi-fi, indoor shelters and wonderful views. All the villages have convenient and affordable slope-side accommodations, and all of them are either mostly or entirely car-free resorts. 

For children, the “Cariboo’s Club” mini club operates: there are groups for the youngest, from 9 months to 3 years old, and for those who only make their first steps on skis. It will not be boring for teenagers either: there are special programs for skiing and snowboarding schools in the region for those who like freestyle or want to improve their skills.

Family activities in Les Arcs

Not only can you take part in winter activities like skiing and snowboarding—you can also go sledding or ice skating too! Rodeo tobogganing, a freestyle park and water slide and an ultra-fast zipline that plunges down the mountain above Arc 2000 will impress even the most sceptical teenager! 

Girl pulling a sled

Obergurgl, Tirol, Austria

Beginner slopes: 

60 km blue pistes

Best ski school:

Skischule Obergurgl

Closest airports to Obergurgl:

Transfer times:

  • Innsbruck Airport – 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Salzburg Airport – 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Munich Airport – 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Zurich Airport – 3 hours 55 minutes

Snowsure, with a traditional cosy Tyrolean atmosphere and hospitality, the resort of Obergurgl warmly welcomes families with young children, where they can discover the beauty of winter and a wide range of snow sports to suit all ages and preferences. 

The ski season at Obergurgl lasts from mid-November to early May, and there is nothing better than the lovely sunny days of March and April. Well-maintained and gentle slopes are perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. 

24 modern lifts provide access to trails and pistes, almost eliminating the queues and making Obergurgl a much more attractive ski option for families with youngsters. 

Family activities in Obergurgl

The Nederhütte bar and restaurant is an ideal setting for apres-ski. Making a reservation you will enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere, good food, drinks, as well as live music and dancing till late hours. 

In addition, once a week you can go for night skiing and a family-friendly party up the mountain. Kids from age three are more than welcome to join Bobo Mini Club offering outdoor activities or Bobo kindergarten for indoor fun.

Arosa, Switzerland

Beginner slopes: 

68 blue runs

Best ski school:

Skischule Arosa

Closest airports to Arosa:

Transfer times:

  • Bodensee Airport Friedrichshafen (FDH) – 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) – 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) – 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) – 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Milano Linate Airport (LIN) – 4 hours

Swiss ski resorts are known for their family-oriented atmosphere, sunshine, deli food and guaranteed incredible memories, fun and excitement. Switzerland offers plenty of resorts to satisfy everyone – from those who are trying on their skis for the first time to most pro skiers and snowboarders. 

Arosa ski resort is smaller compared to other popular ski destinations, but its smaller size appeals to families with children. The resort of Arosa has received the “Families Welcome” award in recognition of its family-friendly services and infrastructure. 

The Arosa Junior Club welcomes young skiers and snowboarders to teach them basic skills necessary for skiing and having fun on the slopes. The ski kindergartens provide easy-to-use “magic carpet” lifts, making the introduction to winter sports as easy, safe and enjoyable as possible. 

Family activities in Arosa

Non-skiing activities include curling, ice hockey, indoor golf, inline skating, and laser shows.

Les Menuires, Les 3 Vallées, France

Beginner slopes: 

41 blue runs, 13 green runs

Best ski school: 

ESF Les Menuires

Closest airports to Les Menuires:

  • Geneva Airport – Switzerland
  • Chambery Airport – France
  • Lyon St Exupery Airport – France
  • Grenoble Airport – France
  • Lyon Saint-Etienne-Boutheon Airport – France  

Transfer times:

  • Geneva Airport – 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Chambery Airport – 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Lyon St Exupery Airport – 3 hours
  • Grenoble Airport – 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Lyon Saint-Etienne-Boutheon Airport – 3 hours 40 minutes

Les Menuires resort, located in the renowned Les 3 Vallées ski domain of France, offers a ski holiday that matches the expectations of all family members and, at 1850m, Les Menuires is pretty much snow-covered from Christmas through to Easter.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging black run or a relaxing time at an après-ski lounge, there are plenty of options for everyone to enjoy. With excellent childcare and ski schools on offer, children can learn to ski while adults have time to unwind and explore the pistes. The range of slopes provides breathtaking scenery, with untouched snow waiting around every corner – guaranteed to delight experienced skiers and newbies alike!

Les Menuires is the best value and most family-friendly of the resorts that form the 3 Valleys, and wherever you are, you won’t be more than a few metres from the slopes. Beginners are especially well catered for with a good choice of ski schools, free nursery slopes and easy blue and green runs to progress onto, but there is plenty of skiing for all standards, including experts, both locally and in the wider 3 Valleys ski area. 

Family activities in Les Menuires

When you need a break from skiing, there is plenty to do and see, including toboggan runs, a snow castle, snowmobiling, rollercoasters and weekly firework displays.

Snowmobile

Laax, Switzerland

Beginner slopes:

63 km of beginner runs and easy terrain

Best ski school:

Snow Coach

Closest airports to Laax:

  • Basel Airport – Switzerland
  • Innsbruck Airport – Austria
  • Memmingen Airport – Germany
  • Milano Linate Airport – Italy
  • Milano Malpensa Airport – Italy
  • Zurich Airport – Switzerland

Transfer times:

  • Innsbruck Airport – 3 hours
  • Basel Airport – 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Memmingen Airport – 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Milano Linate Airport – 3 hours
  • Milano Malpensa Airport –2 hours 50 minutes
  • Zurich Airport – 2 hours

Whether you’re an experienced skier or still learning how to snowplough, there’s something for everyone at Laax ski resort. With stunning views and plenty of activities available even off-piste, it is easy to see why it’s is such a hit with ski lovers from all over the world.

Young families will love the extensive beginner slopes at Crap Sogn Gion, high above Laax, and the excellent ski school with fluent English-speaking instructors. Families with older kids will no doubt be impressed by the five impressive terrain parks.

The resort offers gentle slopes perfect for beginners to get familiar with the basics of skiing and more challenging runs that will keep advanced skiers on their toes. 

Family activities in Laax

There are lots of other activities, such as snowshoeing, tobogganing, sledging, winter hiking and ice skating for those family members who prefer different kinds of winter sports.

Top tips for planning a family ski trip

Here are our tips to ensure your family ski trip is as stress-free as possible…

Choose family-friendly ski accommodation

With the right ski accommodation, your family can have the perfect ski holiday experience that is tailored to your needs and budget. 

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or an extended trip, there are family-friendly ski accommodations to meet your needs. From cosy cabins in the woods to modern, luxury condominiums with all the amenities, there’s something for everyone. Many resorts also offer special packages that include meals, equipment rental and lessons – making it easier to plan a stress-free holiday! 

Don’t forget all the extras that come with family-friendly ski accommodations, like relaxing spas, kid-friendly restaurants and heated swimming pools.

Although your accommodation will more than likely be a self-catering chalet you may still like to go out in the evenings to the local restaurants and entertainment venues. So considering somewhere that is only a short walk to the resort centre or offers doorstep skiing is a real benefit. Chalets provide space for everyone in your family and have all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. They come in different sizes depending on how many you’ll be accommodating; some even include private hot tubs for that extra bit of luxury after a full day on the slopes.

Be sure to plan ahead

Try and book everything in advance – from accommodation and restaurant reservations to ski hire and ski lift passes – as this will ensure that all members of the group can make the most of their time on the slopes by avoiding the queues upon arrival.

Book a safe and reliable ski transfer

A private transfer with Alps2Alps means all the safety and comfort of a luxury, door-to-door transfer service at seriously competitive prices. 

Securing a cheap airport transfer for all the family doesn’t mean having to sacrifice a ski holiday during the most popular times.

Visit our booking page today to get a real-time quote in seconds!

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