Last Updated on November 14, 2023 by Suzy McCullough
Choosing the best ski resort for families in Europe is not an easy task. There are a number of great ski resorts to choose from with some excellent hotels nearby. With hotels, apartments and all-over luxury plus a great number of destinations making the choice quite a daunting one.
Below we take a look at some of the best ski resorts and list our top pics of hotels for families. Crystal Ski is an excellent company to book through. They offer packages with flights, transfers, accommodation and ski essentials included. You can book with low deposits and they are ABTA and ATOL protected. Plus when you book with them you get the Crystal Snow Promise – You can change your holiday fee-free if the show lets you down with the option to upgrade for even more flexibility. T&Cs apply.
You can make savings on your ski holiday by taking a look at their deals with free child places. The best resorts for families have facilities such as bigger rooms and kid’s clubs. They are located close to the lifts and have great ski schools plus other fun activities to do. If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue.
La Plagne in France
This is one of the top ski resorts in France. It has an excellent ski school with dedicated beginner zones and plenty of gentle runs for children wanting to practice their skills. When you’re not on the slopes you can have a go at ice skating, exploring an igloo village or visiting the ice grotto on the glacier.
There are several purpose-built villages with easy access to the mountains in La Plagne.
Hauts Bois Apartments Plagne Aime 2000 – La Plagne, France
With the convenience of self-catering and extra facilities such as an indoor pool, sauna and steam room the Hauts Bois Apartments Plagne Aime 2000 are a great choice for families. The apartments are located on a ski-in, ski-out blue run in Plage Aime 2000 and it is a 15-minute’ walk to or a short ski down to the ski school meeting point.
There are 1-2 bedroom apartments that have a traditional look including pine panelling and they all have a kitchenette. The 1 bedroom apartments sleep up to 6 people with a maximum of 4 adults and 2 children up to 11 years. Then the 2 bedroom apartments sleep up to 8 people.
Crystal Childcare is available to book at the Hotel Plagne 2000 nearby. On-site there are ski lockers and a ski hire shop.
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Araucaria Hotel and Spa – La Plagne, France
In the centre of La Plagne is the Araucaria Hotel and Spa. The lift and ski school are just a 1 minute walk away and the hotel has a cosy and friendly atmosphere.
Rooms have balconies that overlook the slalom stadium or Mont Blanc and are contemporary in style. You can book a twin or double room with sleep up to 2-3 people. Facilities at this hotel include an indoor pool and a kid’s pool plus a Wellness area with a sauna, steam room, ice cave, hydromassage jets and a relaxation area.
Kids have a play area, a cinema showing cartoons, table football and there is also a games area. For skiers, there is an in-house ski shop and a boot room with lockers and a heated boot rack. In the hotel bar and lounge you can enjoy live music after a busy day on the slopes.
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Zell am See, Austria
Stunning all year round this lively lakeside town really comes into its own during the ski season. There are some excellent slopes for beginners and the ski school is one of the biggest in Austria.
Off-piste activities in Zell am See include an alpine 1.3km long toboggan track, there are horse-drawn sleigh rides through the town and it’s a great base for exploring further afield.
The Sport Resort Alpenblick – Zell am See, Austria
The Sport Resort Alpenblick in Zell am See is located a 12-minute walk or 2-minute bus ride from the Areitxpress Gondola, the nursery slopes and the nearest supermarket. The ski bus stop is right in front of the hotel.
Rooms at this hotel are twins that can sleep up to 2 or 4 people. You even have the luxury of a fridge, bathrobes and slippers. Outdoors there is a heated swimming pool where you can enjoy views of the peaks all your round.
Other facilities include an excellent spa with a sauna, steam room and lots of tempting treatments. If you’re looking for a modern alpine hotel then this could be the one for you. They have log-burning fires, chairs that hang from the ceiling, tartan blankets in the bedrooms and wood-panelled walls.
BOOK / Check Availability – Sport Resort Alpenblick
Hotel Tirolerhof – Zell am See, Austria
The stylish Hotel Tirolerhof is family-run and is situated in the centre of town. It’s just a 5-minute walk to the City Xpress Gondola or a short ride away on the hotel’s free shuttle. Zell Am See’s picturesque lake is just a 3-minute walk away.
For families, there are twin rooms that sleep up to 3 and they also have junior suites that sleep up to 3 people. Most rooms have a balcony. The hotel has three spas for you to choose from including one on the rooftop.
There is an indoor pool, relaxation room, sauna, a steam bath at one of the spas. Or there is a private VIP spa with a steam bath, an aroma oil bath, a lounge and individual treatments. The rooftop spa has a fireside waterbed! For skiers, the hotel has a boot room with a locker for each room and a heated boot rack, In the hotel lounge you can enjoy live music 2-3 times a week.
BOOK / Check Availability – Hotel Tirolerhof
Hotel Stadt Wien – Zell am See, Austria
With a hill setting overlooking the village of Zell am See the Hotel Stadt Wien is a firm favourite for its friendliness, food and facilities. Plus you can ski right back to it at the end of the day.
The hotel has a modern feel but retails traditional finishes such as the chunky pine furniture and panelling in the bedrooms. After a busy day on the slopes with can wind down in the spa, the heated outdoor pool, sauna or steam room. Families will love the games room with table tennis, table football and more.
It is just a 6-minute walk down to the resort centre and a 3-minute walk to the City Xpress gondola. Plus you have a ski bus stop a 1 minute walk away. Families may prefer to stay in their junior suites as they can sleep up to 4 people.
BOOK / Check Availability – Hotel Stadt Wein
Flaine, France
Another great family-friendly ski resort in France is Flaine. It is well known for its sunny slopes and some of the best ski conditions in Europe. You also have the benefit of Crystal childcare here and off the slopes activities include ice skating, ten-pin bowling and dog sled rides.
Flaine is a purpose-built resort that has seen lots of renovations over the years. All of the accommodation is now just a minute or two from the slopes.
Les Terrasses Dhelios – Flaine, France
If you’re looking for apartments in a prime sk-in, ski-out location then Les Terrasses Dhelios could be the one for you. The apartments have a contemporary-meets-cosy feel and each has separate bedrooms and living rooms.
Located between Flaine Montsoleil and Hameau de Flaine it is a 6 minute’s bus ride to the ski school meeting point. You aren’t lacking in facilities either as there is a heated indoor swimming pool, an outdoor hot tub, a sauna, a hammam and a fitness room.
Plus there is a cafe, restaurant and a mini-market. Kids have their own play area.
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Les Terrasses De Veret Residences – Flaine, France
Just minutes from the Bissac Green Piste is Les Terrasses De Veret Residences. These are good for larger families as there are apartments that can sleep up to 8 people. All apartments have a kitchenette.
It’s also just a short walk to the Grand Vans chairlift and the beginner’s area. You are also well located near the resort centre with the shops and a supermarket just a couple of minutes away.
The apartments are basic but you will have everything you need. There are additional facilities for all guests which include an indoor swimming pool, an open-air hot tub and a sauna.
BOOK / Check Availability – Les Terrasses De Veret Residences
Residence De La Foret Apartments – Flaine, France
The modern apartments at Residence De La Foret are located just a 1-minute walk from the slopes and the ski school meeting point. If you want the night off from cooking there is an A La Carte Italian restaurant on-site.
Their south-facing apartments are nicely decorated and you can enjoy superb views of Flaine from your balcony. Families can make the most of the Crystal Childcare in the nearby Hotel Le Flaine.
You can choose between 1 or 2-bedroom apartments that can sleep up to 5 or 7 people, great for larger families. All apartments have a kitchenette. There is a communal lounge area with an open fireplace and a boot room plus ski lockers and a ski hire shop. For an additional charge, you can challenge your family to a game of pool or table football.
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Geilo, Norway
Geilo is an excellent ski resort for families visiting with toddlers. It has an easy-access magic carpet, easy-to-operate lifts, a ski school and other fun activities. Highlights include a horse-drawn sleigh ride and dog sledding.
At the base of the ski slopes is an excellent creche which takes babies from the age of 6 months plus toddlers and older children up to the age of 8. Another great activity in the area is to ride the Oslo Bergen Railway. For young families, there is a dedicated family carriage with a soft padded play area, books, DVDs and more.
Vestila Resort – Geilo, Norway
This is one of Crystal Ski’s favourite places to stay on this list scoring 4.5 out of 5. The Vestlia Resort is a luxurious resort that is well situated right next to the ski lifts and slopes. Plus it’s just a 5 minute walk to the ski school meeting point.
Their bedrooms are modern in style and most of them have balconies with wonderful views of the valley and slopes. Families may favour the junior suites as they can sleep up to 4 people.
Facilities include an indoor swimming pool plus a children’s pool, a waterslide and a hot tub. There is an adults-only spa with a second indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room, a hut tub, a plunge pool and a relaxation area. The spa is for over 16s.
For children, there is a soft play room and there is also a bowling alley, with an additional charge. Skiers have a boot room with lockers and the hotel also has a bar, lounge and restaurant.
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Bardola Cabins – Geilo, Norway
Tucked away in the trees on the edge of Geilo are the Bardola Cabins. These are perfect for those seeking the cosy winter cabin vibe. They are just a short bus ride from the slopes or walking distance into the village.
Each cabin has wooden walls, comfy beds and a fireplace. The kitchen has all mod-cons and there is a living area for chilling out in at the end of the day. The cabins are perfect for bigger families as they can sleep up to 10 people.
At the Bardola Apartments next door you can pay a little more to use their indoor swimming pools and sauna. For the kids, there is a playroom with a pool table and table football plus a boot room for skiers.
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Hotel Dr Holms – Geilo, Norway
At the Hotel Dr Holms you can ski to and from the hotel on a blue run. Overlooking the village and backing onto the slopes this hotel is certainly well situated. The nursery area is just a 2-minute walk away.
Families will love the hotel’s bowling alley which is decorated like an American Diner. There is also a 1909 Sportsbar where you can enjoy pub games such as Shuffleboard. For those wanting a bit of relaxation, the hotel also has a spa with a steam room, sauna and an outdoor hot tub.
The hotel itself dates back to 1901 and there are plenty of old-style features such as chandeliers and leather armchairs. The bedrooms are decorated in a mix of styles and there are family rooms that sleep up to 4 people. Other facilities include a restaurant, a Ski Bar with a fireplace, a kid’s pool and play area plus a boot room with lockers.
BOOK / Check Availability – Hotel Dr Holms
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Grindelwald is a traditional Swiss village with world-famous mountain views and plenty of winter activities. You will never be short of a photo opportunity with the Eiger mountain as a backdrop and there is plenty to do when you aren’t ski-ing such as zipline trips and a mountain railway.
Taking the train up to the Jungfraujoch station is a must when you visit. The 241km Jungfrau ski area has plenty for both experienced skiers and those just starting out. This includes nursery areas and a slow-skiing zone for beginners.
Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald – Grindelwald, Switzerland
Located right opposite the Firstbahn Gondola is the Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald. It is just a 3-minute walk to the resort centre and a 2-minute walk to the ski school meeting point.
Rooms at the hotel include twin rooms for up to 3 people. There is an indoor pool for all the family and over 16s can make use of the spa. This has a sauna, steam room and relaxation baths.
In the evenings you can relax in the lounge with a log fire and piano music. If you are arriving by train there is a free shuttle service to and from the station on transfer day.
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Derby Swiss Quality Hotel – Grindelwald, Switzerland
For those looking to stay at a typically Swiss hotel with a great location then the Derby Swiss Quality Hotel may be the one for you. Cheese lovers have a really great reason to stay here as they have a weekly fondue night.
It is well positioned next to the train station and right in the centre of town. The train station provides access to the ski area or it is a 1-minute walk to the ski bus stop for access to the nursery slopes and Firstbahn gondola. If you want to walk it will take you around 10 minutes.
Facilities include a restaurant and a lounge with a bar. There is also a sauna and you have free entry to the ice rink and swimming pool in the public sports centre.
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Passo Tonale, Italy
The resort area of Passo Tonale has a wonderful laid-back atmosphere. With just one main road it’s really easy to find your way around. It is also one of the best places to learn to ski. The high altitude means good snow is usually a given and there are lots of quiet slopes to practice on.
For extra activities, the Leolandia Fantaski zone is excellent with its inflatable slide and tubing. There are also family meet-ups once a week where you can race and take part in other fun things to do.
Hotel Grand Paradiso – Passo Tonale, Italy
With a high-quality feel and a great location, the Hotel Grand Paradiso is a great family-friendly option. It is just a 1-minute walk to the chairlift and 2 minutes to the gondolas. You can ski in, ski out via a flight of stairs and the resort centre is just a 10-minute walk away.
This hotel has a great range of bedrooms including split-level quad rooms that can sleep up to 5 people and deluxe twin rooms with a balcony that can sleep up to 4. There is a charge for the indoor pool and spa.
Other facilities include two restaurants, Crystal Childcare, a games room, on-site ski hire and a heated boot room with lockers.
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Hotel Adamello – Passo Tonale, Italy
With magnificent views of the surrounding mountains the Hotel Adamello is a perfect family place to stay. It offers an excellent standard of accommodation and a welcoming atmosphere. Plus it is just a few metres from the resort centre.
You are also just a 6-minute walk to the Valbiolo chairlift, 5 minutes to the ski school meeting point and a 15-minute walk to the Paradiso gondola. There is a ski bus stop outside the hotel.
Children will love the 100m2 playground for ages 2-10. It has a ball pool, soft toys, slides, a climbing wall, LEGO, a painting corner and a reading corner. Older kids will love the games room with table tennis and table football. Also at the hotel, there is a bar, restaurant and a boot room with a heated boot rack.
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Hotel Miramonti – Passo Tonale, Italy
The Hotel Miramonti is located just a 1-minute walk from the lift and ski school. It is large and modern with comfortable accommodation and excellent leisure facilities.
Its central location also means you are just a 2-minute walk from the ski school meeting point. The hotel is a good choice for families as there is an indoor swimming pool and a hotel-run kids’ club for ages 2-12
Other facilities include a pizzeria, a fitness room and a wellness centre with a sauna, steam room and hot tub. There is also daytime and nighttime entertainment for children and if you require babysitting this is available at an extra charge for infants aged 6 months to 2 years.
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Ruka, Finland
Finland is the perfect winter wonderland and Ruka has plenty of character. There are traditional log cabins you can stay in and it’s located just 25 minutes away from the airport.
Ruka has one of the biggest beginner areas in Finland with plenty of gentle slopes. A great activity for families is the Rosa and Rudolf Family Park plus other activities nearby including dog sledding, reindeer safaris and snowmobiling. If you are visiting with younger children a visit to Santa’s Secret Cottage is a must.
Ruka Ski Chalets – Ruka, Finland, Lapland
With a ski-in spot right next to the gondola in the village centre the Ruka Ski Chalets are a great family-friendly option. You are located right in the centre of the village and the ski slopes and supermarket are close by.
The apartments have a classic Scandi style and there is a sleek kitchen and plenty of space. You also get a balcony and there are separate bedrooms to the living room. They have 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments with the larger ones sleeping up to 7 people.
For adults, there is a private sauna and there is a restaurant plus a boot room also on-site.
BOOK / Check Availability – Ruka Ski Chalets
Ruka Village Hotel and Apartments – Ruka, Finland, Lapland
The Ruka Village Hotel and Apartments enjoy an excellent location in the village centre, next to the lifts. You can relax in the warmth of your own private sauna. Plus there is a choice of board so that you can choose the one that suits you and your family.
Designed with skiers in mind you have the pedestrian village outside the hotel with a supermarket and a bowling alley nearby, The apartments are Scandi in style and they have plenty of space. Their 3-bedroom apartments have their own outdoor hot tub on the balcony.
You can be as flexible as you like with regards to meals with an on-site bar and restaurants plus all apartments have a kitchenette. Other facilities include a fitness room, ski lockers and a pool table.
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Jahorina in Bosnia and Herzegovina
This is a great option for families not wanting to spend a huge amount of money on their ski holiday. Accommodation here can be found close to the lifts and with just 47km of piste, it’s a really easy resort to find your way around.
Jahorina has three nursery areas and there are gentle blue runs when you’re ready to be a bit braver. When you aren’t skiing families can enjoy activities such as tubing and piste basher rides.
Rajska Dolina – Jahorina, Bosnia & Herzegovina
The name of this hotel, Rajska Dolina, means ‘paradise valley’ in Bosnian. It is thought to be the oldest hotel in Jahorina but inside the decor is modern and everything has been designed with comfort and elegance in mind.
You will be just a couple of minutes’ walk from the centre of the report and the ski slopes. Then just a 4-minute walk to the Poljice gondola, nursery slopes and the ski bus stop. Skiers have a boot room with a heated boot rack.
In the hotel, there is a bar with a fireplace and a games room with pool, table football and darts (there is an extra charge for games). Plus there is a children’s play area, a fitness room and there is also an extra charge for the sauna, hot tub and massages.
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Apartments Tomic – Johorina, Bosnia & Herzegovina
With one of the best spots in Johorina the Apartments Tomic are a great choice for families. The self-catering apartments are sleek and modern and each has a balcony. Their larger apartments have 2 bedrooms and can sleep up to 6 people.
Located in the resort centre it is a ski-in, ski-out on the Poljice Blue Run. The Poljice Gondola is opposite as well as the ski school meeting point and nursery slopes. You are also just a 2-minute walk to the nearest supermarket plus local bars and restaurants.
Other facilities include a sun terrace and a boot room with ski lockers and heated boot racks.
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For more inspiration why not check out the following posts?
The Best Beginners Ski Resorts in France
Best Family Friendly Ski In Ski Out Hotels in Europe
Best Family Friendly Ski Resorts in Switzerland
14 Best Winter Ski Holiday Resorts in Canada for Families
Best Family Ski Resorts and Hotels in Austria
Best Family Ski Resorts in France
Best Family Friendly Ski Resorts in Switzerland
