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Skiing in the Alps has always been a dream of mine. But even as a professional travel planner, it somehow felt overwhelming. Surely, it would be an expensive, once-in-a-lifetime trip – one best saved for when the kids were older.
But then, as we planned more and more trips for families, we started hearing the murmurings: It’s actually less expensive to ski in Europe than at home. The family hotels with childcare, kids’ programming, and ski schools are incredible. And the logistics really aren’t so hard.
Could it be true? We had to find out. So we went deep on the research and we’re here to tell you:
- You can ski through the Swiss Alps – and lift tickets don’t cost a fortune.
- You can warm up with hot chocolate in your Austrian chalet before your kids enjoy other magical winter activities.
- You can partake in the après-ski scene, savoring a post-slopes pizza with a view of Northern Italy.
It’s become clear: ski trips to Europe have way more charm than skiing in the United States – often for the same price (or less). Lift tickets are cheaper, ski schools are more affordable, and many accommodations include meals, making everything easier and more cost-effective for families.
It’s also shockingly easy to get there. Many of the best European family ski resorts are just a quick train ride from major airports like Zurich, Munich, or Milan – no rental cars, no stressful mountain roads, just a smooth and scenic journey to the slopes.
Hitting the slopes? Here’s why skiing in Europe with kids is easier, more affordable, and more magical than you might think.
Why Choose a Ski Trip to Europe Over the U.S.?
1. Ski Resorts in Europe are Built for Families
If you’re planning a family ski trip, you want it to be easy. No long walks in heavy boots, no crowded shuttle buses, no ski schools that feel like an afterthought. That’s where European ski resorts shine – especially in Switzerland, Austria, France, and Italy.
Many are designed so you can step out of your chalet and straight onto the slopes, with kid-friendly beginner areas, top-notch ski schools, and family focused accommodations that make everything feel seamless, and your vacation actually feels like a vacation.
Skiing in Europe with kids doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the best family ski resorts in Europe make it easier, more fun, and more memorable than you ever thought possible. Many resorts have dedicated children’s areas with gentle slopes so that kids can learn at their own pace. And, pedestrian-only villages are common, so you won’t have to worry about navigating cars while heading into town or to dinner.
2. Skiing in Europe is More Affordable Than You Think
Skiing in the U.S. – especially at the most popular resorts – is notoriously expensive. From overpriced lift tickets to high accommodation rates, a ski vacation in places like Vail or Aspen can leave you with a serious dent in your wallet. Rightfully, many travelers assume a ski trip to Europe would cost even more. The reality? It can actually be cheaper – and in some cases, even more luxurious.
Lift passes at top European ski resorts are often half the price of their U.S. counterparts, with full-day adult lift tickets in Austria or France as low as 50-80 euros a day. Compare that to Vail’s $329 ticket, and the savings quickly start to add up, especially when you consider a week-long trip.
And it’s not just the lift tickets – think about lessons. We recently priced out 5 days of full day kids ski lessons at one of the Graubunden, Switzerland resorts on our list. That full week of lessons costs the same as one day of lessons at Snowmass in Aspen.
Plus, in Switzerland, Austria, France, and Italy, resorts typically offer longer ski seasons – meaning more time on the slopes without the added cost of peak-season prices.
When it comes to accommodation, many family ski resorts in Europe are a standout value. Hotels often have half-board stays (where breakfast and dinner are included) or all-inclusive options, meaning you aren’t separately paying for every single meal or activity. Many resorts also offer a ton of winter activities – snowshoeing, tobogganing, après-ski fun – all included in the price, which boosts the overall value of your stay.
The outlier: flights. Yes, flights to Europe can be more expensive than U.S. domestic trips. But if you plan ahead so you can watch for flight deals, and factor in the lower costs of accommodation, lift tickets, and meals, you might actually come out ahead – with the addition of experiencing the Alpine culture and incredible food.
We’d say that’s a win.
3. Winter in Europe is Magical Wonderland
There’s just something about skiing in Europe that feels… different. Instead of the usual sprawling resort towns, you’ll find charming alpine villages that feel like they’ve been plucked from a storybook.
Cobblestone streets lined with cozy chalets, the soft glow of twinkling lights on the snow, and little mountain huts serving up warm drinks and fondue—it’s a winter wonderland come to life.
In Europe, skiing is more than just a sport—it’s part of the culture. You’ll see families strolling through town after a day on the slopes, kids riding sleds, and locals stopping for a chat in the square. It’s laid-back, relaxed, and honestly, kind of magical.
It’s the kind of place where you don’t want to rush, where the beauty of it all invites you to slow down and take it all in.
4. Transportation is Easy
One of the most underrated perks of skiing in Europe with kids? How easy it is to get around! We can help you navigate it on your first try, but then you’ll be blown away by how simple it all feels.
Many of the best family ski resorts are just a quick train ride away from major airports like Zurich, Milan, or Munich. Forget about the hassle of renting a car and driving on icy roads. Instead, you can just hop on a scenic train ride and arrive at your resort stress-free—and already in vacation mode.
Switzerland, in particular, has one of the best rail systems out there. The Glacier Express and Bernina Express are not just any trains—they’re part of the adventure. Breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and Swiss villages will have the whole family glued to the windows as you make your way to the slopes. It’s a journey that’s just as memorable as the destination.
Once you’re at your accommodation, you don’t need a car at all. Many ski resorts for families in Europe offer easy shuttle services to and from the slopes, ski-in/ski-out access, or even horse-drawn sleigh rides for a magical transportation touch. Plus, European towns are often pedestrian-friendly, with shops, restaurants, and activities all within walking distance.
5. There’s More Than Just Skiing
A ski trip to Europe is about so much more than just skiing. Of course, the slopes are fantastic, but there’s plenty to do off the mountain as well. You can sled through charming medieval villages in Austria, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Swiss Alps, enjoy winter activities in France, or feast on a plate of homemade pasta in Italy’s Dolomites after a day on the slopes.
Can’t decide which European country to choose for your family skip trip? There’s the option to ski from Switzerland to Italy – giving you the best of two countries in a single day. The magic of the Alps. Just make sure to keep your passport handy!
Unlike many U.S. resorts, where après-ski is often limited to bars and lounges, European ski towns offer a mix of kid-friendly activities, cultural experiences, and winter adventures. Depending on what country you visit, there are options like ice skating on frozen lakes, trying your hand at snowshoeing, or toboggan rides down dedicated tracks.
Beyond winter activities, younger and older foodies alike can indulge in Swiss chocolate, a delicious pasta dinner, French raclette, or a steaming bowl of gulaschsuppe (goulash soup). I mean honestly, it’s worth it to ski in Europe for the food alone.
I’m Ready for a European Ski Vacation. But Where?
You’re in. A family ski trip to Europe is happening. Now, the big question – where to go? The Swiss Alps, Austrian Alps, French Alps, and Northern Italy all offer incredible skiing, stunning scenery, and family-friendly resorts, but each has its own vibe. Here’s how to pick the right one for your crew.
The Swiss Alps: Iconic, High-End, and Seamlessly Easy
If you want big mountain views, top-tier ski schools, and an effortless travel experience, Switzerland delivers. Everything runs like clockwork – including the train system that takes you straight from the airport to the slopes.
There are gorgeous 5-star ski resorts in Switzerland that are both high-end but ultra family-friendly. But there are also some boutique 4-star properties that will delight discerning travelers at a more moderate price tag if that’s the vibe you’re after. In fact, did you know Switzerland has a whole collection of boutique Swiss Family Hotels? Amazing.
Plus, beyond skiing, there’s plenty to do – sledding, skating, and even chocolate factory tours. But above all else, who doesn’t want to apres-ski in a picturesque village in Switzerland?
Switzerland Ski Resorts for Families to Consider:
1. Zermatt
The winter wonderland experience
Zermatt is an iconic, car-free village set against the stunning Matterhorn. A scenic 3.5-hour train ride from Zurich brings you to a huge variety of slopes, incredible ski schools, and tons of other winter activities like tobogganing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and a visit to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. This is by far one of the most popular and best ski resorts in Switzerland for families.
2. Graubünden’s Ski Resorts
Something for everyone
Graubunden is Switzerland’s easternmost canton (which is basically the Swiss equivalent of a state), and there’s a lot going on. This is where you’ll find some of the top ski resorts in Europe that may have crossed your radar before — it’s where the Swiss ski, with cool resorts that fly under the U.S. travelers’ radar.
If you want glitz and glam, with a side of family-friendly fun, we’ll plan your trip to St. Moritz. One of Switzerland’s most famous and luxurious ski resorts, it boasts an alpine zoo, bobsledding, and the Snowli Kids Village. Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski is enchanting, with an onsite igloo and a kids club that includes activities like sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides to the lake, and snowman building.
But you can avoid the glitz and glam by heading elsewhere, such as Lenzerheide or Flims-Laax – two other top resort areas in Graubunden. Both areas have fantastic boutique hotels with kids rooms and extensive kids programming – like Valbella Resort in Lenzeirheide (this is where the Swiss ski) and the incredible Rocksresort in Laax are just two examples — this one stole my heart on a recent trip and I can’t wait to help more families experience its magic.
There are excellent ski schools that cater to families and children of all ages and a variety of slopes for all skill levels.
3. Verbier
For advanced skiers and a little French
If French-speaking Switzerland is more your vibe, then you may have heard of Verbier – known as one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the area. It may seem out of reach but there are actually quite a few great family friendly lodges, and the mountain absolutely has a ki-friendly side (with a few secret ski areas especially good for kids and with a lower price tag than the main village). And bonus if you’re a frequent skier in the US: Verbier is on the Epic Pass!
Austria: Charming, Cozy, and All About the Ski Culture
Austria is where family ski trips feel effortless. The charming villages look straight out of a snow globe, the ski schools are some of the best in Europe, and the prices? More reasonable than Switzerland. Whether you want beginner-friendly slopes, fantastic ski schools, or cozy mountain lodges with kids clubs, Austria delivers. And the best part? There’s plenty to do off the slopes too – tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and snow-covered adventure parks.
Austria Ski Resorts for Families to Consider:
1. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
Best all-around for families
Austria seems to literally have designed a a ski resort designed just for families. The tagline of Serafaus-Fiss-Ladis, front and center on its website, is “We are Family.” The resort area is packed with kid-friendly slopes, fun-themed ski runs, and incredible ski schools that make learning to ski feel like playtime.
The whole resort is set up for families – there’s a massive adventure park, kid-friendly restaurants, and even baby-care facilities. And when the skiing is done? The nighttime toboggan runs keep the fun going. It may seem a little Disney for the Mango Tree ethos – waterparks aren’t usually our vibe – but when you get to tuck yourself in at night in an Austrian chalet, we can get on board.
And did you know there’s a collection of Leading Family Hotels in Austria to treat you to a 5-star stay with childcare and kid-focused amenities as your apres-ski? Yup, and two of them are in the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis region.
2. Lech
Classic Austrian charm & easy skiing for kids
Lech is storybook Austria – a beautiful, upscale village with great ski schools and wide, cruisy slopes that are perfect for beginners. The ski schools are some of the best in the Alps, with English-speaking instructors and small group sizes. When you’re not skiing, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride, go winter hiking, or warm up with a hot chocolate at a cozy cafe. It’s a little more high-end, but if you want a relaxed luxury ski trip with kids, Lech is hard to beat.
Plus, it’s home to one of our favorite luxury-boutique hybrid hotels, Severin’s – The Alpine Retreat, with incredibly cozy family rooms It’s part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, a stamp of approval we always trust – and that means we can get Mango Tree clients VIP treatment and perks too!
3. Zell am See
Budget-friendly & stunning lake views
For a laid-back, affordable ski trip with jaw-dropping scenery, Zell am See is perfect. The lakeside setting is gorgeous, and the ski area has plenty of easy, beginner-friendly slopes.
The ski school gets rave reviews, and when you (or your legs) need a break from skiing, there’s ice skating, sledding, or even a scenic boat ride across the frozen lake. Plus, only a 1.5 hour direct train from the Salzburg Airport, getting there is super easy with kids in tow.
Italy: Laid-Back and Packed with Family-Friendly Adventure
Don’t just make a trip to Italy for the Colosseum. Italy’s ski resorts are amidst the stunning Dolomites, have fantastic food (yesss to pizza and pasta), and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The ski schools are welcoming, the villages are charming, and the pace is just right – plenty of adventure without the rush. Snow-sure slopes, cross-border skiing, and a cozy alpine retreat await you in Italy with a magical mix of skiing and après-ski fun for all ages.
Italy Ski Resorts for Families to Consider:
1. Madonna di Campiglio
Best all-around for families
If you want classic Italian charm with an ultra family-friendly ski setup, this is the place. Madonna di Campiglio has long, scenic slopes that are perfect for families, plus excellent ski schools and a pedestrian-friendly village that’s fun to wander after a day on the mountain. Kids will love ice skating in the town square, exploring the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, or hopping on a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
2. Val Gardena
A classic Dolomites ski experience for families
For families looking for a true Dolomites ski experience, Val Gardena delivers. The Dolomiti Superski hub gives families access to 1,200 km of slopes across multiple resorts – so no one gets bored. The three villages of Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina offer direct lift access to different parts of the ski area. Ortisei is the most charming and pedestrian-friendly, Selva is best for ski-in/ski-out access, and Santa Cristina sits right in the middle with easy access to both.
Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa in lively Ortisei is a five-star retreat that takes family-friendly luxury to another level. Post-skiing, kids ages 3+ can wind-down in the incredible two-story kids’ club while parents seek to soothe their sore muscles in the out-of-this-world spa or dine at the Michelin-starred Anna Stuben restaurant.
3. Ladurns
A hidden gem for a relaxing family ski retreat
Are you looking for a quiet, crowd-free ski trip where you can slow down and the kids can play all day? Ladurns, in the South Tyrol region is a small, but perfectly ski area for families. It has gentle slopes, great ski schools, and tons of winter fun beyond skiing.
After trying out the three South Tyrolean ski resorts nearby (Ladurns, Ratschings/Racines or Rosskopf/Monte Cavallo), take a family winter horseback ride, a dip in the pool, indulge in a spa afternoon for the whole family, or let the kids enjoy the endless unique options for play at the wood workshop, mud room, painting studio, and more.
France: Skiing With Style and a Focus on Family
The French Alps are a pretty popular choice when it comes to family ski trip to Europe. With massive, interconnected ski areas like the Three Valleys, it’s easy to find slopes for every level and ski schools that cater to kids. France’s ski villages are often car-free, making it simple to get around. From Paris, you can catch a 2-3 hour train or fly into Geneva for a quick transfer to the slopes. This is a great choice if you aren’t keen on skiing for an entire week and want to spend half of your trip in the city. C’est la vie!
French Ski Resorts for Families to Consider:
1.Val Thorens
Family fun in the heart of Les 3 Valleys
In the heart of the iconic Three Valleys, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort, with unbeatable ski-in/ski-out access for families. But it’s not just the slopes that make this resort special – it’s the super fun family environment. There’s a unique space-themed playground at the Cosmojet sledge run, moon tubing, an igloo village, sleigh dog rides, and bowling. With some of these truly out-of-the-ordinary experiences, Val Thorens is a stand-out, and worth the trek overseas.
2. Courchevel
Three Valleys luxury with a family twist
As part of the famous Three Valleys, Courchevel is the epitome of alpine luxury. With an array of five-star hotels, Michelin-starred dining, and world-class shopping, it offers service and relaxation for the whole family. Kids can learn to ski in some of the best schools in Europe, while parents unwind in luxury.
Courchevel is home to Cheval Blanc, a dream resort that spoils families with everything from boot warming, après-ski cocktails, spa treatments (even for the kids), and a fantastic in-house kids’ club. The Cheval Blanc hotels – part of our preferred network of hotels where we can secure our clients’ VIP perks – really are top of the line for families.
3. Val d’Isère
For families who want it all – great skiing & luxe perks
Val d’Isère is charming with a cozy village alpine feel, but also offers some of the best skiing in the alps. With a huge variety of runs for all levels and reasonable prices compared to Switzerland, it’s a great option for families looking for value and adventure. The village has a laid-back atmosphere with local markets and cozy cafes. If you’re looking for personalization or a more luxurious experience, Hôtel Airelles is a Palace Hotel (which means higher than 5-star!) and it ups its game with a private kid pool with inflatables, a game room for teens, and a full service ski school that includes lunch and a snack so parents can tackle the slopes while their kids are in good hands.
Keep Exploring: Take a spin through our Europe destination page
Ski Trips to Europe Really Are Perfect for Families
Setting your sights on a family ski trip to Europe is one thing – but planning it is another. With so many options, it can get really overwhelming real quick. That’s where we come in. We’ve made it a point to learn the ins-and-outs of these regions, including with scouting and research trips to these destinations to find the best family hotels.
At Mango Tree Travel, we’ve helped match so many clients with destinations and resorts to fit their family’s vacation goals, and we can do the same for your European ski vacation.
No more endless research or second-guessing. No need to wait until the kids are older to experience the slopes of Switzerland, the Three Valleys or the Dolomites. Grab your passport and let us handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not as much as you’d think! Kids adapt quickly—especially when they’re excited about skiing. Plan a rest day after arrival, and you’ll be on Alpine time in no time. Check out our blog about beating jet lag in kids for tips on how to make the transition smoother.
No problem! Most ski resorts in Europe cater to international visitors, and ski instructors in Switzerland, Austria, and Italy speak fluent English.
Not at all. Many family ski resorts in Europe are accessible by train, making travel stress-free and scenic—no need to rent a car.
They’re cheaper, often full-day programs, and some include lunch. Many are internationally recognized for high-quality instruction.
Absolutely. You’ll get a cultural experience, world-class skiing, and better value for your money—all while making unforgettable memories with your kids.
When it comes to booking winter travel, it’s best to be booked 11-12 months in advance.
