Europe's short travel times and great skiing make for the ideal family ski holiday destination, but which resorts are best for families? Finding the right ski area, ski school, childcare options and accommodation all within a reasonable travel time can be challenging. With over 20 years of experience, we've short listed some of the best European resorts and accommodation for all the family...
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Val Thorens, France[/caption]
This high altitude paradise is a spring skiing mecca. If you are looking for a snow sure Easter break in Europe, Val Thorens won't disappoint. The local ski school runs specific programmes in the ‘Snow Garden’ for kids aged 3-4 alongside regular lessons and junior freestyle and competition training for older kids and teens. Val Thorens also has a ‘Magic Land’ complete with ball pool, bouncy castle and trampolines.
Where to stay? Hotel Altapura
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Hotel Altapura, Image: Di Oriobis[/caption]
At the Altapura, there's no need to sacrifice 5-star luxury for a child friendly environment. The dedicated Kid's Concierge will ensure the children feel as much like VIPs as their parents. The hotel's selection of interconnecting rooms means you can choose the best set up for you and your family with as much space as you need. With three restaurants, it’s easy to dine in-house while the kids make use of the play area. The Altapura has considered every detail required for the perfect family ski holiday and topped off with the high altitude ski-in/ski-out access - it really does tick every box.
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Villars, Switzerland[/caption]
Villars comes highly recommended as a family ski resort. It boasts a welcoming town and wide variety of ski terrain. There is also a dedicated ‘snow kindergarten’ where young beginners can find their feet and a 2 km sledging run! Families will love a mountain lunch at l’Etable - the alpine farm has donkeys, sheep and pigs and a restaurant with outdoor seating serving traditional mountain food.
Where to stay? Chalet Royalp
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Chalet Royalp Hotel & Spa[/caption]
Children at this luxurious ski-in/ski-out hotel enjoy fantastic facilities like video games room and cinema as well as a play area. There is also an early evening kids club which allows plenty of time for parents to relax in the 5-star Spa, with indoor pool, open fireplace, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym.
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Avoriaz, Image: Gilles Galas[/caption]
Car free Avoriaz is all ski-in/ski-out - meaning easy access to the lifts in the morning, or back to your accommodation in the evening, couldn't be easier! A town built around convenience, you are never far from ski school, rental shops, restaurants or even the indoor water world ‘
Aquariaz’. The ski area is perfectly tailored to families with plenty of greens and blues where beginners can practice.
Where to stay? L’Amara
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l'Amara, Avoriaz[/caption]
l’Amara offers a selection of thoughtfully designed spacious 4-star self-catering apartments. The residence is especially suited to families and caters well to children of all ages. Families with children under 2 can request one of their baby kits including a cot with fitted sheet, highchair, changing mat & pushchair. For toddlers and younger children there is an onsite crèche with English speaking nannies, a play area and even mobile PlayStations which can be rented to use in the apartments for a small deposit. L’Amara also has a superb indoor swimming area with a kids pool and three on-site restaurants.
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Morzine, France[/caption]
Only 40 miles from Geneva airport, a trip to Morzine offers a flexible range of flight options and a short transfer. The resort lies in the picturesque Portes du Soleil ski area which offers 650km of pistes, catering to all abilities of skier and snowboard. However, for children who are learning to ski you can buy the cheaper Morzine only pass – accessing lots of great blues runs.
Where to stay? Hotel La Bergerie
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Hotel La Bergerie, Morzine[/caption]
Hotel La Bergerie is a hotel run by a family, for families. The hotel is colourful and cozy, with a laid-back, sociable atmosphere - very much a family home feel. That said, the large outdoor pool, sauna, lounge bar and games room certainly do not align with that of the average family home! The large snowy garden and games room are dedicated to children, giving them room to run round and have fun. There is also a kid’s tea hosted every evening before adult’s dinner with healthy homemade foods.
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Morzine, Image: Manu Reyboz[/caption]
Les Arcs has always been a great choice for families, but recent developments have taken its suitability to new heights. The main feature is Arc 1800’s Mille 8, a huge, on-mountain complex, offering night skiing, discovery ski tracks through the trees, huge aquatic leisure centre, toboggan run, freestyle obstacle course, toddler and baby snow park areas – the list is endless.
Where to stay? Arc 1950 le Village
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Arc 1950 Le Village[/caption]
Le Village at Arc 1950 is consistently one of our best-selling properties, which is unsurprising given with such fantastic accommodation and amenities. The resort has been designed as a small village (as the name implies) and provides all of the doorstep convenience to go with it. Shops, bars, restaurants and the ski school are all within a stone’s throw of the complex and all of the buildings provide ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes. Various in and outdoor swimming pools provide a lively contrast to the relaxed and tranquil Deep Nature Spa.
For more information about skiing in Europe, or any of our other ski destinations, speak to one of our expert reservations consultants on 0131 243 8097 or get a quick and easy tailor-made quotation online.
