Skiing is a great activity for the whole family. There is no better way to enjoy an active holiday where every day is full of excitement. One of the main issues that you will encounter when planning a family ski trip is choosing the right resort. Some resorts are simply better suited to different types of holiday makers, so your decision can have a big impact on the success of your holiday. Here are eight ski resorts that you could consider that are all suitable for family holidays.
1. Snowmass
This popular modern resort in Colorado, USA, has long been a family favourite. It boasts gentle slopes that are ideal for young skiers, and it also has an excellent ski school. At the same time, some slopes are suitable for experts, so everyone is happy. The kids’ centre provides care for children as young as two months, and there is also a terrain park for beginners. Free lift passes are provided for those aged six and under.
2. Sainte Foy
Sainte Foy is a small and attractive resort in Savoie, France. It is modern, good value and one of the best resorts for families in the region. The slopes are varied to provide fun for all levels, and a nursery slope is located close to the village. There are also good options for childcare, with a nursery for children aged up to 11 years old. Après ski is not great, but there are restaurants and bars to provide entertainment in the evenings. There is also excellent off-piste skiing available for the adults.
3. Wengen
Wengen is located in Bernese Oberland, Switzerland, amidst some of the most spectacular scenery you will find at any European resort. The slopes are high, up to 2,970 metres, and there are over 200 km of pistes. It is charming, relaxing and has a friendly vibe, and on top of that it has some nice easy slopes for beginners. There are a couple of kindergartens providing care for children from six months, and the village has a nursery slope and an ice rink.
4. La Rosiere
La Rosiere is another of France’s most popular family resorts. The slopes here are known for being sunny, and the snow reliability is very good. There are 160 km of pistes, which are ideal for beginners and intermediates. The resort is small and quiet, especially compared to other resorts in the area, and there are nursery slopes for beginners. It also boasts some of the best ski chalets in France, so all in all it is a great option for a ski holiday.
5. Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks is located in British Columbia, Canada, and consists of a small, quiet and very attractive resort. Its main street is free of traffic, and it has a pleasant atmosphere and plenty of facilities including shops, restaurants, cafés and an art gallery. Ski lessons and childcare are provided for youngsters, and there is also a kids’ centre for under-fives who are not skiing. Fives and under also get a free lift pass.
6. Obergurgl
This Austrian resort has excellent snow reliability, with its slopes reaching up to 3,080 metres. It is a traditional-style resort with very little traffic, and combined with the easy slopes, children’s club, kindergarten and childcare provided in the hotels, it is very popular with families. Free lift passes are also available to nines and under.
7. Avoriaz
Located in Haute Savoie, France, Avoriaz is a pleasant, traffic-free resort with a huge ski area consisting of 650 km of pistes. Purpose-built in the 1960s, the resort has long been popular with families due to its pleasant feel, wooden chalets and lack of cars. Its high slopes are good for snow, and there is also childcare available and special slopes for children. The Aquariaz water park makes it even more desirable for a family ski holiday.
8. Alpbach
Alpbach is in Tirol, Austria, and is a charming and traditional resort. It has a friendly atmosphere, it is very picturesque, and it has long been popular with families. Nursery slopes in the village are ideal for beginners, and there are also kindergartens available while the adults take a shuttle bus to the main slopes. Free lift passes are available for fives and under.
Choose the Best Resort for Your Family Holiday
These are all excellent ski resorts that all have their own charms. Have a look through them all and try to pick one that looks like a good bet for your family holiday. Choosing the right resort can have a big impact on your ski trip, so spend some time choosing carefully and enjoy a holiday to remember.
