Best Ski Resorts for Teenagers in the Alps

Are you planning a ski holiday with teenagers? Family ski holidays are magical when the little ones are really small. In the mountains, you can watch your tots experience their first snow, toddle about in crèches and wobble on their first skis at nursery. As children grow older, meeting their needs can get a little tougher, but they’re also more eager to take on new experiences. You can be sure that no teenager will cry ‘I’m bored’ on a thrill-filled trip to any of these Alpine ski destinations – we’ve given options to keep your teens busy on and off the slopes. Take a look at our selected ski resorts for teenagers.

Flims Laax, Switzerland

Flims Laax is one of the most exciting, modern resorts for freestyle in Europe, so if your teens want to get in to snowboarding, or hone their slopestyle ski skills, this is the place to start. There are long, undulating blue runs for those who are less confident, or for the more ambitious, there’s the red 66 from Crap Sogn Gion, where the teens can fly over some adrenaline-fuelled kickers, before carving down the wider part of the run.

When you’re not skiing, keep things exciting with dog sledding, sleigh rides and ice-skating. Try something new together with curling lessons – your teenager might just be the next Olympic champion.

At Rocks Resort, a stylish complex of modern apartments, trust your teens to go off on their own and make friends at the indoor Freestyle Academy during the day, and night-sledding in the evening. In a once-in-a-lifetime experience they’ll be dying to tell their friends about, book a hot air balloon ride, helicopter trip, or go paragliding.

Obergurgl, Austria

Obergurgl in Tyrol is one of Austria’s most popular resorts and a top choice for a ski holiday with teens. Together with its higher satellite resort of Hochgurgl, Obergurgl offers one of the most snow-sure ski resorts in Austria, with slopes rising to 3,080m. The winter season here typically runs from late November until the end of April, making it far longer than most Austrian resorts.

Why not have fun outside the slopes? Your teens will be in awe once they step into the incredible James Bond Installation in Sölden – 007 Elements. Sitting at over 3000m, the futuristic, interactive staging of agent Bond’s on-screen action is sure to keep the youngsters entertained. Plus, Sölden can be reached conveniently by train – so everyone can marvel at Austria’s picturesque landscape on the way.

Stay at the family-run Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl – widely regarded as one of the best family hotels in the Alps. The hotel is perfect for your trip with teens, offering twin, double and Queen-sized double rooms, all with stunning mountain views. While you’re there, your teenagers can have a go at horseriding – with the hotel boasting their all-year-round stables, it is sure to create an unforgettable experience. The hotel’s wellness centre adds extra comfort for parents and teens alike, making it a great family-friendly option.

Söll, Austria

Part of the 288km SkiWelt – one of Austria’s most innovative family ski regions – Söll is perfect for more seasoned skiers. Your teens can explore wide blues and reds and visit other resorts, such as Scheffau and Ellmau, in the area, or practise in the Hexenwiese beginner zone.

For unforgettable memories with your teens, explore night-skiing. Söll is the biggest night-skiing area in the Alps, boasting a fully illuminated floodlit fun park, where the youngsters will cheer with joy as they glide through the slopes. Gram-worthy pictures guaranteed!

If you’re looking to relax after a day (and night) full of laughter, the Vitalhotel Schermer is the perfect retreat. Its inviting lounge area with a roaring open fire is a lovely spot for teens and parents to unwind after a day on the slopes. The expansive leisure facilities – featuring indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, and saunas – are ideal for recharging for everyone after a fabulous day at one of the best ski resorts in Austria.

Madonna di Campiglio, Italy

Stylish and secluded, this chic resort lies between the Brenta Dolomites and the peaks of Adamello and Presanella. Offering Junior Ski lessons, this resort caters to all different levels with dedicated skiing and snowboarding lessons for teenagers. If your teens are looking for more than skiing, Madonna di Campiglio offers over 40 shops for shopping enthusiasts, as well as ice skating and a cinema.

Consider a more eco-conscious ski holiday with your teens – stay at Trentino’s first Biohotel. Nestled seamlessly within nature, Biohotel Hermitage combines sustainable design with classic mountain elegance. Expect natural materials, heated floors, and large glass walls that fill rooms with light and offer breathtaking views of the Brenta Dolomites.

With just 25 rooms, gorgeous interiors, and a Michelin-starred à la carte option, this hotel delivers the perfect balance of comfort and style. Enjoy skiing in the Dolomites, then spend some quality time in a more sustainable holiday setting that your youngsters will love.

Selva Val Gardena, Italy

Calling all beginners: situated at 1,565m, Selva Val Gardena is one of the largest resorts in Sella Ronda, with a variety of gentle, wide slopes and excellent nursery slopes on Plan de Gralba. With UNESCO-protected views on all sides, your teenagers will be spoilt for choice: let them tackle wide, well-groomed pistes stretching to 175km, or head to the Dantercepies area to practise.

Teens looking for something a little more challenging? For progression, beginners can move on to longer blue runs – the Ciampinoi – and the longer blue run down to Santa Cristina. For off-piste fun, head to the Stella Ronda circuit for 42km through the Dolomites on a snowboard or challenge yourself to a James Bond run in Ortisei. There’s also an option to look at New Generation and Oxygène for ski lessons with our recommended suppliers.

Sitting just 2 minutes from the Clampinoi lift and 10 minutes from the centre of Selva, Hotel Pralong is in the ideal position for skiers with easy access to both the slopes and local amenities. Expect great communal areas with an inviting bar, a lounge with open fireplace and dining room, where you and your teens can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa.

Méribel, France

Often voted the Family Resort of the Year at the World Snow Awards, Méribel is a charming chalet-style village offering a perfect mix of excellent skiing for all abilities, and a prime location. Surrounded by tree-lined blues, long reds and blacks, allow your teens to find their rhythm on the massive 600km of piste.

Experience a quintessential ski holiday by soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the town. Take a stroll through the bi-weekly street market, explore indoor ice skating, or even bowling – there’s something for everyone.

For your stay, the beautiful Chalet Le Cygne will add a touch of authenticity. The penthouse is split over two floors, with the master bedroom situated on the main living floor and three bedrooms on the second floor. Chalet Le Cygne is situated perfectly to be able to return on your skis and explore numerous restaurants and shops, all within easy reach. If your teens are beginners, ski schools are very close to the accommodation.

Tignes, France

At an altitude of 2,100m, Tignes is truly snow-sure. Part of the famous Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area, Tignes has access to more than 300km of pistes, ranging from green to black – ideal for your teenagers’ skiing progression throughout the holiday. The ski resort has great ski schools – ESF (École du Ski Français) is one of the best in France or try the Snocool school for snowboarding – great for socialising and making friends while learning.

Why not choose a fun, family-friendly hotel like the Hotel Village Montana, where the youngsters can dive into the outdoor pool in the snow! If your teens still have energy, the nature and motor sports enthusiasts can go heli-skiing or snowmobiling.

La Plagne, France

Give your teenagers access to a huge and varied range of skiing, even late into the season. La Plagne makes one half of the large and dramatic ski area known as Paradiski. Hiring a local ski guide may be an option if you’re thinking to increase your teenager’s confidence, giving them the skills to take on more challenging slopes and impress their younger siblings. For something more laid-back, Paradiski has Europe’s longest Funslope, featuring jumps, steep curves and bank waves.

If you can persuade the teens out of their skis for a moment, try tobogganing, or even the Olympic bobsleigh run. There are plenty of options for accommodation, including Club Med La Plagne 2100. While you sip drinks by the open fire, the teens can relax at Juniors’ Club Med and enjoy a bit of independence.

Avoriaz, France

Perched high on a snowy plateau with dramatic views over Morzine, Avoriaz is one of the most striking ski resorts in the Alps. Its unique architecture blends beautifully with the rugged landscape, featuring varied rooflines and wooden tiles – tavaillons – typical of the region.

The resort’s car-free design makes it perfect to ski with your teens or younger children. Conveniently, ski lifts are just steps away from the accommodations, offering great ease for both families and avid skiers. Keep your teens entertained: try snowmobiling, fatbiking, or embark on a trip to Aquariaz waterpark, where they can enjoy slides, lazy rivers, pools, and climbing walls. At Christmas Avoriaz is at its liveliest, with festive shows and parades adding a special touch to the holiday season.

With modern design and an unbeatable location, Chalet Ipaka is just a short walk to the very heart of the town and within 50 metres of the pistes. Built over the centre of the resort, the chalet is split across three floors, each with large feature windows and balconies. The open plan living and dining areas create an airy yet cosy space for you and the teens to socialise in.

Verbier, Switzerland

If you’re after a stylish, quick getaway that your teens are sure to enjoy, Verbier is the perfect choice. Just two hours’ drive from Geneva, this resort is a top pick for a shorter ski break, and you’ll soon find yourself embraced by the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of the town. Nestled at the heart of the 4 Valleys ski area, Verbier competes with nearby high-altitude resorts like Val Thorens, Les Menuires,Tignes, and its ski season runs from late November to May. Most of the slopes are above 2,000 metres, making it one of Europe’s highest ski areas.

Verbier town sits on a sun-kissed plateau, offering access to an expansive ski area with thrilling terrain that caters to adventurous skiers and snowboarders.

The Verbier ski resort is a charming blend of hundreds of cosy wooden chalets, alongside larger, chalet-style hotels and apartments. With nearly 80% of the runs suitable for beginners and intermediates, there’s plenty to explore. Enjoy the breathtaking views from Les Esserts with your teens and discover the versatile slopes at Savoleyres – the ideal spots for a memorable ski adventure.

Our top tips for skiing with teenagers

The best family-friendly ski resorts will have perfect beginner ski areas for teens making their first steps on the snow. As they grow more independent, teenagers will want to explore the slopes on their own, and we’re here to help you choose the right spot.

Central accommodation would give you the convenience of an easy meeting point, as teenagers might want to go out to meet their new ski school friends after lifts close. To remove some of the worry of free-roaming kids, why not choose a ski resort with a car-free centre such as La Plagne or Avoriaz or Zermatt?

All of the best ski resorts for families will have extensive snow parks with features for all levels so your teenagers can practice their freestyle tricks and jumps. Ski schools are now set up with instructors to help guide them through learning how to use these parks properly.

We can help advise on the best family ski hotels, chalets and apartments that will have facilities to help keep teenagers busy in the evenings and on snowy days. Whether that’s swimming pools, snooker tables and table football, extensive games rooms or private cinema rooms, our team of experts is here to guide you towards your ideal ski strip with teens.

Call our ski experts to find out more about the best ski resorts for teenagers.