There are more than 2,000 major ski resorts in the world that cater to every level of skier, but a family ski vacation takes a little advance planning.
What does it take to make your family ski vacation the best it can be? That depends on your family. A few things you’ll want to consider:
- Does the resort offer activities for children?
- Group or private instruction?
- Activities for those who don’t ski?
- Kid friendly accommodations and dining?
- Nearby attractions?
You’ll also want to pay attention to your overall budget and inquire about family discount packages.
Top Family Friendly Ski Resorts
France: Les Houches
Located in the scenic Chamonix Valley, Les Houches is a family friendly paradise featuring a dog park and an adventure playground. Some rooms can accommodate a family of seven plus a couple of baby cots.
Other family friendly resorts in France include Morillon, Grand Massif; Greolieres Les Neighs, Provence; Aussois, Maurienne Valley; and Puy-St-Vincent, Hautes Alpes.
Austria: Nassfeld
The Hubertushof Hotel offers, among other things, a playground, swimming, movies, and tennis courts. Nassfeld slopes are perfect for ski newbies and beginners can practice in the snow park. Other winter sports include cross-country skiing and ice skating.
Austria is also home to Lungau, Salzburgerland.
Switzerland: Adelboden
Boutique hotel The Cambrian welcomes families with open arms. Game rooms, swimming pools, kids’ activities, and seasonal family events are but a few options. Restaurants, cheese chops, and bakeries offer some of the finest food in the world, sure to please everyone.
Sweden: Vemdalen
Its relatively small size makes this ski resort feel intimate and friendly. Personal service and a multitude of kid friendly activities make for a memorable family vacation, but adults can let loose on the dance floor or relax at the movies. Ski lessons are available for all ages.
Italy: Selva
If you need someone to keep an eye on the little ones while you’re on the slopes, Selva child care services take on children as young as four months old. When you’re not skiing, you can enjoy snowshoeing, skating, and ample playgrounds.
USA: Utah
If you’re budget is on the high end, there’s no place like Deer Valley, Utah for a top-notch family ski vacation. Luxurious accommodations, fireside dining, and some of the finest ski instruction make this a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza. The slopes are impeccably groomed and the kids can enjoy everything from Nintendo to bowling. If you can’t find something to please here, you’re not really trying.
The U.S. is also home to family friendly “Smugglers” Notch, Vermont and Vail, Colorado.
Canada: Big White
Within the breathtaking views of British Columbia, Big White pulls in skiers of every level. Snow tubing, skating, and mini-snowmobiles provide an array of activities. Playgrounds and kid friendly cuisine help keep the little ones entertained and well fed.
The good news is that these resorts are just the tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of ski resorts around the world cater to the demand for family friendly vacations. All it takes is a little advance planning to begin making memories for a lifetime.
