Travel: Stay on Piste

Ready to hit the slopes with the kids but don’t know where to go? Here’s our pick of the most family-friendly resorts that have something for everyone

LA PLAGNE
Where? France
Ski range: 1,250 to 3,250m
Pistes: 225km
Lift pass: Under-sixes go free
What to do
La Plagne is one of six ski resorts alongside a steep mountain linked by a shuttle bus. The pistes are vast and gentle, perfect for families and little ones, and each resort has a snow kindergarten, where children aged three and up can learn to ski. Off the slopes, thrill-seekers can try skidooing, paragliding or the bobsleigh run, while parents and children will be delighted by La Plagne’s Igloo Village, a magical attraction with hundreds of igloos for you to cosy up in.
Where to stay
Chalet Delphine skifamille.co.uk
Club Med La Plagne clubmed.co.uk

COURCHEVEL
Where? France
Ski range: 1,350 to 2,738m
Pistes: 150km
Lift pass: Under-fives go free
What to do
The chic Courchevel ski resort is the go-to for fantastic hotels, Michelin-star restaurants and family fun. At the centre of the biggest interconnected ski area in the world, the Three Valleys, visitors will enjoy the slopes whatever their ability. Grown-ups can visit slope-side piano bars and five-star spas, while children enjoy the Village des Enfants, which has 5km of child-friendly slopes.
Where to stay
Chalet Chenus espritski.com
Les Sherpas scottdunn.com

ST MORITZ
Where: Switzerland
Ski range: 1,730m to 3,300m
Pistes: 350km
Lift pass: Under-sixes go free
What to do
St Moritz is more family-friendly than you think and, with its high altitude, the snow is nearly always good. Corviglia, one of the resort’s five ski areas, is particularly suited to families, thanks to its numerous blue runs. Many of the hotels offer daycare for children, have dedicated children’s restaurants, and can arrange babysitting and ski school. There are also lots of ski-in and ski-out options, and if you’ve got a mini Eddie the Eagle on your hands, there is a cool snow park for small freestylers, where they can try out lots of super fun obstacles.
Where to stay
Nira Alpina powderbyrne.com
Saint-Moritz Roi Soleil clubmed.com

LECH
Where? Austria
Resort: 1,450m to 2,450m
Pistes: 280km
Lift pass: Under-eights go free
What to do
Its traditional village charm and reliably brilliant snow make Lech a favourite for families. Beautifully and conveniently located in a scenic riverside setting, the resort has access to a huge amount of skiing, with free and regular buses to the neighbouring resorts of Zürs and St Anton, as well as a gondola linking skiers to the slopes at Warth. There is a dedicated area for beginners and a variety of ski schools, with lessons offered from aged three and a half. Just 200m above Lech is the satellite of Oberlech, a car-free ski-in and ski-out area with a cluster of hotels and home to the resort’s main nursery slopes. Hire a toboggan at the Oberlech mountain railway for some great family fun.
Where to stay
The Goldener Berg scottdunn.com
Hotel Plattenhof powderbyrne.com

GRESSONEY
Where? Italy
Ski range: 1,200m to 2,970m
Pistes: 180km
Lift pass: Under-fours go free
What to do
Ideally positioned in the centre of the large Monterosa ski area, Gressoney consists of three traditional and family-friendly villages. Once a well-kept secret, the fantastic Monterosa ski circuit has been growing in popularity in recent years, especially among families. It’s no surprise since it offers fabulous skiing opportunities at every level right across its three valleys. For little learners between three and 11 years old, there is a nursery and ski kindergarten for full or half-days, allowing parents to take advantage of the world-renowned off-piste.
Where to stay
Chalet Valverde espritski.com
Chalet du Lys crystalski.com

AND FURTHER AFIELD…

WHISTLER
Where? Canada
Ski Range: 675m to 2,284m
Pistes: 3,277 hectares
Lift Pass: Under-13s go free
What to do
Relieable snowfall and a massive skiing area make Whistler one of the world’s top ski destinations. Its ski school has programmes for children from one-and-a-half to five years old and lessons or camps for children up to 12. Whistler Village is also entirely pedestrian, great for stress-free family strolls.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Residence scottdunn.com

SAHORO
Where? Japan
Ski Range: 420m to 1,030m
Pistes: 81 hectares
Lift Pass: Free with Club Med
What to do
With quiet, gentle slopes, this resort promises smooth skiing on the finest powder, making it ideal for little ones to learn and perfect their snowplough. There is also super-fun tree skiing for more advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Where to stay
Club Med Sahoro clubmed.co.uk