Family
The Little Emperors guide to the best family ski resorts in Europe
Where to ski this winter, whether you're on the hunt for beginner-friendly slopes or off-piste adventures
It might be a few months until the powder is calling for the 2025/26 season, but at Little Emperors, we believe it's never too early to start thinking about luxury family ski holidays. That's why we've brought you our ultimate guide to the best family ski resorts in Europe.
Our selection takes you to pristine pistes with the finest alpine comforts and engaging children's programmes. Here to help you elevate your family's mountain escape, our destination guide features a handpicked curation of resorts, renowned for their amazing hotels, family-friendly attractions and alpine charm.
Read our luxury family ski guide and unlock exclusive rates and benefits for your winter adventure.
Best for families with mixed-ability skiers: Val d'Isère, France
A perennial favourite for a reason, Val d'Isère in the expansive Espace Killy ski area offers a marvellous blend of challenging terrain for seasoned skiers and dedicated zones for beginners and children. For 2025/26, its renowned ski schools continue to provide top-notch instruction, while the charming village hosts a selection of luxurious ski-in/ski-out chalets and hotels.
Beyond the slopes, families can enjoy ice skating, a fantastic aqua sports centre, and a lively yet stylish après-ski scene with gourmet dining options for all ages. Snow reliability is consistently high, too, for a long season of pristine conditions.
Where to stay: Luxurious, ski-in/ski-out hotel Airelles Val d'Isère is located right in the heart of the village and makes for a great base for families, with its Winter Camp, cinema, arcade games and flight simulator.
Best for skiing with a side of high-altitude attractions: Zermatt, Switzerland
Dominated by the majestic Matterhorn, Zermatt is the destination for a memorable ski experience. This car-free resort has a unique charm, ideal for families who seek natural beauty and luxury. Its high-altitude slopes guarantee exceptional snow, while the extensive ski area caters to all abilities.
Zermatt's commitment to family fun is evident in its superb ski schools and non-ski activities, such as glacier trekking, Gornergrat Railway cogwheel train rides and visits to the highest glacier palace in the world.
Where to stay: Mont Cervin Palace is a classic family-run hotel that has been a favourite for generations. With its Mini Cervin kids' club and family suites, it boasts a warm and friendly atmosphere for skiers of all ages.
Best for off-piste skiing and adventurous families: Lech, Austria
For families who want an integrated ski experience, Lech stands out in the Arlberg region. Known for its well-groomed pistes and terrific ski schools, Lech is both relaxed and luxurious. The village itself is picturesque, with charming, high-end hotels and a selection of catered chalets.
It's particularly lauded for its friendly, uncrowded slopes and off-piste opportunities for more adventurous parents. Beyond skiing, families will love horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy meadows and top-notch dining experiences that celebrate regional Austrian cuisine.
Where to stay: Kristiania Lech is a boutique hotel with a focus on intimate and personalised service. It feels more like a private residence than a hotel and families are catered for with a ski nanny service that takes children to ski school and a dedicated kids' activity programme.
Best for luxury and unparalleled family services: Courchevel, France
Synonymous with ultimate luxury and world-class service, Courchevel 1850 in Les Trois Vallées is the destination for unrivalled family ski holidays. The resort provides direct ski-in/ski-out access from many of its opulent hotels and lavish chalets, ensuring seamless days on the slopes.
You'll find brilliant ski schools with dedicated children's areas, and a vast network of groomed pistes for all levels, from gentle greens for little ones to exciting reds and blacks. Families can also indulge in Michelin-starred dining, designer shopping, ice skating and a visit to Aquamotion, the aquatic centre with pools, slides and a wellness area.
Where to stay: L'Apogée's fantastic location with ski-in/ski-out access and interconnected rooms and suites makes it perfect for families. The hotel has a superb kids' club with an igloo at its centre and a separate area for teenagers with games and a cinema.
Best for beginners and families learning to ski: Alpe di Siusi, Italy
Perched on Europe's largest high-altitude Alpine meadow, Alpe di Siusi is the resort for a breathtaking ski experience amid the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. This area is a paradise for families and beginners, with its gentle, wide and sun-drenched slopes providing a beautiful environment for learning and building confidence.
While ideal for learning, Alpe di Siusi is also part of the vast Dolomiti Superski circuit, allowing more advanced skiers seamless access to a greater variety of terrain. The panoramic mountain views and traditional South Tyrolean hospitality make for a memorable holiday.
Where to stay: COMO Alpina Dolomites is a stylish, ski-in/ski-out hotel with a modern aesthetic and a focus on wellness. Its family-friendly offering includes the Play by COMO kids' playroom for children aged four to 12, and a variety of family activities from cooking classes to Little Rangers treasure hunts.
For those seeking an alternative in the Eastern Dolomites, the stunning new Aman Rosa Alpina is located in the Alta Badia valley, around an hour and a half away. It's another superb option for families, with a vast network of beginner-friendly slopes.
Best for a complete alpine experience: Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad has long been a retreat for royalty and discerning travellers, a reputation it maintains with a graceful balance of rustic alpine tradition and sophisticated luxury. The car-free village offers a family ski holiday focused on relaxed skiing, high-end shopping and a slow pace. Its ski areas cater particularly well to beginners and intermediate skiers, with groomed runs across several interconnected sectors.
Ideal for families who appreciate the finer things in life, the pedestrianised village centre has a curated selection of designer boutiques, art galleries and gourmet restaurants. Families can enjoy activities that lean into its classic charm, from horse-drawn sleigh rides to ice skating.
Where to stay: An iconic turreted hotel that has been a symbol of Gstaad for over a century, Gstaad Palace is the place for a grand and glamorous stay. A family-run establishment for generations, it welcomes skiers of all ages. Families are treated to a supervised kids' club with weekly activities, a VIK (Very Important Kids) programme with dedicated parties and even a dedicated spa for children aged four and up.
Best for families seeking affordable luxury: Courmayeur, Italy
Situated at the foot of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur provides a more accessible Italian alternative to some of the higher-priced French and Swiss resorts. The charming pedestrian-only village is full of authentic Italian character and excellent value for money. The ski area caters well to all levels, with a variety of groomed runs and thrilling off-piste options for adventurous skiers.
Families can make the most of an array of activities without the premium price tag. It's worth taking a stroll through the pedestrianised town centre, which is filled with artisan shops and inviting cafés where a coffee and pastry are a daily ritual. Courmayeur is a superb destination to experience Italian alpine culture and cuisine, with many local restaurants serving delicious and affordable meals.
Where to stay: Le Massif is a stylish hotel that embodies the destination's unique blend of luxury and value. It has an all-inclusive kids programme, a ski-in/ski-out lodge on the slopes with its own heated lockers, and a full-day kids' club. This combination of facilities allows families to have a top-tier ski holiday without the constant add-on costs.