As temperatures drop in the UK and our minds turn to winter, ski package holiday provider Sunweb has revealed its top 10 family-friendly ski destinations.
For families, convenience is still king with a third of Brit parents prioritising finding accommodation close to the ski lifts (33%) when booking their family ski holidays, with family-friendly restaurants (26%) and ski alternatives for kids (24%) close behind.
Unwilling to sacrifice a tasty tipple or a bit of post-piste pampering, Sunweb also found great restaurants (58%), the availability of spa facilities (37%), and great après-ski (34%) top the list when it comes to what Brits are looking for when booking their ski getaway this year.
But for families travelling with young children, priorities, unsurprisingly, look quite different.
Taking on board the top priorities for British parents, Sunweb experts have created a list of the top 10 family-friendly resorts. With so many options to choose from, the experts judged each resort on three important criteria: proximity to the slopes (to avoid tantrums caused by tired little legs), the availability of children’s menus in the area (to prevent rumbling tummies in the mountains), and English-speaking ski schools – a great way to get kids confident on the slopes while parents sneak off for a black run and a cheeky Aperol in the sun.
The below resorts also offer a range of alternative activities to skiing suitable for both younger and older kids, such as snow playgrounds, snowshoeing, ice skating and even dog sledding. For when feet are getting a bit too cold, there are also indoor play areas, swimming pools and cosy cinemas available.
SUNWEB’S TOP 10 FAMILY-FRIENDLY SKI RESORTS
1. Les Trois Vallées, France (53 beginner slopes)
More than 250 ski lifts connect the three valleys of Saint-Bon, Les Allues and Belleville, with 600km of slopes, including 53 beginner-friendly slopes. There really is something for everyone to enjoy in Les Trois Vallées, with child-friendly alternatives available everywhere, from ice skating and snow playgrounds to fun snow tunnels and parks. There are also indoor facilities with pools, cinemas and indoor play areas available.
2. Kronplatz, Dolomiti Superski, Italy (25 beginner slopes)
Kronplatz is one of 12 resorts located in the well-known Dolomiti Superski in Italy – the largest ski area in the world and favoured by the most seasoned skiers. Kronplatz offers 25 beginner friendly slopes, and all slopes in the area are extra wide, making it the perfect place for families to ski together. Why not take the little ones to ‘Little Kronplatz’ play area, the kids safety park, or embark upon the tree lined family-friendly long blue slope by Marchner?
3. Val Gardena, Italy (16 beginner slopes)
Val Gardena is another popular resort in the Italian Dolomiti Superski area, known for hosting the annual men’s slalom skiing World Championship. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a pro to ski here! The area boasts 175 kilometres of slopes including 16 beginner slopes, and 115 kilometres of cross-country trails for those who fancy an adventure. There’s also plenty of child-friendly alternative activities available in the resort, such as snow parks, sleigh rides, and ice skating.
4. Bardonecchia, Italy (16 beginner slopes)
The relatively undiscovered area of Bardonecchia, just on the boarder to France, is the perfect family friendly resort for anyone looking for a quiet winter escape. The area, which consists of four smaller sub-areas, offers 54km of blue slopes including 16 beginner-friendly slopes, and a range of authentic Italian restaurants with great child-friendly options on the menu.
5. Sälen, Sweden (13 beginner slopes)
The village of Sälen is located in the middle of Sweden by the Norwegian border, with the promise of lush Scandinavian snow, stunning nature, and a varied range of activities making it the ideal winter destination for the whole family. There’s plenty of beginner-friendly slopes available, with a mystical troll forest and the Valle the Snowman ski area for kids.
6. Les Gets, France (13 beginner slopes)
Located in the French Alps, the small, charming village of Les Gets offers the perfect combination of beginner-friendly alpine slopes, and a traditional French village feel, with cosy chalets and quaint markets lining the streets. There are 13 beginner-friendly slopes in the area, as well as plenty of ski-alternatives such as kids clubs, sledging and even a local farm where you can take a guided tour of their cheese making process.
7. Ski Amadé, Austria (13 beginner slopes)
The ski region of Ski Amadé in Austria consists of five areas, over 270 ski lifts, 860km of well-maintained pistes and 255km of blue slopes – some big numbers! Head to the Fischbacher Adventure Hill in the village of Großarltal, a true winter paradise for families with young children, or the Hahnbaum ski area in Johann im Pongau – a relatively crowd-free, old-fashioned winter sports destination with family-friendly slopes.
8. Serfaus, Austria (20 beginner slopes)
Serfaus offers guaranteed snow, with some of the higher runs located at an impressive 2,828 metres altitude. Advanced skiers can challenge themselves at the top of the mountain, whereas families and beginners can get comfortable on the flatter slopes around the Mittlerer Sattelkopf, or practice their ski skills on the Kinderschneealm. The local ski-schools are amongst the best in the Tyrol, making it the perfect destination for beginner skiers and families.
9. Val Cenis, France (15 beginner slopes)
Located between the Vanoise National Park in France and the Avigliana Regional Park in Italy, Val Cenis is an easily accessible, snow-sure destination, and on good days you can even ski all the way to your front door! The area is made up of several charming French villages which offer everything from spas, thermal baths and saunas, to exhibitions and family-friendly restaurants.
10. Paradiski, France (12 beginner slopes)
Paradiski is a great option for both beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Made up by the resorts of Les Arcs, Vallandry, La Plagne and Champagny en Vanoise, Paradiski offers a total of 425km of slopes, including 12 beginner friendly runs. Families wanting a break from the slopes can take advantage of the resorts’ many activities, such as dog sledding, indoor swimming, or take a seat at one of the many restaurants offering authentic cuisine.
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Categories: Austria, France, Italy, News, Resort News & Reports