What are the Best Family Ski Resorts in Europe?

As anyone who has been skiing knows, it’s an incredibly fun experience. 

There’s nothing quite like flying down the snowy slopes, and whether you’re a skiing expert or a complete novice, it always makes a great choice of holiday. 

However, many people neglect this choice of holiday in favour of something they deem more family-friendly but this doesn’t have to be the case.

In fact, Europe is home to a whole host of outstanding family ski resorts which can be fully enjoyed by every member of your family. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best.

What are the best family ski resorts in Europe? 

Undoubtedly, the Alps are home to many of the world’s best ski resorts. 

Stretching across eight countries, including Switzerland, France and Italy, the mountain range is a dream destination for anyone looking to hit the slopes. 

And while you may be thinking its many ski resorts are reserved only for the most proficient skiers and alpine adventurers, this is not the case.  

In fact, many of its ski resorts are ideal for families, with lessons and slopes available to people of all ability levels. No matter what resort in the Alps you’re considering, Geneva Airport in Switzerland is usually your best bet. 

While it’s fully based in Swiss territory, Geneva airport runs along the Swiss-French border, meaning it’s often regarded as one of the best airports to fly into even if you’re heading for a ski resort that’s in France rather than Switzerland. 

Let’s take a look at five of the best family ski resorts in Europe that are all easily accessible from Geneva.

Val d’lsère 

While it might be associated with its après ski traditions (the entertainment, socialising and drinking activities that usually come after a day out on the slopes), the French ski resort of Val d’lsère is also a hit with families. 

Located near the Italian border and fellow Espace Killy resort Tignes (more on that later), it is an ideal resort for a mixed-ability group.    

Ski classes are on offer at a range of skill levels, with slopes ranging from beginners all the way through to more challenging. Plus, activities such as dog-sledging, ice skating and tobogganing are also available. 

And, it’s easy to get from Geneva to Val d’lsère thanks to the direct transfers on offer from the airport.  

La Plagne

One of the highest ski resorts in the region, La Plagne sits at a staggering 2,050m. This means you’ll be receiving stunning views whether you’re out on the slopes or simply overlooking the mountain range over dinner and a drink. 

If you have children with you, there are nursery and intermediate slopes that will help your little ones get to grips with the skiing basics. Plus, there are baby and toddler activities taking place on a daily basis.

There is also a fully pedestrianised ski village full of chalets and shops that is ideal for any downtime you have.  

Travelling from Geneva to La Plagne is around 150km or a two-hour and 30-minute drive, making it ideal if you want to take a bus transfer or hire a car. 

Morzine 

At Morzine, there is something for everyone. Very close to the Swiss border, this French resort offers a variety of ski schools for adults and children of all ages. And, if you want some time alone out on the slopes then you can also book your little ones into a whole host of on-site childcare facilities. This includes Cheeky Monkeys Childcare, ESF Kindergarten and L’Outa childcare nursery.

If you want a break from the action, there are also a number of stunning restaurants to enjoy and husky-dog rides to keep you and the kids entertained. All in a family-friendly atmosphere that ensures you all have a great time.

Just a short hop over the border into France, travelling to Geneva Airport and then from Geneva to Morzine is often your best bet. There are a number of transfers available that are all under two hours.

Tignes 

If you’re in a large group or with your family, Tignes is often the ski resort of choice. As mentioned earlier, this resort is linked with Val d’lsère as part of the Espace Killy ski area and offers a lively atmosphere, stunning views and access to some of the best ski slopes on the planet. 

In fact, the resort was specifically built to ensure guests could wake up as close to the pistes as possible. This means there is a whole host of accommodation options available, no matter what your family is looking for.

In terms of activities, there are ski schools on offer for all ages and be sure to check out the iconic ‘Eye of the Needle’ rock formation that is located at the top of the Aiguille Percée ski lift – it needs to be seen to be believed.

Getting from Geneva to Tignes is pretty easy, too. Private transfers, taxis and bus routes are all available.  

Val Thorens 

Rounding up our list of best family ski resorts is Val Thorens. 

Perfect if your little ones are no longer so little, it’s the ideal resort for teens and young adults. With a lively, vibrant nightlife to go alongside the skiing, the resort’s peak sits at 2,300m – making it the highest in Europe. 

It doesn’t matter your ability level either, as ski classes cater to everyone. What you will find no matter what though, is some of the best snow in the Alps and views over the Swiss/Italian mountains that are a sight to behold. 

Going from Geneva to Val Thorens takes a bit longer than the other resorts listed here, but it’s well worth it. Trains and buses are both available from the city.