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Top 10 Family Friendly Ski Resorts
Ski holidays with young children can be wonderful – if you choose the right resort. But there are many well-regarded ski resorts that are simply unsuitable for younger visitors. Adult-oriented nightlife, inadequate childcare, lack of child discounts and unpedestrianised centres can all detract from a family getaway.
But there are plenty of great family-friendly resorts to choose from. Here are ten of the very best.
Sun Peaks, British Columbia, Canada
At the heart of Sun Peaks is a traffic-free main street, making the resort ideal for younger visitors. The slopes are varied, adding further appeal to families. Sundance Kids Centre takes non-skiing children aged 18 months to five years, while ski lessons are available for three-to-five year olds through the Sun Tots and Sun Kids programmes. Despite being Canada's second biggest resort, it is still quiet by Alpine standards. Ski lift queues are rare and there are a good selection of restaurants.
Les 2 Alpes, France
While Les 2 Alpes is a top ski resort for visitors of all ages, it has gone all-out to become family friendly in recent years. For youngsters aged one or more, the 'Baby Snow' device – invented by one of the resort's instructors – facilitates a safe snow-sliding experience. For older kids the Big Air Snowbag presents a risk-free ski jump. The resort even runs a special family week at the end of the season when other resorts have closed.
Avoriaz, Haute Savoie, France
A car-free resort with attractive wooden-clad accommodation, Haute Savoie is safe and convenient for families. The area has a great record for snowfall, thanks in part to its high altitude. Childcare is available from Village des Enfants, an establishment based in the centre and run by ex-downhill champ Annie Famose. It boasts children's slopes and a wide range of activities. The resort also features a large water park called Aquariaz.
Galtur, Austria
Galtur boasts almost 40km of slopes for all ability levels, making it fantastic for families. Guest Kindergarten takes care of children aged two and upwards, while those aged from three years are looked after by the ski school. Older kids can enjoy a whole range of activities from treasure hunts to ski/board jump lessons and night skiing sessions. There's even a mini Winter Olympics every Friday!
Sainte Foy, France
Sainte Foy was once more of an expert resort, but has developed a range of services that make for a very rewarding family ski break. This modestly-sized resort is popular among UK and Dutch visitors, many of whom own apartments here. In terms of childcare, Les P'tits Trappeurs takes three-to-11 year olds while the Cub Club organises party nights for four-to-12 year-olds.
Levi, Finland
While this area is best-known among UK tourists for its Santa Claus connection, it also offers a great many activities for older children and teenagers. We're talking reindeer safaris, snowmobiling and dog sledding. While this resort doesn't boast the extensive slopes of some Alpine destinations, it does offer superb terrain parks and a wealth of indoor activities in the hotels – since it can get very cold indeed. Hotel Leviunturi, for instance, boasts 17 themed swimming pools!
Obergurgl, Tirol, Austria
Discounting glacier resorts, you won't find a more snowsure destination in the Alps than Obergurgl. In addition, no through traffic, traditional architecture and easy slopes have turned this resort into a family favourite. Those aged three and up can join the resort's Bobo Mini Club for outdoor fun, or the Bobo Kindergarten for indoor activities. For adults, the abundant spas and pools in the resort's plush hotels will be of great interest.
Tremblant, Canada
With a London-Montreal flight time of just five hours, Tremblant is certainly one to consider if you want to minimise your family's jetlag. But this delightful, traffic-free resort also offers superb ski-in ski-out accommodation, large condo-style apartments and plenty of English speaking instructors. Kids will love Aqua Club La Source, a theme park featuring dog sledding, ice climbing, tubing, high ropes and snowmobiling – among many other activities.
Wengen, Bernese Overland, Switzerland
Popular among UK snow-seekers for decades, Wengen offers a great deal for families. This charming and surprisingly friendly village offers incredible scenery and a relaxed approach to skiing and snowboarding; you won't find many adrenaline junkies here. A nursery slope and two kindergartens are located in the largely traffic-free village, where you can also find a great ice rink and a cinema.
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