Thinking about something different but still want to stay in Europe, how about learning to ski for your next family vacation? Europe is the number one destination for skiers all over the world. Skiing on any of the thousands of slopes that Europe’s mountains have to offer, you’ll be among total novices and Olympians alike.
But, it’s also important to keep in mind that the right vacation destination can make or break a potentially wonderful experience for the whole family. There are lifelong happy memories at stake here. So you should make sure that you choose your location and apply carefully. You don’t want to spend your family vacation lugging your kids’ skis around all day.
The good news is, there are tons of options. But with so many options, how do you choose where to take your family? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article you will find a list of the five most beautiful destinations in Europe for your next family skiing holiday.
Avioraz, Portes du Soleil, France
Photo by Maarten Duineveld on Unsplash
Avioraz boasts modern architecture which create a striking contrast with the cliffs below. It is located at 1800m and was designed in the sixties. The architects who designed Avioraz were trying to make a bold statement, and they succeeded; the result is fantastic, a wooden hodgepodge of modernist angles and silhouettes.
This unique resort is more utilitarian than anything else, which is a total pro if you have your family in tow. It is built at an altitude on an actual slope, making it ideal for ski-in/ski-out lodging. You will find that the slopes and pistes are very accessible, as they all run through the resort, with lifts also located in the centre.
Another great point is the fact that this resort is a car-free zone, with parking available under the town or on the outskirts. Don’t worry! There are many transport services available from Geneva airport, and many find that this is actually easier than driving a car themselves.
Families love that Avioraz is compact, so you never have to walk very far to get wherever you want to go. In addition, the fact that it is built on a slope means that you don’t have to go uphill to reach the lifts. You can also check out the other resorts in Portes du Soleil, which offers some of the most breathtaking destinations for family ski holidays in Europe.
Something to keep in mind: Avioraz is great if your whole family wants to spend most of their time at the resort skiing. This is because there is not much to do apart from skiing, and the prices for such activities in Morzine are quite high. Otherwise, in Avioraz, you and your family enjoy more than 600 km of runs, in a wide range of skill levels.
Advantages of Avoriaz
- Slopes for all levels
- Good lift conditions
- Good snowfall
- Car free
- Ski-in, ski-out accommodation
Disadvantages of Avoriaz
- shorter runs
- Relatively expensive
- It does not boast the traditional charm of the Alpine resort
Note: If you are looking for a more traditional and charming Alpine resort, this is NOT the place for you!
Saas Fee, Switzerland
Photo by Chris Biron on Unsplash
Saas Fee is at 1800m and is close by Zermatt but much less crowded. The village has all the Alpine enchantment you could want, and features impressive peaks as a backdrop (perhaps most notable, the Matterhorn). This resort has actually been named one of Switzerland’s most family-friendly ski resorts, probably helped by the fact that a number of nursery slopes are located just outside the village.
Saas Fee is an ideal choice, especially for those families traveling with younger children. Since there are no cars allowed in the resort, families are free to walk and take in the charming atmosphere.
This resort also offers world-renowned ski schools, and non-ski activities for kids who aren’t ready to take part.
Older kids won’t be disappointed either, with world-class halfpipe for the already expert and entry-level jumping for those looking to sharpen their skills.
If you have a lot of beginners in your family, you’ll want to make sure you stay near the southern end of the resort, because that’s where the nursery slopes are.
Saas Fee is a great place to also take a day of skiing. While exploring the area, your family will enjoy an entire mountain reserved for snowshoeing, and designated spots for skating and curling. You can also go hiking, explore ice caves and ski cross country if that’s more your thing.
Advantages of Saas Fee
- Beautiful mountain landscape
- Lots of snow
- A charming city
- Great for beginners and experts
Disadvantages of Saas Fee
- A network of small pistes
- Expensive
La Rosière, France
La Rosière features classic chalets located at 1850m and a short walk away from all the pistes and lifts. It also boasts abundant snow, and features those captivating mountain views you and your family are looking for.
This resort is great for beginners, as there are free lifts in the main part of the village and many blue runs. Intermediate skiers won’t be disappointed either, as they can hone their skills on the challenging red runs.
The advanced skiers in your family will want to take advantage of the off-piste offerings. For this, you can take the lift from La Rosière to the Zittieux Freeride area.
Since La Rosière is really family friendly, there isn’t much nightlife, but if you’ve brought the sitter and are looking for a fun night out, there are definitely a few good options.
Advantages of La Rosière
- Quiet and family friendly
- Lots of beginner hills
- Lots of sun and snow
- Beautiful mountain views
Disadvantages of La Rosière
- The snow turns to slush on the south-facing slopes
- Not many off piste options
Alpbach, Ski Juwel, Austria
If, for you, breathtaking scenery includes vast pine forests against an impressive mountain backdrop, all topped with a layer of glittering snow, then Alpbach is your place. This family-friendly resort is complete with a beautiful church and a village made up of traditional wooden chalets.
In Alpach, beginners in your family will enjoy nursery slopes close to the village and excellent ski schools. Advanced skiers will love the challenging black runs, especially on the Wiedersberger Horn at 2025m and many off-piste areas.
This ski resort is generally quieter than the average resort, but there are definitely places to go if you’re looking for a night out. Many families come here to enjoy the charming atmosphere and the breathtaking views.
Non-skiing activities are also available, such as tobogganing, hiking, boarding and snowshoeing.
Advantages of Alpbach
- A charming village
- Made for families
- Not too expensive
Disadvantages of Alpbach
- Not many advanced opportunities
- He has to catch a bus to the hills
- Not snow for sure
Flaine, Grand Massif, France
Flaine it doesn’t lack for awesome skiing opportunities, but if you’re looking for charming chalets, forget it. Well, at least in the center of the village. After the original cement buildings were built in the 1960s, resort owners quickly realized that families preferred more traditional villas, which have since been built in the suburbs of the village.
This resort has earned its rank as the best resort for families, due to its good value and convenience. It is close to Geneva airport, and quite easy to drive. All lifts are close to the accommodation, and the accommodation consists mainly of self-catering apartments.
Flaine is a snowless resort and has many runs for intermediate skiers. You can also buy a more economical ski pass for the beginners in your group who will plan to stay near the nursery slopes.
The experts in your family will enjoy many challenging off-piste opportunities, meant to be tackled with a guide.
Advantages of Flaine
- Slopes for all levels
- Good value
- Convenient
Cons of Flaine
- Not a great aesthetic
- Not very active at night
Tips for skiing with the family
- Book ski schools in advance
- Bring snacks to the slopes to save money
- Just buy ski equipment for advanced skiers in your group, otherwise loan and hire is a great option!
- Book self-catering chalets
- Make time for breaks from skiing
Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash
These are just five of some of the best family ski destinations available in Europe. They were chosen because of the availability of starting slopes, and a general family-friendly layout. You’ll have to decide what’s most important to your family—whether it’s charming aesthetics, epic views, convenience or lower prices. Whatever you decide, you are sure to find the right location for you and your family. Happy travels!