Where to take your family on a skiing holiday
When it comes to family-friendly ski destinations, there are definitely some resorts that stand out. Choosing the right one is always the first step to preparing for your trip with the family - excellent ski schools, easy-to-access slopes, and a range of activities can make such a difference.
France
Les Menuires
This famous French resort is a fantastic spot for beginners and families of any age. As part of the 600km Three Valleys ski area, Les Menuires offers 275 different runs, with over half being either green or blue. Gentle slopes provide easy rides for learners, and as this resort is slightly quieter than the others in the Three Valleys, the kids will be more comfortable here than anywhere else.
Neilson’s Hotel Le Menuire & Spa is the ideal spot to recharge after your day on the slopes, with a cosy bar, spacious room and an amazing wellness area - complete with adventure pool and lazy river. You can even sign the kids up to a range of Neilson-run kids’ clubs if staying here, so even the youngest will be entertained on and off the slopes.
Snowsure pistes make for excellent skiing conditions, while the huge number of chairlifts and gondolas means the whole family can get around with ease. Make your way to Aquafun and Wellness Centre for some family fun in the waves and water jets too - a skiing holiday with the kids isn’t just about the slopes, after all.
Val d’Isère
Forming half of the 300km Val d’Isère - Tignes ski area, Val’s snowsure slopes provide the perfect place for families of all abilities - green and blue runs welcome the beginners, while red and black runs keep seasoned skiers challenged. With a total of 159 runs in the resort, plus a glacier, there really is something for everyone.
Off the mountain, stroll through the nearby village’s charming streets, with shops and coffee shops to explore. Stop in at a restaurant before taking a trip to the Centre Aquasportif, enjoying a beach world, spa world, sports world and well-being world - the whole family will be thoroughly entertained.
Neilson’s Hotel La Tovière provides the perfect palace to stay in Val d’Isère, with the nearest lifts just 200m from the front door. A charming bar area, tranquil spa and epic views of the mountains whet the appetite for tomorrow’s skiing, and the excellent food on offer is the perfect fuel.
Andorra
El Tarter
Right in the heart of the huge 210km Grandvalira ski area lies the gorgeous El Tarter, with 114 picturesque runs and a peak skiing altitude of 2590m. El Tarter is home to one of Europe’s best ski schools and even has a dedicated area just for beginners. Safe, wide, uncrowded slopes are ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers of all ages, and English-speaking ski schools make learning even easier.
If your young family loves a resort with a chilled-out vibe, this is the spot for you - head out to the easy-to-access, laid-back village during your time away from the pistes. Neilson also runs a kids’ club at their Hotel Del Clos, ranging from ski school drop-offs to full-day clubs of games and activities, so there really is something for everyone.
Italy
Val di Fassa
Take the family on a trip to Italy and Val di Fassa, within the vast 1220km Dolomites ski area. More ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers than those looking to learn the ropes, the Dolomites area also has a glacier. Explore the numerous small villages and towns along the valley floor, all with easy access to the pistes.
Val di Fassa is a dream spot for families, with fun snow parks and a huge range of ski runs - there are over 650 different pistes for you all to try. And staying at Neilson’s Chalet Hotel Dolomites Inn, you’re in an excellent spot to take advantage - with regular buses to the slopes, charming rooms and views to capture everyone’s imagination.
Sauze d’Oulx
Make your way to the Milky Way - the 400km ski area in Italy’s northern corner. Perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers, Sauze d’Oulx offers a selection of the area’s 212 runs. Groomed slopes and cruisy runs welcome more experienced families, while everyone will love heading to the sports centre for some fun away from the pistes.
Families will also love Neilson’s Chalet Hotel Edelweiss, just 120 metres from the nearest lift. Reaching your favourite cruisy runs has never been easier, and after winding down in the hotel’s hot tub and sauna, you’ll always be fresh for tomorrow’s family adventure.
So there it is. The lowdown on some of Neilson’s favourite family-friendly ski resorts. There’s only one thing left for you to do - prepare for a family ski holiday to remember.
