If you're planning a family ski holiday with young children, it's important to pick a resort that is suitable for the little ones. The most essential thing to look out for is a resort with good beginners' slopes they can learn on, and ideally a good ski school. As they are unlikely to want to go skiing all day long, also look out for what other activities are available that the whole family can enjoy together. With that in mind, here are some tips for the best ski resorts in Europe for young families.
Alpe D'Huez/La Plagne
The neighbouring resorts of Alpe D'Huez and La Plagne are both family friendly and in recent years have linked together to form the large skiing area known as 'Paradiski'. Together they offer 425km of downward slopes meaning there is plenty for all skill levels. There is a well-reputed ski school in Alpe D'Huez which is particularly famous for its superb teaching quality and catering for a wide range of languages, making it a fantastic place for young children to learn to ski. Once you or your children have had enough of skiing there are plenty of other activities to be getting on with. Of particular note is the sports centre in Alpe D'Huez which includes an ice skating rink and a large outdoor swimming pool that your children will love. Access to both of these is free with a full area lift pass.
Saas Fee
One of the spectacular features of skiing in Saas Fee is that it is available all year round due to the glacier. What makes it such an excellent place for children is the large plateau right next to the village which is designed for beginners to snowplough on and allows you easy view of everything that's going on. There is particularly good snow cover and the beginning and end of the season where other alpine resorts often suffer, so Saas Fee is a great place to go at off-peak times too. Beyond skiing, Saas Fee also offers an indoor swimming pool, ice skating facilities and stunning winter walks. For those seeking something a little different, there is a toboggan run, sledging and even husky dog sledging.
Veysonnaz
An enchanting resort for children, the Swiss village of Veysonnaz boasts an undiscovered, unspoiled quality due to restricted building laws and not having been exposed to mass-market tourism as yet. As such it is a superbly relaxing place to take a family ski holiday. The snow-sure glacier caters for all skiing abilities. Beginners can stay local to the village whilst the more advanced can go further afield, where those inclined will be able to take advantage of the vast off-piste terrain, so if your family is mixed ability, everyone can be happy.
For more information on family ski holidays, please visit Eclipse Ski, specialists in group and family ski holidays.
