Europe’s Best Family Ski Resorts 2019

Europe has so many wonderful ski resorts with charming villages awash with fairytale-like chalets. Discover the culture of another country and let the kids learn a few words in another language. Then there are historic Christmas markets and all kinds of historic places to explore, as well as delicious cuisines to sample.

Best family ski resort

1Val d’Isère
France

Val d’Isère has a multitude of offerings for families both on and off the slopes with its 14 ski schools, a snow park and an ice-skating rink. Parents and kids will love the nurseries, play areas and activities for older kids, including Valkids where four-10 year olds can learn about ‘behind-the-scenes’ snow culture, including the first aid station, ‘driving’ a cable car and piste groomers.

2Courchevel
France

Courchevel is a world of wonder for families with multiple villages to explore – all with ski-in, ski-out accommodation. The ski schools are excellent, there are many other activities to enjoy and you can also explore further afield in Les Trois Vallées, which is the world’s largest ski area linking eight separate resorts. 

=3Zermatt
Switzerland

Located in the Alps, Zermatt is one of the most beautiful ski villages in the world with its historic car-free streets. There are myriad places to ski and snowboard, including in the shadows of the world-famous Matterhorn. 

=3St Anton am Arlberg
Austria

St Anton am Arlberg, along with its stunningly beautiful location, offers ski, snowboard and cross-country lessons and over 300 kilometres of marked trails for all levels. The reusable high-tech passes will ensure everyone has easy access to the 88 cable cars and ski lifts. When you ski here you are skiing in the tracks of history, as the Arlberg is where ski racing had its roots.

=3Val Thorens
France

Val Thorens is the highest altitude resort in Europe and part of the largest ski area in the world, offering deep snow and a network of fast and modern ski lifts so families can get back to exploring the impressive runs as quickly as possible. Off-slope activities for young include ziplining, tobogganing and riding fat bikes through the snow. Accommodation options range from guest houses and three- to five-star hotels.

=3LAAX
Switzerland

LAAX is exceedingly family-friendly, with wondrous skiing and snowboarding on spectacular terrain. Then there’s the award-winning terrain parks, which will thrill those teens that love getting some big air.

Expert Picks

Best for beginners

1. Courchevel, France

2. Val d’Isère, France

3. Les Arcs, France

Best for advanced families

1. St Anton am Arlberg, Austria

2. Val d’Isère, France

3. Chamonix, France

Best village

1. Zermatt, Switzerland

2. Val d’Isère, France

=3. Lech, Austria + Courchevel, France

Best for all-round family activities

1. Val Thorens, France

2. Wengen, Switzerland

3. Engelberg-Titlis, Switzerland

Best freestyle resort

1. LAAX, Switzerland

2. Avoriaz, France,

=3. Mayrhofen, Austria + Ischgl, Austria

Readers’ picks
READERS CHOICE AWARDS

=1. La Plagne, Val d’Isère

=2. Courchevel, Alpe d’Huez, Portes du Soleil

=3. Megève + St Anton am Arlberg + Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck + Chamonix + Les Deux Alpes

Our experts’ picks are complemented by your favourite resorts in the Readers’ Choice category for the ultimate guide to kid-friendly snow adventures. Whether you’re a powderhound heading overseas or getting your ski legs in Australasia, our 2018 World’s Best Family Ski Resorts Awards will point you in the direction of a perfect snow holiday.

Click here to vote in the 2020 awards