The best family resorts in the Alps

Planning a ski holiday with children

A ski holiday with children takes a little extra planning, and the choice of resort makes a big difference to how well the trip goes. A good family resort does not just have good pistes, it also has professional ski schools, child-friendly facilities and a safe environment where children can progress at their own pace. We have picked out eight resorts in the Alps that stand out as especially family-friendly, led by Rauris thanks to what has been voted Austria's best beginner slope.

High-quality ski schools for children

For families the most important thing is often that the ski school is of a high standard. All the resorts on this list have well-regarded ski schools with instructors who speak several languages and are used to working with children of all ages. Many offer childcare from the age of three, so parents can enjoy their own skiing while the children play and learn in a safe environment.

Family-friendly pistes and fun parks

The pistes matter too. Family-friendly resorts have spacious practice areas and wide blue runs where children and beginners can ski in peace. Flachau and Wagrain are known for their child-friendly fun parks with tunnels, rollers and figures that turn skiing into an adventure. Maria Alm, Lofer and Rauris offer a calmer atmosphere with short distances and easy-to-navigate ski areas. Rauris also has a popular toboggan run and horse-drawn sleigh rides for the children.

Activities away from the slopes

There is plenty to do off the pistes too. Several of the resorts have ice rinks, toboggan runs, swimming pools and organised activities for children. Zell am See offers a beautiful lake that makes an atmospheric backdrop in winter. Schladming and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis have large ski areas that suit families wanting to combine gentle children's runs with more challenging terrain for older children and parents. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is regarded as Austria's most complete family resort, with its own underground railway up to the slopes.

Good value for families

Prices in the family resorts are often kind compared with the big party resorts. Accommodation and lift passes usually cost less, and many resorts offer family discounts. Booking accommodation with the lift pass included makes the trip simpler and often cheaper. If you are travelling as a larger group, a hire car from the airport can be both cheaper and more practical, especially with children and luggage. Click on any resort below to read more and find the right holiday for your family.

Frequently asked questions about family ski holidays

Which is the best family resort in the Alps for beginners?

Rauris in Salzburgerland has been voted Austria's best beginner slope, with long, wide and gentle runs. Flachau, Wagrain and Maria Alm are also excellent choices thanks to their child-friendly practice areas and well-regarded ski schools.

From what age can children start ski school?

Most ski schools in the Alps take children from the age of 3 to 4, and many resorts offer childcare from an even younger age. The instructors often speak several languages and are used to teaching children to ski at their own pace.

Are family resorts cheaper than the big party resorts?

Yes, family resorts such as Rauris, Maria Alm and Lofer often have lower prices for accommodation and lift passes than the big-name resorts, and many offer family discounts. Booking accommodation with the lift pass included through us often makes the trip both simpler and cheaper.

What is there for children to do away from the slopes?

Many family resorts have toboggan runs, ice rinks, swimming pools and organised children's activities. Rauris, for example, offers a 2 km toboggan run and horse-drawn sleigh rides, while Zell am See tempts with its beautiful lake.