Family Skiing - Best Ski Resorts for Families in 2026
Ski holidays are one of the most exciting ways for families to bond, experience the outdoors, and create lifelong memories. Europe is home to some of the world’s best family-friendly ski resorts, offering diverse landscapes, activities, and facilities to suit all ages and abilities. Whether you're seeking gentle slopes for beginners, childcare services, après-ski entertainment, or just a cozy alpine atmosphere, Europe has a resort for every family. Here, we’ll explore the best family ski resorts across Europe, each offering something unique for parents and children alike.
1. Les Gets, France
Located in the French Alps, Les Gets is part of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest ski areas in the world. This resort is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, picturesque village charm, and vast range of activities. Why it’s great for families - Les Gets caters to families with a wealth of options for children of all ages. The resort is home to the "Territoire du Grand Cry," an area dedicated to kids where they can play on easy slopes, visit teepees, and take part in treasure hunts. Ski schools are available for children, while beginner-friendly slopes help kids (and adults) build confidence. Off-slope activities - Les Gets boasts several non-ski activities including ice skating, sledging, snowshoeing, and even a mechanical music museum. Childcare services are also readily available, giving parents a break to enjoy the more advanced slopes or explore the scenic village.
2. La Plagne, France
La Plagne is another favorite for family ski vacations in France, offering excellent facilities and services that are specifically designed to cater to younger children and beginners. Why it’s great for families - La Plagne offers a range of easy, wide slopes perfect for novices, and the ski schools are top-notch. Many of the accommodations are ski-in/ski-out, which is incredibly convenient for families with young children. The resort offers numerous beginner areas and snow parks designed for little ones. Off-slope activities - Families can enjoy a wide array of activities such as dog sledding, bobsleighing, or taking part in the resort’s special kids’ clubs. La Plagne’s “Yeti Camp” offers a fun, safe space for children to learn about the mountains, play, and explore.
3. Alpe d'Huez, France
Alpe d'Huez is ideal for families looking for both fun skiing and off-slope entertainment. The resort has earned the “Famille Plus” label, a French certification awarded to resorts with top-tier family services. Why it’s great for families - Alpe d'Huez has a gentle, sunny beginner zone located right next to the village, perfect for young children learning to ski. The wide variety of slopes means families can progress from beginners to intermediate without leaving the area. The resort also offers ski schools with special programs for children. Off-slope activities - Alpe d’Huez offers a lot of family-friendly activities like swimming in the resort's indoor pool, ice skating, or taking part in tobogganing on the designated sledding tracks. The resort is also home to an impressive ice grotto, featuring intricate ice sculptures, which is a hit with kids.
4. Zell am See, Austria
For families wanting a combination of skiing and stunning scenery, Zell am See in Austria is a top choice. The picturesque lakeside town offers a quintessential alpine experience that can suit all family members. Why it’s great for families - Zell am See provides an abundance of beginner slopes, as well as snow parks for children and teens. The ski schools are highly regarded, and many of them offer multilingual instruction, making it accessible to international families. Its compact size also makes it easy to navigate, an advantage for families with younger children. Off-slope activities - Beyond skiing, families can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating on the frozen lake, or even visit a nearby spa to unwind. Zell am See’s close proximity to Salzburg makes it a fantastic option for those wanting a cultural break alongside their ski holiday.
5. Obergurgl, Austria
Obergurgl, located in Austria’s Ötztal Valley, is renowned for its family-focused atmosphere, quiet setting, and snow-sure conditions throughout the season. Why it’s great for families - Obergurgl is one of Austria’s highest resorts, offering a long ski season, which guarantees snow even at Easter. Its child-friendly ski schools and manageable size make it ideal for families looking for stress-free skiing. The quiet, car-free village adds to the peace of mind for parents with young children. For older kids, the ski area has many intermediate runs that allow them to challenge themselves as they improve. Off-slope activities - Families can enjoy tobogganing, winter hiking, and snowshoeing. The resort’s indoor pool and wellness facilities make it easy to relax after a day on the slopes. Childcare services are also available, giving parents a chance to explore the higher, more challenging runs.
6. Laax, Switzerland
Laax is a Swiss resort known for its excellent freestyle skiing and snowboard parks, but it also has plenty to offer families with younger children. Why it’s great for families - Laax has a fantastic reputation for catering to families. The resort offers "Ami Sabi Snow Wonderland," a fun area for children to learn to ski through play. The snow parks and excellent ski schools make it ideal for both beginners and intermediate skiers. Families will also appreciate the dedicated family zones, where kids can ski safely without the worry of more advanced skiers speeding by. Off-slope activities - Laax is full of activities such as sledging, ice skating, and indoor climbing. For the younger ones, Laax offers excellent daycare services, leaving parents free to explore the more advanced terrain. In the evenings, families can enjoy torchlight walks or take part in the resort’s kid-friendly après-ski events.
7. Avoriaz, France
Avoriaz is one of the most family-oriented ski resorts in Europe, renowned for its car-free center, making it a safe and peaceful destination for families with small children. Why it’s great for families - Avoriaz is home to several family-friendly features such as the "Village des Enfants," a dedicated space for children aged 3-16 to learn skiing in a fun and safe environment. The car-free streets allow kids to move around the village safely. Accommodations are ski-in/ski-out, which means there’s minimal hassle getting to the slopes each morning. Off-slope activities - Avoriaz offers numerous off-slope activities for families, including the "Aquariaz" water park, where kids can swim, slide, and play in a tropical setting, despite being surrounded by snow. Families can also enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides or explore the igloo village.
8. Val Gardena, Italy
Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, Val Gardena in Italy is a dream destination for families looking for stunning mountain scenery, delicious cuisine, and excellent skiing. Why it’s great for families - Val Gardena offers a wide range of slopes, with plenty of beginner areas ideal for children. Ski schools are renowned for their quality, and many offer programs tailored to children and families. The resort’s gentle slopes and scenic beauty make it a perfect setting for family skiing. Off-slope activities - Families can explore the charming alpine villages, visit the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or enjoy the region’s fantastic culinary offerings. Val Gardena also offers activities like snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ice skating, making it an excellent choice for families who want to experience the full range of winter sports.
9. Lech, Austria
Lech, part of Austria’s Arlberg region, is a premium destination offering excellent family facilities alongside luxurious accommodations and some of the best skiing in the world. Why it’s great for families - Lech is renowned for its beginner and intermediate slopes, making it perfect for families at different skill levels. Ski schools are plentiful and offer dedicated programs for children, ensuring they learn in a fun, supportive environment. The resort is also known for its high-end accommodations, many of which cater specifically to families. Off-slope activities - Off the slopes, families can take part in horse-drawn sleigh rides, visit the ice rink, or enjoy some of the best après-ski dining in the Alps. For parents, the wellness facilities are a great way to unwind while the kids enjoy the various children’s clubs available.