Families are spoilt for choice when looking for a ski resort in Switzerland. Many of the Swiss villages are traditionally unspoilt, accessed by train or cable car. This makes them wonderfully peaceful yet still offer plenty to do. Families of all ages will find something to suit in Switzerland – and it’s not just about little ones learning to ski on the baby slopes, teenagers are equally well looked after with some epic terrain parks and more adventurous terrain to be discovered too. Wondering where to start? Read our guide to the 12 best ski resorts in Switzerland for families and give our experts a call, they’re always happy to help. Take a look at our top resorts for family skiing in Switzerland.
Flims Laax, Graubünden
The neighbouring villages of Laax and Flims appeal to many types of families, with a shared ski area of 235km. However, those with budding freestyle skiers, snowboarders and skaters should be first in line. Because not only does Laax have some seriously world-class terrain parks and halfpipes on the snow, it also has the Freestyle Academy, Europe’s first freestyle indoor centre, where there’s a bunch of trampolines, airbags and kickers with soft landings to practice all the tricks any budding Billy Morgan needs to have up his sleeve. It makes for a youthful resort full of energy. Some of the best family skiing in Switzerland.
Nendaz, Valais
Sharing the same 4 Valleys network as cult classic Verbier, Nendaz couldn’t be less like its bold neighbour if it tried. A larger resort than you might think, it’s got a lot of self-catering accommodation and some gentle local slopes, easily reached by gondola from the village, that are ideal for families to play on. Further afield, adventurous types can attack Verbier’s legendary off piste, or tackle Siviez’s challenging red runs. Nightlife isn’t as full whack as it is in Verbier; instead there are a couple of bars and several reliable restaurants serving family favourites, and that’s just what’s needed.
Saas Fee, Valais
It’s a puzzle why Saas Fee isn’t more popular than it is – perhaps its loyal fans don’t want to share it so keep shtum. One of the best ski resorts in Switzerland for families, Saas Fee is sunny, snowy and relatively safe; the village is largely car-free. Set at the foot of the Allalin glacier, the slopes are particularly good for beginners – at the edge of the village is a large nursery area with plenty of gentle reds and blues to progress to around Felskinn. The various ski schools are well regarded and older children will no doubt love the two terrain parks.
Val d’Anniviers, Valais
Unspoilt, peaceful and rustic is how the Val d’Anniviers is usually described. These are just the qualities we want on a wholesome family holiday. A string of traditional mountain villages (fortunately with plenty of modern accommodation) spread along the valley, St Luc Chandolin is best for families, thanks to its sunny position and easy going blue and red runs; the beginner area at the top of the funicular is particularly good. Worth visiting too is Zinal, a little further along the valley and linked by bus. In total, there’s 220km of pistes in the valley.
Villars, Vaud
Not your typical mountain resort, Villars is busy year-round. Its short transfer time from Geneva and relatively low altitude make it popular with families with young children. This is because some kids don’t feel great or sleep well at altitude. By all means, come and ski for every hour possible. There are 100km of pistes, with everything from a glacier to two nursery slope areas. However, there’s also lots to do off the slopes including journeys on a mountain railway, snowshoeing, skating and tobogganing. This all helps create a wonderful winter holiday.
Wengen, Bern
If your idea of a perfect family ski holiday involves gliding along endless gentle slopes among seriously stunning scenery, Wengen is a must. It’s particularly great if you’re with a few families with lots of different abilities. A network of mountain railways make it easy to get around and meet up in different places. Lunch, tobogganing or even a trip to the lakes down at Interlaken has never been easier to do. The resort is small and largely traffic-free and you’ll find lots of family-run hotels plus the nursery slopes right in its centre.
Adelboden, Bern
A classic Swiss mountain resort set on a sunny hillside, Adelboden has plenty going on, both on and off the slopes. With several snow gardens for kids, plus some nursery slopes in the heart of the village, little learners are well catered for. For families moving beyond the first turns, each of the five areas are worth exploring, and have a good mix of blues and reds; the best blues are around Metsch and served by gondola. Off the slopes, the network of toboggan runs is great fun.
Arosa, Graubünden
Set in a sheltered spot at the end of the wooded Schanfigg valley, Arosa in Graubünden is one of the best ski resorts for families in Switzerland. The closest of the area’s 225km of slopes are undemanding cruises largely above the treeline. Beginners also have an excellent area to learn in at mid-mountain. Further afield there are options to keep every member of the family happy, while off the slopes there’s plenty to do too. The resort has an understated air of luxury; not arrogant as some resorts can be, but simply confident in its ability to give a good winter holiday. One of the hidden gems when it comes to family skiing in Switzerland.
Crans Montana, Valais
You can find Crans Montana in one of the most enviable positions in the Swiss Alps. On a sunny plateau above the Rhône valley, the linked towns of Crans and Montana overlook the best alpine views. 140km of pistes offer views from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc and the border with Italy in between. The resort’s golf course in summer makes for some fabulous beginner slopes in winter, and it’s satisfying to progress to some of the resorts lovely long easy red runs, particularly among the trees. All you could want for family skiing in Switzerland.
Mürren, Bern
Given its international reputation, you’d expect Mürren to be bigger; the fact it’s actually a pretty tiny village only adds to its appeal for families. Only accessible by cable car, arriving in resort is a huge novelty, whatever your age. Once there, expect peace and tranquility plus stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. This makes it one of the top spots for family skiing in Switzerland. As enticing as the nursery slopes and easy blue runs are, it’s also worth spending some of your holiday simply enjoying the snowy, relaxed village and its many other activities. These include a great pool complex, ice rink and toboggan runs.
Davos, Bern
Davos is known for staging the World Economic Forum, but it’s also fantastic for family skiing. It has a brilliant traditional alpine charm mixed with modern facilities. There are brilliant childcare options and the ski schools are highly reputable. If you buy a full ski pass you have access to 251km of pistes. There is appropriate skiing for any level in the family. We highly recommend staying at the wonderful AlpenGold Hotel because of the dedicated play area, childcare options and spacious interconnecting family suites.
Engelberg, Obwalden
Considered a hidden gem of the Swiss Alps, Engelberg is a perfect destination for family skiing. Its quiet nature combined with great family options is ideal. If you buy a full lift pass you can access 89km of slopes. If you have mixed abilities in the family, don’t worry there’s slopes for every level. We highly recommend staying at the Kempinski Palace because of the fantastic play area, brilliant childcare and lovely family suites. The rooms can be available as interconnecting too.
To find out more about the best family ski resorts in Switzerland, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
