The best ski resorts for families

The best ski resorts for families

While the seasonal holiday period has just passed, many parents are now thinking of that winter ski vacation with the kids. But where are the best family-friendly resorts located?

Whether you're in Europe or North America, browse this useful at-a-glance gallery and start planning your family ski getaway now. 

Austria

Beginners and newbies, young and old, will find numerous ski schools and a very enticing nursery slope on which to practice on at the fairy-tale Hopfgarten and the Ski Welt. Salvenaland Hopfgarten Kids Club can look after children from 1 to 3 years of age.

Canada

The chic Tremblant resort in Québec is distinguished for its traditional style architecture and colorful facades. Youngsters can learn to ski at the resort's highly regarded ski school, and moms and dads seeking down time can take advantage of excellent childcare facilities.

USA

Northstar California ski resort's terrain park is the perfect introduction for families to get to know this Lake Tahoe winter ski destination. With trails to follow that are suitable for all levels, this is family vacationing at its most rewarding.

France

Popular Méribel can get busy, but it's never overwhelming. There's plenty to do for families on the child-orientated slopes: try the Inuit Piste where kids can combine skiing with igloo building. Great fun!

Switzerland

Charming, friendly Wengen, located in the Jungfrau region, lures families to the picturesque Lauterbrunnen valley and a nursery slope located right in the center of the near traffic-free village.

Italy

A real treat for families with small children, the Pila resort in the Aosta region features a wonderful nursery slope, an adventure play area, and a kids club for those up to age 12.

Sweden

One of the leading Scandinavian ski resorts, Åre is ideal for advanced skiers and families. The children's area is located in Rödkullen: the LED-illuminated adventure trail is a real treat!

Switzerland

Laax is a Europe-wide family destination. The resort wins youngsters over with the fantastic Ami Sabi Snow Wonderland and has an excellent reputation with snowboarders. The Freestyle Academy is the icing on the cake.

Austria

Snowy sparkling Lech is known for its superb Kinderland Oberlech, which caters to skiing and non-skiing kids from age two. Moms and dads can join their offspring on the resort's undulating nursery slopes.

France

A useful choice for beginners and intermediates, La Rosière traps a lot of sun but is always filled with snow. An ideal option for families and mixed ability groups with youngsters in tow.

Austria

Blessed with reliable snowfall right through to early May, Obergurgl has gentle, well-maintained slopes, the Bobo Skiclub, and, for indoor fun, the fabulous Bobo kindergarten.

Canada

Canada's best powder mountain, Whitewater, near Nelson, British Columbia, draws seasoned skiers and novices to its pristine slopes. But it's the Whitewater Ski Resort Adventure Centre that the kids love.

USA

Sited near world-famous Aspen, Snowmass, in Colorado, has much to offer family groups. Gentle slopes, kids trails, and a beginner terrain park appeal to younger visitors.

France

Families should avoid crowded Chamonix and instead head for St-Gervais Mont-Blanc. Besides expert ski tuition, resort staff can provide snowshoeing courses—ideal for both kids and grown-ups of all ages.

USA

Expensive and exclusive, Beaver Creek in Colorado is not your average family ski resort. But if money is no object, this is a truly memorable destination. The resort's Small World Play School welcomes non-skiing offspring from two months to six years.

France

St-Lary Soulan in the Pyrenees might not be everyone's first choice of resort, but it's definitely worth a visit. The Kidpark offers youngsters their very own fun piste with the Piste de l'Echarpe, which is bordered by a walkway that parents and carers can use to monitor beginners' development.

USA

A premier family ski and snowboard resort destination, Park City in Utah is America's largest ski resort. Gentle beginner runs, excellent childcare facilities, and lots of family-friendly activity programs are some of the reasons why kids take their parents here.

France

Wonderfully understated Ste Foy Tarentaise in the country's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region features a fenced-off nursery slope set right next to the village. Childcare facilities provide storytelling, painting, and other activities to keep young minds occupied.

Italy

Fashionable but not too pretentious, the Madonna di Campiglio resort welcomes families with children in tow. It's especially popular with young snowboarders.

Finland

Skiing at Ylläs means enjoying yuletide fun all season long. The resort's location in the land of Santa Claus adds a little magic to the occasion, and kids can celebrate on the nursery slopes or romp across the mini snow park.

France

With nursery slopes right by the village, good childcare facilities, and lots of enticing family lift pass offers, Flaine, in the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps, is an obvious choice for parents traveling with youngsters.

Canada

Centered around an attractive Tirolean-type village, Sun Peaks in British Columbia features the Sun Tots and Sun Kids ski programs, which provide lessons and childcare for three to 12 year olds.

USA

Sun Valley in Idaho is an all-season family resort destination—but in winter it positively sparkles. Suited for family fun, Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain are the destinations to head for if you're skiing with kids.

France

Excellent childcare facilities provided at the Village des Enfants, special children's slopes, and the Aquariaz water park make Avoriaz, the highest part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, an ideal family option.

Austria

Compact and scenic Alpbach, in Austria's Tyrol, has toddlers at its heart: there's a nursery slope right in the village and a choice of good ski kindergartens.

USA

Fun and convenience converge at Keystone, Colorado. This stunning resort features among other amenities Kidtopia, an adventure play packed with kid-centric daily activities.

France

Much of La Tania ski resort is enclosed by woodland, which makes for a very picturesque base for families to share fun together in the beginner area and on the nursery slope.

Austria

Mayrhofen is where tiny tots can find their ski feet on a beginner-friendly fun slope. Meanwhile those with more experience should head for Penken Mountain. Everyone though will love the horse-drawn sleigh rides and outdoor ice rink.

France

Ten villages make up the big resort of La Plagne, with several offering dedicated kindergarten facilities. Off-slope activities include bobsledding, husky sledding, and visits to ice caves — plenty to keep kids and grown-ups occupied!

USA

Vermont's Okemo Mountain Resort has previously been voted North America's best family resort. The destination's first-class ski lessons and child-care programs are highly regarded, and the carefree vibe is appreciated by all ages.

France

A large international ski school with a dedicated children's section is located at under-the-radar Puy St Vincent. Though small in size, this appealing resort is relaxed and cozy, perfect for those seeking less crowds and more peace.