5 Best Ski Resorts for Families in The Alps (France, Austria, or Switzerland?)

by Anthony Schwabe | Updated: July 27th, 2023 |  Austria

The Alps are home to some of the very best ski resorts in the world. World-class, modern facilities both on and off the slope mean many ski resorts make for a perfect family vacation destination. Which are the best of these ski resorts, though? 

Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland all have great options for family ski resorts. Alta Badia, Avoriaz,  Flims-Laax, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, and 3 Vallees are some of the very best options. They all feature excellent, child-friendly facilities. They also have plenty to do for parents and older kids. 

Families really are spoiled for choice when it comes to ski resorts in The Alps. It’s important to consider resorts with good family skiing and great activities off the slopes. Special consideration for the kids is also a great way to choose the perfect resort. 

Here are some of our top picks when it comes to family resorts in The Alps. 

Top 5 Family Ski Resorts in The Alps

5. Flims-Laax, Switzerland

A list of best family resorts in The Alps wouldn’t be complete without at least one Swiss resort included. Our top pick is Flims-Laax, one of the largest areas in Switzerland. 

Family Skiing

The beginner areas in Flims-Laax are great and considerable in size. About 38% of all the runs in the ski area are designated for beginners. That’s pretty good when you think about how big the resort is!

The snow kindergarten is another great way for the kids to learn the ropes. 

The lift passes are priced each season, but they typically run from about €56 for adults and €19 for kids. Somewhat redundant to mention at this point, yes, kids under 6 years old get in for free. 

Off the Slopes

There are some really cool unique activities at Flims-Laax. Treetop walks and winter hikes are a great way to soak up as much of the beautiful scenery as possible while not skiing. 

There is also the Falera lantern path which features about 300 lanterns that magically light up the snowy path. It really does have an enchanted look and feel. Parents can also get involved with some truly awesome après-ski activities.

Fun for Kids

Kids will have plenty to do off the slopes. There is the Freestyle Academy makes for an awesome indoor playground. The Freestyle Academy features 1,200 m² of cushioned jumps and trampolines. 

The Ami Sabi Snow Park is another great option for the little ones. This is a great way for kids to not only spend time but also learn about the mountain environment. 

Kids will learn and play to their hearts’ content while under great supervision by the staff at Flims-Laax. 

Flims-Laax Stats

Read our guide: Why Ski in Switzerland?

4. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Austria

In the words of the Austrians, “Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in Tirol might be one of the child-friendliest ski areas in the world.” That certainly is high praise, and it’s hard to argue with it. 

Family Skiing

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis has an insanely large 125,000 m² reserved for children only! That is certainly something worth considering when choosing a ski destination for the family. 

Lift passes run from €46 to 58 for adults, and from €29.50 to 35 for the kids. Again, there is free entrance for anyone under the age of 6 years old. 

Off the Slopes

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis offers pretty much everything you’d expect from a high-quality ski resort in The Alpes.  There is everything from fine dining and shopping to sleigh rides and tobogganing. 

In terms of eating out, grab a sunrise breakfast at the Sunrise Hexensee or a sundowner at the Crystal Cube. There are a lot of great restaurants to choose from, though.

Fun for Kids

Kids can really get a unique experience at Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. As we mentioned, there is a massive area dedicated to the kids.  There are also dedicated children’s restaurants that they will love. 

For kids who might not have taken to skiing or snowboarding just yet, there is the Play IN Indoor Playground which is a six-story playground that features climbing walls and towers, and obstacles. 

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Stats

Read our guide on France Vs Austria for Skiing.

3. Les 3 Vallees, France

It comes as no surprise that there is great potential for a family ski holiday in the biggest interconnected ski area in the world. Les 3 Vallees should be considered by any family wanting to visit The French Alps. 

Family Skiing

There is an astronomical amount of trails and runs to be enjoyed in the 3 Vallees area. And nearly half of these are rated as suitable for beginners. This is really ideal for families with young kids or anyone just beginning their skiing journey. 

There are also plenty of family-friendly areas for everyone to learn in peace. These areas are populated with igloos and icefields that make for a uniquely fun, child-friendly environment. 

Adults get access for about €52, while children get in for €42. Kids under the age of 5 years old get in for free, similar to many other resorts in The Alps. 

Off the Slopes

Because of the size of 3 Vallees, what there is to do off the slopes depends on which resort you are visiting. That being said, there is a lot to do and it’s pretty much all within reach for anyone visiting. 

While not exactly off the slopes, tobogganing and dog sledding are great ways to take a break from skiing without missing out on the amazing winter landscape that 3 Vallees becomes every year. 

There are also amazing restaurants, hotels, and even a number of spas to visit and wash away any stress that may have come from planning a family ski holiday.

Fun for Kids

Kids will love everything 3 Vallees has to offer. Activities like tobogganing and sleigh rides are typically French ways to pass the time off the slopes. 

There are also indoor aqua fun areas that are perfect for any swimmer. Snow karting in Val Thorens is a truly awesome experience that you won’t easily replicate anywhere else

Les 3 Vallees Stats

2. Alta Badia, Italy

People often forget that Italy has some amazing ski resorts that are a part of The Alps. Alta Badia is one of the best of these resorts when it comes to a family ski vacation. 

Family Skiing

There is a lot of family-friendly skiing on offer at Alta Badia. A whopping 68% of the 130 kilometers worth of runs are suitable for beginners.

These runs are typically wide open and very well groomed, making them easy for pretty much everyone.  There is also the nearby Dolomiti Superski area that can be accessed, allowing for even more family skiing. 

For skiing at Alta Badia only, lift passes range from €50 to 62 for adults. Kids over 8 years old can get lift passes for €35 to 43. The younger tots get in for free! 

Off the Slopes

There is a great number of bars and restaurants that make for incredible dining off the slopes - possibly the best in all the Dolomites. 

Whether it’s a gourmet meal or simply relaxing with a hot chocolate or Bombardino, there is certainly something for the whole family. 

Winter activities also include ice skating, horse riding, sleigh riding, and more. There is also a deer park which any animal-loving family should not miss out on.

Fun for Kids

Alta Badia has a great number of activities geared towards children. There are several snowparks and "fun slopes" reserved entirely for the little ones and less advanced skiers. 

There are also great ski schools for kids just starting out. 

The Boulder Center Corvara is another great way for kids to spend hours whilst visiting Alta Badia. Kids can get in for just € 7,00.

Alta Badia Stats

Read our guide on Why Ski in Italy.

1. Avoriaz, France

Found in the massive Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz is an amazing ski resort for families in the French Alp region. 

Family Skiing

There is a huge variety of skiing for the whole family. Plenty of green (very easy) runs, as well as blue (easy) runs mean beginners and kids have a lot of room to explore and enjoy themselves. 

Avoriaz also features some of the cheapest weekend lift passes for adults in the region, which can really help soften the financial blow of a family ski trip.  

Lift Passes can be purchased for €48 and €37 for adults and kids respectively. The kids pass goes all the way up to 15 years old. A bonus is that kids under the age of five years old get lift pass access for free.

Off the Slopes 

Just like on the slopes, there is a lot to do off the slopes at Avoriaz. Things like dog sledding, ice skating, and sleigh rides will definitely put a smile on everyone’s faces. 

For those looking for a little more relaxing activities, the Igloo Village is a must. 

Avrizou is the childcare facility found near the center of the resort. This is a great way to keep any kids who might be too young for skiing busy while everyone else gets a couple of runs in.  They happily take in children from 6 months to 5 years old. 

Fun for Kids

Avoriaz is very proud of how much there is to do for the kids, and they deserve to be. There are so many fun activities to do for the kids to do on and off the slopes. 

The Lil’stash snowpark is a child's winter wonderland. This is a neat little snowpark that is very accessible to kids as all of the features are at ground level, making it much safer. 

There is also a family-friendly picnic village in the Proclou forest that features a tree-hut village that the kids will love exploring. Then there is Annie Famose’s Children’s Village. Here kids of all ages can learn to ski through games and other activities 

Avoriaz Stats

Where Can Kids Ski in Europe? 

Thankfully, almost every ski resort has some kind of kiddies ski area. Of course, there are some regions that have much more intense skiing conditions, so be sure to check out what they have on offer for the kids before you plan your ski trip.

Any of the resorts on this list would make for great family vacations with the kids. However, there are plenty of other resorts worth checking out. 

One thing worth noting, the runs in Europe are rated based on European standards. This means some runs designated as a beginner could be harder than what you’d expect as a green run-over in North America.  

This is also true for the more advanced levels, so start out slow.

Can Beginners Ski in The Alps?

Yes, definitely. There is a truly wide variety of ski runs throughout The Alps. Yes, The Alps have some of the most difficult runs in the world, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is on offer. 

For kids just starting out, a lot of the resorts have dedicated family areas. 

For adults starting out, there is an amazing amount of easy and super easy runs found throughout the whole Alpine range. 

What Part of The Alps has the Best Skiing?

The skiing in The Alps is world-class. Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland are often considered the top contenders in terms of the best skiing countries in the world. They’re all so good that crowning a single winner can be hard. 

Switzerland’s Zermatt is often considered to be one of the best destinations in all of The Alps. It features the largest vertical drop in Switzerland, which isn’t something to be overlooked. You can either ski from Switzerland to Italy at the resort.

Courcheval in France also cannot be missed out on. The huge interlinked ski area means there is excellent skiing in large doses. 

These are two of the very best resorts in The Alps, but there are other fan favorites worth checking out!

To Wrap Up

With a reputation for being possibly the best skiing location in the world, The Alps make for an amazing family ski destination. There isn’t a country that The Alps fall in that doesn’t have its own amazing ski spots. 

Because of the popularity of The Alps see, almost every resort is held to an incredibly high standard. 

If your family is looking at a resort that didn’t make it on this list, be sure to do a little extra research - chances are it will make for a great family ski trip.

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