Where to Find Kid-Friendly Slopes in Europe: 15 Ski Resorts Families Love

Skiing can be an incredible family activity, and there’s no better place to enjoy a family ski holiday than in the incredible mountainous regions of Europe.

Ski resorts serve as fabulous holiday destinations for many families during winter. Offering the opportunity to ski, snowboard, and enjoy the fresh air of snow-filled mountains. Add in tobogganing, ice skating, gondola rides, and exceptional amenities and activities, and you have a complete winter vacation in one spot.

In Europe, you can find arguably the best ski resorts for families (and often much cheaper than their North American counterparts). From the Alps to the Scandes, each mountain resort in Europe is unique and boasts numerous trails and opportunities to learn how to ski; beginners to experts are catered for at all these incredible European ski resorts for families.

This post is part of our series Discover Europe – find more kid-friendly destination inspiration

Where to Find the Best Family Ski Resorts in Europe

Although there are dozens of ski resort towns in Europe, we’ve narrowed it down to 15 ski resorts, and we think you should try it this winter with kids. We’ve included some popular classics that will never disappoint, plus some lesser-known resort towns if you’re after a new and unique European skiing experience.

Europe in Winter – Know Before You Go

• The European ski season can vary greatly depending on where you are heading. Generally speaking, ski resorts start to open by the end of November and start closing at the end of March. However, some, which we’ll detail below, have much longer seasons, making them family favourites as some of the best conditions can be experienced during the February half-term, or even into Spring and the March school holidays.

• Don’t forget all the important things you need to pack! Winter travel, especially to the snow, throws up a whole load of extra items you’ll need to pack for your family vacation – grab our family ski trip packing list here.

• Always take out travel insurance when you book a family vacation. This can cover you for cancellations and delays, and with add-on policies, you can also cover your family for winter sports.

• Travelling from outside the EU but don’t need a Schengen Visa? Learn more about upcoming changes and the new European Visa waiver program – ETIAS (presently scheduled for mid-2025, so you’ll be OK for the 2024/25 season).

Now, let’s get started! We’ve compiled the 15 Best Family Ski Resorts in Europe for you to try this winter.

1. Zermatt-Matterhorn, Switzerland

• Base Elevation: 1,608 m (approx. 5,276 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 3,883 m (approx. 12,740 ft)
• Closest Airport: Sion Airport (SIR)
• Ski Season: Year-round​​

Famous for its 3900-metre drops, Zermatt is the highest winter sports area in the Alps. Its distinctive outline and pristine appearance, courtesy of the Matterhorn as its backdrop, make it one of the best places to start your European skiing experience. The 360 km of slopes and 54 lifts make it one of the best places to start your European skiing experience.

The great thing about Zermatt is the wide range of good ski schools and snowboarding lessons on offer. You are certainly not locked into one provider, and there’s a great range of lessons to suit different ages and abilities.

Wolli’s Park for beginners at Sunnegga is a highlight for families. With five magic carpets and a huge range of activities, it is one of the best European ski resorts for families.

Besides skiing at the highest European resort, your family can enjoy winter hikes, sledging, ice skating, and visit the Matterhorn Museum – or how about learning more about curling?

A highlight for kids is taking the Gornergrat Bahn (train), which will take you to heights above 3000 metres to admire the Matterhorn!

How does skiing 365 days a year sound? Great right? The high altitude means Zermatt-Matterhorn Ski Resort can offer year-round snow for ardent ski enthusiasts. With guaranteed snow conditions all year, you can plan your vacations outside the traditional winter season and give your family a truly memorable snow experience in Europe.

Where to stay: SchlossHotel Zermatt Active & CBD Spa Hotel is one of the most highly rated ski resorts for families in Zermatt. For something a little easier on the pocket, try Hotel Europe in the village of Zinal, which offers family-sized rooms for 4.

2. Åre, Sweden

• Base Elevation: 380 m (approx. 1,247 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 1,420 m (approx. 4,659 ft)
• Closest Airport: Åre Östersund Airport (OSD)
• Ski Season: 13 December 2024 to 27 April 2025​

Only a few hours from the country’s capital, Åre is one of Sweden’s most popular resorts and is regularly listed as one of the best ski resorts in Europe for families. Every winter, thousands of Swedes and foreigners make their way to the Åre Ski Resort for its incredible family offerings.

Åre is home to Sweden’s largest downhill skill area – with 42 ski lifts and 89 slopes. Some runs extend up to 6km!

There are five recommended children’s areas, giving families plenty of variety, and four recommended trails where children can go skiing for Fika! Learn more about this fun special Swedish treat for kids here!

Often used as a location for the Ski World Cup, Åre Resort is very much alive with activities beyond skiing. It has become a place where you can find music, culture, and fun outdoor activities such as hiking and camping (maybe better left for the summer months!).

Åre Ski Resort remains open from November to April, providing up to a half year of skiing activities.

Where to stay: With ski-to-door access, try Åre-Bjørnen Falken, 4 bedroom family apartment or MårtenLiens Gård offers several boutique apartments.

3. Skistar Trysil, Norway

• Base Elevation: 415 m (approx. 1,362 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 1,100 m (approx. 3,609 ft)
• Closest Airport: Scandinavian Mountains Airport (SCR)
• Ski Season: 16 November 2024 to 21 April 2025​

The Skistar Trysil is one of the largest alpine ski resorts in the world. At the Trysil, you get 78 kilometres of skiing over 68 slopes with 32 lifts in operation over winter. The skiing areas are divided into four. With woods, snow parks and mountains, the Trysil has many activities that cater to beginners and expert skiers.

Children are not left out at this resort. The Trysil has something awesome in store—a famous snowman named Valle. Valle is a kid-friendly snowman who keeps the younger children occupied with games, contests, and other fun activities.

There are also great ski schools available for children who would love to learn how to ski. Trysil also offers childcare services, so it is a perfect location for your European ski holiday for both skiers and non-skiers in your family!

The season typically lasts from December through to early April.

Where to stay: Try Radisson Blu Mountain Resort & Residences offering family apartments with a resort setting

4. St. Moritz, Switzerland

• Base Elevation: 1,720 m (approx. 5,643 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 3,057 m (approx. 10,030 ft)
• Closest Airport: Engadin Airport (SMV)
• Ski Season: 23 November to 6 April 2024​​

You can’t plan any European family winter vacation without considering visiting St. Moritz. St. Moritz is an Upper Engadine town in the Swiss canton of Grunbaden – divided into three villages: Dorf, St Mortiz Bad and Celerina.

Having hosted numerous Winter Olympics, St. Moritz is one of the prime spots for winter sports in Europe. It is the resort that made winter family vacations look idyllic and one of the premier European ski destinations.

Whether you’re cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or sledging, St. Moritz has the facilities for all of these attractions. Downhill skiing is a favourite. There are plentiful ski schools, and winter schools abound around the region of St. Moritz itself, as well as child care services if parents want to hit the slopes on their own.

Non-skiers often enjoy the hikes on St. Moritz or fast rides on the safe trails of the St. Moritz-Celerina Olympia bobrun.

After the outdoor activities, there are great spots for dinner and dancing at St. Moritz. The Snowli, located at the base station of the Celerina-Marguns gondola lift in Celerina, is often touted as a family favourite.

The St Moritz ski season typically runs from late November through until early April.

Where to stay: Known for being one of the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe, it’s also one of the most expensive. Carlton Hotel St Moritz and Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski are known for offering family suites, or try Hotel Chesa Spuondas for something more budget-friendly and still within walking distance to the lifts.

5. Zugspitze, Germany

• Base Elevation: 2,000 m (approx. 6,562 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 2,962 m (approx. 9,718 ft)
• Closest Airport: Innsbruck Airport (INN)
• Ski Season: 30 November 2024 to 1 May 2025​​

Colloquially referred to as the top of Germany, Zugspitze also means mountain peak in German. This high point in Germany has remained a favourite for all skiers. Zugspitze hosted the Winter Olympics in 1936 to prove it. Rising to 2900 metres, it offers a 360 panoramic view of the area and 20 km of slopes with ten lifts.

From the high points of the Zugspitze, you can see the unfolding of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the range of 400 mountains around it. It is a view to behold, especially from the AlpspiX viewing platform.

Cable car rides and nature hikes are not the only adrenaline-inducing activities in the Zugspitze; downhill skiing and skiing contests also abound in Germany’s most popular ski resort.

Eight ski schools on the Zugspitze are ready to take in students who want to experience the Kandahar downhill. Ixis children’s area on Hausberg is explicitly designed for children. There are also restaurants that provide Bavarian cuisine and shops that cater to whatever a skier needs.

Zugspitze arguably offers one of the best European skiing experiences, with a long season that runs from mid-November to May.

Where to stay: Garmisch-Partnkirchen offers the widest range of accommodation, try Hotel Zugspitze or in nearby Farchant, try a quadruple room at Hotel Föhrenhof Garni.

6. Courchevel, France

• Base Elevation: 1,300 m (approx. 4,265 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 2,738 m (approx. 8,983 ft)
• Closest Airport: Chambéry Airport (CMF)
• Ski Season: 6 December 2024 to 21 April 2025

Offering one of the most premium ski experiences, the Courchevel comprises six different worlds in one. Birthed from Saint Bon village, Courchevel has expanded its offerings across five other locations to create the largest ski area in Europe. Each of these places offers unique winter sports activities for your outdoor enthusiasts.

Outdoor activities at the Courchevel include ski jumps, hiking trails, hand gliding and hot air balloon adventures. You and your family can ride on the snowmobile and partake in as much tobogganing as you can stomach.

The Saulire cable car takes you to 2700 meters, where you can see the majestic views of Courchevel.

There are several excellent ski schools in Courchevel, with magnetic safety vests used, accessible chairlifts and luxury accommodations, your family can truly kick back and relax in the assured safety.

Unlike other resorts, the Courchevel has an exclusive airport (CVF), so vacationing at the Courchevel can be easier for families than many other resorts due to its accessibility (although it’s also ranked one of the most difficult to land at airports in the world!)

Due to the high altitude, Courchevel has quite a long ski season. Some resorts open as early as late November, and the last weekend in April is touted as the closing date.

Where to stay: Gorgeous Le Lana offers ski-out accommodation and an abundance of family-friendly features, or try this Ski in/ Ski out in Meribel Plateau 2-bedroom apartment

7. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

• Base Elevation: 1,224 m (approx. 4,016 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 2,930 m (approx. 9,612 ft)
• Closest Airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
• Ski Season: 29 November 2024 to 6 April 2025

The Italian Dolomites are a famous holiday region in the country, and for skiers, the jewel is the Cortina d’Ampezzo – also known as the Queen of the Dolomites!

Comprising superb ski terrain, Cortina Resort started attracting visitors after the 1956 Winter Olympics. For years, Cortina was the preferred winter resort. Ski enthusiasts trooped in from all over the world to enjoy the abundant gifts in Cortina.

Downhill skiing is the core icy activity of this resort. The ski trails at Cortina connect to the ski resorts around it, and a bobsled trail is lit up at night for safe sledging.

Cortina boasts several entertainment venues and chic stores where guests can enjoy a unique shopping experience. Part of its Olympic-grade terrain has been adapted for beginners and intermediates to ensure fun for family members at any level.

Cortina d’Ampezzo has a wide range of ski schools, making it one of our top choices for a family ski vacation in Europe. The season runs from late November to April.

Where to stay: Faloria Mountain Spa Resort is an excellent choice offering family suites, or try a 2-bedroom apartment at Attico Castello with ski-to-door access

8. St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria

• Base Elevation: 1,304 m (approx. 4,278 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 2,811 m (approx. 9,222 ft)
• Closest Airport: Innsbruck Airport (INN)
• Ski Season: 21 December 2024 to 4 April 2025

St. Anton am Arlberg is often praised for its hard snowfall and incredible pistes. Mid-winter, 89 lifts operate, and over 300 kilometres of slopes are on offer, making it one of the best ski resorts in Austria.

If there’s anything consistent with children, we know how much they love rides. Your kids will find a Ferris wheel waiting for them at St Anton am Arlberg ski resort. Adults who love rides can take the gondola on its way up and witness the fabulous view of the region.

St. Anton provides a European Winter Wonderland tailored to kids. The multifunctional sports centre offers numerous activities for your family to take part in, as well as a popular and safe trampoline hall for young kids.

On the slopes, there are several ski schools to choose from, with ‘Hase Hoppl’ or Hase the Hare leading the way. Kikiclub offers a weekly program of events and ski lessons.

Expect the ski season in St. Anton am Arlberg to run from early December through until early April.

Where to stay: Try Valluga Hotel, offering family suites just 300m from the lifts, or nearby in Steeg, Pension Alpenblick where you can get a family apartment with a free bus to the slopes that won’t break the bank.

9. Gudauri, Georgia

• Base Elevation: 1,993 m (approx. 6,539 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 3,279 m (approx. 10,758 ft)
• Closest Airport: Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
• Ski Season: 14 December 2024 to 20 April 2025​

Sitting at the crossroads between Eastern Europe and West Asia, Georgia’s Gudauri Ski Resort in the Greater Caucasus Mountains is our wildcard pick for those seeking a new and unique skiing experience that’s friendly on the pocket (though, by all reports, prices are rising as popularity is increasing!)

Guradi Ski Resort is just 120 km from Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)—about a 2-hour bus journey—and offers 70 km of slopes up to 3,279 feet. During peak season, 15 gondolas and lifts operate, and there are slopes to suit beginners through to black runs.

The season in Gudauri runs from mid-December to April, though you’d want to time it for the best chance of fresh powder for January through mid-March. Night skiing is also possible on Fridays and Saturdays from 20:00 – 22:00.

For those looking for an English-language ski school, Vagabond Adventures is highly recommended for kids and adults. The very reasonably priced ski passes make this one a great pick for a European family ski vacation.

Where to stay: We recommend staying in New Guadari as it’s closer to the centre of town – New Gudauri Suites are great for a family. Several friends have also recommended Gudauri Lodge, with its indoor pool and lovely views, suitable for experienced skiers who don’t mind crossing town to get to the lifts.

10. Hafjell, Norway

• Base Elevation: 195 m (approx. 640 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 1,033 m (approx. 3,389 ft)
• Closest Airport: Oslo Airport (OSL)
• Ski Season: 16 November 2024 to 13 April 2025

If you drive north from Oslo, Norway, along the E6 highway, one of the most kid-friendly resorts lies a comfortable three-hour drive away. Hafjell offers three locations where children can play in the snow and learn to ski.

Hafjell is one of the best ski resorts for beginners in Europe. With a ski school for children as young as three and a well-stocked ski rental, kids of all skill levels can learn how to ski during the winter, and as they get stronger, they can test their moves on increasingly challenging slopes.

Hafjell’s Ski Park offers various slopes proportionate to different ski levels—there are 18 lifts and 33 slopes to choose from. Hafjell also offers the most extensive cross-country trail in Norway.

This Norwegian resort is active from mid-November to mid-April.

Where to stay: Ilsetra Hotell offers wonderful family apartments, or try a premium room at Hunderfossen Hotel and Resort in Hafjell.

11. Val d’Isere, France

• Base Elevation: 1,550 m (approx. 5,085 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 3,450 m (approx. 11,319 ft)
• Closest Airport: Chambéry Airport (CMF)
• Ski Season: 30 November 2024 to 4 May 2025

The Val d’Isere is a high-altitude valley resort with ski terrain at an altitude of 1,550 metres at its lowest. This quality lengthens the season at the resort until May. Visitors can ski into July at its 3000-meter peaks. Over 150 ski lifts serve the terrain at the Val d’Isere.

Val d’Isere’s terrain is adaptable to skiers of all levels, including older children. Child-sized skis are available at the shops, and gentle downhill slopes are exclusively set aside for families that younger children can learn on. In addition, there are snow play areas set aside for your little ones and ski kindergarten.

The Travelator is the most loved family activity. It is a magic carpet that rides downhill, offering youngsters the thrills of high-altitude skiing.

Val d’Isere also makes an excellent choice if you are looking for a family ski resort to visit in December. Snowfall is almost guaranteed, and you’ll experience a great festive feel. Just book your ski school spots early, as it’s extremely popular during the winter school holidays.

Where to stay: Hôtel LE BLIZZARD is a top-rated family option close to the lifts, or on a budget, try a studio sleeping up to 4 at Vacancéole – Le Borsat IV in Tignes

13. Feldberg, Germany

• Base Elevation: 950 m (approx 3,117 ft)
• Summit Elevation 1,450 m (4757 ft)

• Closest Airport: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL)
• Ski Season: Mid-December to mid-March

The Feldberg Black Forest forest is about 1500 meters high and poses the most elevated point in Germany outside the Alps. Felberg is a national reserve with acres of trees and a small resort known as the Feldberg area.

Because it is at lower altitudes than the Alps, it has a relatively short season, starting mid-December and ending mid-March. However, the freshness of the air in the Fedberg area makes up for it.

The mountain has several managed inns and hotels for visitors who have come for Feldberg’s fruits. Skiers can enjoy the ski trails that run 50km long and reach up to the black level. Feldberg is the largest ski resort outside the Alps and is fitted with cable cars and views you can appreciate from everywhere.

Ski guards are available around the clock for skiers.

Where to stay: Try RotmeerHaus with quad rooms and ski amenities, or for a self-contained apartment, try Black Forest Dream Apartments

15. Kitzbühel, Austria

• Base Elevation: 800 m (approx. 2,625 ft)
• Summit Elevation: 2,000 m (approx. 6,562 ft)
• Closest Airport: Salzburg Airport (SZG)
• Ski Season: 3 November 2024 to 26 April 2025 (estimate)​​

Last but certainly not least, we have the picture-perfect Kitzbühel in the Austrian Alps. The walled village of Kitzbühel houses fabulous frescoed buildings, great hotels and lovely shops similar to other resorts.

It is far cheaper to vacation in Kitzbühel than other European resorts. The inns at Kitzbühel are family-run, and the locals are friendly. You get a fairly long season from mid-November to mid-April.

Surrounded by healthy mountains, forests and healthy air, Kitzbühel holds something for skiers and non-skiers. 170 kilometres of pistes join into SkiWelt, which adds another 280 kilometres. Ninety lifts serve both pistes.

Kids are well looked after in Kitzbühel, with the “Bärenland” kids’ area set aside, especially for young children. The Kitzbüheler Horn Snow Park offers a kicker line, the Audi Quattro Fun Slope and the KitzSki Family Park for junior skiers to show off their jumps and tricks.

Where to stay: Panorama Chalet in Mittersill offers great ski-to-door access and plenty of space for a family. For a family trip to Austria, try a family room at Berghotel Pointenhof St Johann.

Looking for more family travel inspiration?

Family travellers looking for a little more inspiration, you may also be interested in:

• Exciting October Half-Term Ideas for Families
• The Best Winter Sun Destinations in Europe
• Most Festive Places to Visit in Europe in December with Family
• Ideal Cold Weather Getaways in Europe
• Ideas for a New Year ski trip
• Best European Ideas for Spring Break
• Perfect Destinations in Europe for Spring Flower Season
• The Best USA & Canada Ski Resorts For Families
• Family Ski Resorts in Turkey
• Ideal Winter Destinations in the USA for Family Vacations
• Tips for Taking Winter Camping Trips

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