The Best Ski Resorts for Families

What Makes a Good Ski Resort for Families?

When it comes to catering for family groups, not all resorts offer the same facilities that can really make a difference to your trip. Family-friendly resorts share several important characteristics that will help family groups get the most out of their holiday.  If you are looking for a family ski resort make sure it includes:

Child-friendly ski schools

Assuming that your children aren’t quite olympic level skiers yet, a good ski school with friendly, highly-rated, English speaking instructors can help introduce them to their first taste of skiing, and hopefully ignite their interest in heading down those slopes. Resorts with great ski schools mean that your kids can spend at least part of the day learning to ski with their peers, giving the more advanced skiers in your group a chance to head off to more challenging pistes, safe in the knowledge that your kids are in good hands.

Beginner-friendly slopes

While we recommend booking skiing lessons for those who haven’t done it before, if you choose to teach the novice members of your family group yourself, ensuring the ski resort you book has plenty of beginner-friendly slopes is going to be critical. Nursery areas and magic carpets are going to be great for those who are completely new to skiing, where wide, gentle green and blue slopes will be perfect for taking those next steps and building confidence.

Excellent accommodation options

As fun as skiing is, having a cosy base that’s close to the slopes is going to be ideal for family groups. Skiing is tiring, and carrying heavy ski equipment back to your lodgings at the end of the day can be tough on little ones (or you if you end up taking the load!), so picking accommodation that’s close by and comfortable with all the amenities your family needs will make your trip that much more enjoyable.

Off-piste activities. Families often like to mix up skiing days with other activities to keep kids entertained and have some fun aside from skiing. Lots of resorts offer fantastic activities such as husky sledging, tobogganing, swimming and ice skating, so make sure you see what’s on offer before you book.

Reliable childcare options

If you have really young children, you might want to leave them at a nursery while you enjoy the best of the slopes. Lots of family-friendly resorts will have fantastic childcare options so you can leave your little ones in the care of experienced minders, doing lots of fun activities while you get some more time skiing.

Convenient resort layouts

Resorts with ski in/ ski out access can be great for family groups and save time, hassle (and moaning), by making it possible to ‘get up and go’ without having to rely on transport buses to get you to the slopes.

Resort atmosphere. The apres ski scene varies from resort to resort with some catering more towards adults, with a party vibe. Some families will prefer quieter, more relaxed resorts with lots of family-friendly cafes and restaurants and a welcoming feel.

The Best Ski Resorts for Families with Young Children

At DirectSki.com, we understand the specific needs of families travelling with little ones. Here are our top recommended resorts:

Zell Am See offers a perfect blend of scenic charm and family-friendly amenities. The resort features gentle, well-groomed slopes ideal for beginners and younger skiers, along with a selection of ski schools that specialise in teaching children in a fun, supportive environment. Off the slopes, there's plenty to keep little ones entertained, from toboggan runs and ice skating to indoor pools and kid-friendly restaurants. The picturesque lakeside setting adds a magical touch to the experience, making it just as enjoyable for non-skiing family members. With reliable snow, easy access, and a welcoming Alpine atmosphere, Zell am See creates a relaxed and memorable winter holiday for all ages.

Westendorf is a fantastic ski resort for families with children, thanks to its welcoming village atmosphere and excellent facilities for young skiers. Part of the vast SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental area, it offers access to a wide range of gentle slopes and dedicated children's zones, including funparks and beginner-friendly lifts. The local ski schools have a strong reputation for teaching kids with patience and enthusiasm, helping them build confidence on the snow. Off the piste, Westendorf also boasts a variety of family-friendly activities such as tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and a charming village centre with cosy cafés and restaurants. Its compact layout, relaxed pace, and safe surroundings make it an ideal choice for a stress-free family ski holiday.

St. Johann in Tirol is a superb ski resort for families with children, offering a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and a well-organised ski area that’s perfect for younger skiers and beginners. The resort features wide, gentle slopes, dedicated children's zones, and excellent ski schools with experienced instructors who focus on fun and safety. Families will appreciate the manageable size of the resort, which makes it easy to navigate and keeps everything within reach. Off the slopes, St. Johann offers a variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing, tobogganing, and family-friendly events throughout the season. Its charming car-free town centre, with plenty of cosy spots to warm up and relax, adds to the overall appeal, making it a stress-free and enjoyable destination for a family ski holiday.

La Plagne in France is an excellent choice for families with children, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, wide range of beginner-friendly slopes, and dedicated family facilities. The resort offers a variety of ski schools with English-speaking instructors, making it easy for children to gain confidence on the snow. There are also several gentle nursery slopes and fun zones designed specifically for younger skiers. Off the slopes, La Plagne has plenty to keep kids entertained, including toboggan runs, indoor play areas, and family-friendly restaurants. With its convenient accommodation options, reliable snow conditions, and safe, pedestrian-friendly villages, La Plagne makes ski holidays with children both enjoyable and stress-free.

Planning Tips for a Seamless Family Ski Holiday

- Book early for the best choice of family rooms and childcare availability. Don’t wait until your ideal resort is full up! Book early to avoid disappointment.

- Layer up properly and ensure kids have waterproof outerwear. It can be tricky to predict how warm or cold it will be on the slopes, and the weather can be changeable, so bring lots of layers and a small backpack to ensure you are prepared.

- Snack wisely – pack snacks and water in ski jackets or a backpack for slope-side refuelling.

- Bring sun protection - you might not think you’ll get sunburnt when there’s snow at your feet,but the last thing you want is a bright red nose for your skiing photos!

- Invest in lessons - learning the right skiing technique from an experienced instructor can be invaluable and help kids become confident skiers in no time.

- Balance ski time with rest, especially for younger children. While time on the slopes is lots of fun, inexperienced skiers or young children may prefer to mix up skiing with other fun activities, so try to plan out your time to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Why Book with DirectSki.com?

At DirectSki.com, we understand that family holidays should be as stress-free as they are magical. That’s why we offer:

- Curated family-friendly resorts and hotels

- Experienced in-resort reps to assist with any needs

- Convenient packages including flights, accommodation, transfers, ski hire and lessons

- A trusted reputation built over decades of ski holiday expertise

Looking for the best ski resorts for families? Let DirectSki.com help you create magical mountain memories. Whether you're planning your first family ski trip or returning for more snowy fun, we’ll help you find the perfect resort to suit everyone.

Our experienced team have travelled with their own families and can offer first-hand advice on the best destinations, activities and accommodation options. Book your next family adventure today, and make it one to remember.