Skiing in Europe with Kids. Why Go?
If you’re brave enough to travel overseas and bring your kids and family on a ski trip to Europe, then props to you. It will no doubt be fun and at times chaotic – which is why setting yourself up for success from the beginning is essential.
But before we go into the nitty-gritty, let’s paint the picture of why Europe is a great destination for families. You get to experience unique alpine villages that span across mountains, where you can enjoy the lively and authentic vibe of on-mountain dining, fun off-mountain activities, and of course ideal snow conditions.
Additionally, European ski resorts can in many cases be more affordable than American ski resorts, even if you factor in travel expenses. Daily lift tickets are often cheaper (and some offer discounted prices if you hold an Ikon or Epic pass), as well as affordable dining and lodging is relatively easy to come by.
Finally, every major ski resort offers English-speaking ski schools and lessons for the young ones. This finalizes the perfect formula for a nice ski getaway in Europe. So whether you’re at La Plagne in France, the Dolomites in Italy, or at Ellmau in Austria, you will find scenic runs and an off-mountain atmosphere that your entire family will love.
The Alps. A Rundown.
Now to some of the nitty-gritty: First of all you need to consider the ski resort and the ski destination. The Alps is perhaps a given – but which Alp is the best for families. Needless to say, there are some local variations, but if you want a clean breakdown, look no further.
- The French Alps: Sophisticated and extensive terrain.
- The Swiss Alps: The birthplace of modern alpine ski destinations, offering both luxurious and casual spots.
- The Italian Alps: Traditional Italian villages and food combined with awesome slopes.
- The Austrian Alps: Great terrain and family-friendly offers.
An American in the Alps.
There are some differences between a European ski resort and an American one. Looking beyond the croissants or the fresh pasta served at the full-service lunch, and the «Excusez-moi» coming from behind you while queuing for a hot chocolate, the trail difficulty and off-piste ski control differ slightly.
Trail difficulty
Europeans operate from the following color scheme, which differs slightly from the American version: Green signals beginner runs, Blue is intermediate runs, while Red is advanced and Black is expert runs. Generally, European Blue runs are equivalent to US Green or easy Blue runs. Be aware that European Red runs can be more challenging, steeper, and less groomed than American Blue runs.
Off-piste ski control
Notably, terrain outside marked pistes (runs) are unpatrolled and unmitigated for avalanche risk. Keep this in mind if you’re feeling adventurous – and if you want to go off-piste, you should bring a local guide.
Our List of the 6 Best Family Ski Resorts Across Europe.
In our guide to the six best family ski resorts in Europe, we’re giving you an overview based on the following parameters:
- Base elevation: This is the lowest point of the ski resort, namely where the lodging and dining facilities are located. This is the starting point of any alpine adventure.
- Annual snowfall.
- Skiable pistes: The size of the skiable terrain.
- Overall beginner terrain: We give you a percentage of green and blue runs at each ski resort.
- Ski and snowboard school: We know that ski lessons are important for many families, which includes some basic information about availability at each ski resort.
La Plagne, France.
Base elevation: 4,101 feet (1,250 m)
Annual snowfall: 202 inches (514 cm)
Skiable pistes: 140 miles (225 km)
Overall beginner terrain: 59% Green/Blue runs
Ski and snowboard school: Yes
La Plagne, one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe, caters to those of you who want easy access to beautiful, well-groomed slopes and value practical ski-in/ski-out lodging and family restaurants. Sitting on high-altitude, the six-resort ski area is snow-sure and offers wide slopes for a mixed-ability group. In other words, you can have the joy of teaching your kids how to ski or snowboard while also getting some solo time to cruise on the slopes.
Terrain.
The terrain at La Plagne is made up of vast, wide blue and green runs (79) for family outings. There are also a decent amount of black and red runs (51).
Off-mountain activities.
There are many options, from bobsleighing to indoor/outdoor swimming pools. Take your pick.
Travel.
The closest airport is Geneva (GVA), followed by a 2.5- to 3-hour transfer to La Plagne.
US Pass hook.
The resort is not affiliated with Epic or Ikon Passes, and lift tickets are bought locally.
Costs.
Mid to high range.
Les Gets, France.
Base elevation: 3,845 feet (1,172 m)
Annual snowfall: 135 inches (343 cm)
Skiable pistes: 75 miles (120 km)
Overall beginner terrain: 43% Green/Blue runs
Ski and snowboard school: Yes
Les Gets is renowned for how it caters to families and young, aspiring skiers and riders. First of all, extremely easy access from Geneva. Secondly, a picturesque village. Finally, there are gentle slopes, family-focused, modern services, including childcare, and possibilities for fun adventures on and off the mountain.
Terrain.
Les Gets is one of the best resorts for beginner terrain. There is a mid-mountain learning zone, Mappys, which is great for kids and families. Otherwise, the Green and Blue runs are gentle, facilitating fun cruising through the woods.
Off-mountain activities.
There are a bunch of options for off-mountain activities at Les Gets, including a children’s play area, ice skating opportunities, carpentry workshops, and generally a charming village life.
Travel.
The nearest airport to Les Gets is Geneva (GVA), and it’s only a 1-hour transfer from the airport.
US Pass hook.
The ski resort is not affiliated with Ikon or Epic Passes.
Costs.
Mid range.
Zermatt, Switzerland.
Base elevation: 5,314 feet (1,620 m)
Annual snowfall: 150 inches (385 cm)
Skiable pistes: 224 miles (360 km)
Overall beginner terrain: 30% Blue runs
Ski and snowboard school: Yes
Zermatt is known for the iconic Matterhorn that you can spot from the village. The village itself is quite historic, having catered to snow adventurers for decades. Notably, it’s also a car-free village, making the atmosphere very quiet and safe for families.
Terrain.
The terrain is varied and snow-sure. There are dedicated learning zones for kids, as well as long, scenic runs for experienced beginners or intermediate skiers.
Off-mountain activities.
If you’re looking for iconic sights, then Zermatt is your obvious choice. The scenic Gornergrat railway provides unparalleled views of the Matterhorn, and there are also opportunities for ice skating and curling in the village. The sometimes rowdy après-ski offer and crowd can be some to be wary about if you contemplate this resort.
Travel.
The closest airport to Zermatt is Zürich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA), where you must take (and enjoy) a scenic 4-hour train journey to the final destination.
US Pass hook.
Ikon Pass holders get access to the Zermatt ski area (Ikon Base Pass: 5 days, Ikon Pass: 7 days).
Costs.
High range. Zermatt is a very expensive resort village, as a result of the high costs of Swiss living.
Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
Base elevation: 5,085 feet (1,550 m)
Annual snowfall: 127 inches (324 cm)
Skiable pistes: 93 miles (150 km)
Overall beginner terrain: 48%
Ski and snowboard school: Yes
Nestled in the Dolomites, in the Trentino region, Madonna di Campiglio is one of the largest ski resorts in the Italian Alps. It’s a traditional Italian village with modern lift infrastructure and huge freestyle areas, catering to both the classic Alpine adventurer and families.
Terrain.
The terrain is predominantly beginner- and family-friendly. If you’re a mixed-ability group, perhaps of different ages and skill levels, then Madonna di Campiglio is the perfect choice for you.
Off-mountain activities.
Explore the family parks, go to the ice skating rinks, or do horse-drawn sleigh rides. It’s much more of a chilled late-afternoon hangout rather than a place for rowdy parties. If you and your family want something laidback, then this is perfect.
Travel.
The closest airports are Verona (VRN) or Milan (BGY), where you also need to factor in a 2.5-hour transfer time.
US Pass hook.
Epic Pass holders get 7 days access to all Skirama Dolomiti ski resorts.
Costs.
Mid to high range.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Austria.
Base elevation: 3,937 feet (1,200 m)
Annual snowfall: 108 inches (275 cm)
Skiable pistes: 133 miles (214 km)
Overall beginner terrain: 25% Blue runs
Ski and snowboard school: Yes
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis boasts one of the best children’s ski schools in Europe. This is largely due to the purpose-built infrastructure, including dedicated ski learning zones, child-friendly lifts, and modern family-oriented on and off mountain activities. Not to mention that this Austrian family spot offers well-groomed and wide slopes.
Terrain.
The infrastructure of the ski resort is built for families, having both a vast and separate children’s area and wide, gentle slopes for those who want to test the waters a little more.
Off-mountain activities.
There are many opportunities for family fun outside of the slopes. Snowmobile park, zip lining, a family roller coaster on the mountain. The adventures await.
Travel.
The closest airport to this Austrian getaway is Innsbruck (INN) or Munich (MUC).
US Pass hook.
The ski resort is not affiliated with Epic and Ikon Passes.
Costs.
Mid range. The lift tickets are generally lower than French and Swiss equivalents.
Ellmau, Austria.
Base elevation: 2,690 feet (820 m)
Annual snowfall: 107 inches (272 cm)
Skiable pistes: 172 miles (278 km)
Overall beginner terrain: 41% Blue runs
Ski and snowboard school: Yes
Ellmau is part of the SkiWelt ski area, the largest, interconnected ski area in Austria. Other villages include Going, Itter, and Scheffau. As a whole, SkiWelt boasts a family-friendly infrastructure, both in terms of ski terrain and off-mountain activities.
Terrain.
The terrain at Ellmau consists of gentle slopes and many wide, easy Blue runs. There is excellent infrastructure for children’s programs, including dedicated learning zones.
Off-mountain activities.
Ice skating, winter hiking – and if you can’t get enough of the snow, the resort also offers night-skiing. Perhaps something to take your youngsters along for.
Travel.
The closest airport to Ellmau is Innsbruck (INN) or Salzburg (SZG).
US Pass hook.
There are not any affiliations to Epic or Ikon Passes.
Costs.
Mid-range. Ellamau offers some of the best value in the Alps.
Packing for Your Ski Trip.
Before booking your lift tickets you should also consider whether you are buying or renting your ski equipment. Consider the cost of each option, as well as whether you’re likely to take several ski trips over the upcoming years. If so, it might be more economical to buy your gear instead of renting. And if you’re worried about traveling with ski gear on planes, don’t be. We got the best ski and snowboard bags for air travel, ready for your journey.
Don’t sleep on the importance of the correct bag.
Some options include a long, compressible ski bag meant to streamline the packing and transport of skis and ski poles. The spacious Snow Roller has compartments that also facilitate space for goggles and helmets. Another choice is the Snow Essential Ski Bag with adjustable straps. It’s also available as a snowboard bag.
Consider lessons.
For many, lessons are non-negotiable. All of the ski resorts on our list offer ski and snowboarding lessons, many of which are offered as private lessons or group lessons. Insight and tips for expert skiers and riders can make or break your kids’ first time on the slopes. If you’re not eager to teach your kids yourself, we would definitely recommend taking advantage of the ski lessons on-site.
Notes on Family Budgeting While Skiing.
Save money where you can, whether that’s accommodation, dining, travel, or transportation. We all know skiing and snowboarding can be expensive. As a family unit, you need to balance everyone’s skill levels and consider how much time each will realistically spend on the slopes.
For example, if some are not interested at all, another loves skiing, and another wants to learn and see how they go, you can go for a mid-range ski resort like Ellmau or another Austrian ski resort.
Factors to consider when choosing a ski resort.
- Free lift tickets: Many resorts offer free lift tickets for the youngest children (under 5 years).
- Booking window: Be aware of the Saturday-to-Saturday trap – which are restrictions to the booking schedule during peak season that require full-week bookings from said days. If you’re traveling in peak season, we would recommend that you secure lodging before booking flights.
- Dining included: Many Italian and Austrian ski resorts include breakfast and dinner when you book accommodation. This might be a deciding factor when comparing two or several ski resorts.
Choose the Right Ski Resorts for Your Level.
Your Questions Answered.
Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Europe.
Do ski resorts in Europe offer English ski lessons?
Yes, most European ski resorts offer English-speaking ski and snowboarding schools.
What are the best family ski resorts in Europe?
In the French Alps, the best family ski resorts are La Plagne and Les Gets due to wide slopes and good infrastructure. The Austrian Alps, in particular the SkiWelt ski area (including Ellmau) is ideal for a fun, affordable, and diverse ski experience. The Dolomiti ski area in the Italian Alps is also a good choice for families.
