An Easter family ski holiday is one of life’s greatest pleasures. However, there are many factors to consider in your choice of resort. Altitude, ski schools, transfer times, it’s all important. So we decided to pick the brains of the best in the business, Inghams, to bring you a definitive list of the best Easter ski resorts for families.
1. Obergurgl
Known as “the diamond of the Alps”, the high altitude resort of Obergurgl has long been a favourite of snow-loving families. It’s the perfect resort for developing skiers thanks to its large beginner areas, fantastic ski school and wide variety of development slopes.
More advanced skiers will have the opportunity to make the most of the area’s spectacular snow conditions and plentiful off-piste, all easily accessed by fast, modern ski lifts.
Stay at Hotel Alpenblume
A true Alpine retreat, the Hotel Alpenblume provides a friendly home-away-from-home atmosphere just minutes from the pistes and the Festkogel gondola.
2. Val Thorens
If there’s one ski resort that’s synonymous with Easter skiing, it’s Val Thorens. Sitting at 2300m altitude, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort and as such, is undoubtedly one of the world’s best for late season ski conditions.
Families are drawn to the huge variety of the vast 3 Valleys ski area, as well as the convenience of the resort itself, where the majority of accommodation is ski-in, ski-out and car access restricted. Throw in fantastic snow, sunshine on tap, great value mountain restaurants and, of course, spectacular views and an easter holiday in Val Thorens is pretty much unrivalled.
Stay at Chalet Mathilde
For the ultimate ski-in, ski-out convenience, you can’t go wrong at Chalet Mathilde. Ski straight from the door down the Plein Sud blue run into the base of the resort, where lifts await to whisk you anywhere you want to go. Highly functional for families and with access to a shared Wellness Spa, Chalet Mathilde offers a refreshingly relaxed chalet experience.
3. Cervinia
Skiing in the shadow of the Matterhorn is one of winter’s most magical experiences and skiers of all ages and abilities will adore Cervinia, with its wide variety of stunning ski runs, mouth-watering Italian cuisine and awe-inspiring scenery.
There’s always something to do in the pedestrianised village centre and plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to explore as you wander the beautiful cobbled streets. There are also a staggering amount of activities available for those days when you may not want to ski from first lifts to last, whether you fancy soaking in the spa or investigating an ice grotto.
Stay at Hotel Dragon
The Hotel Dragon is always a hit with families, thanks not only to its impressive name, but also its unbeatable location at the foot of the pistes in Cervinia. A recent renovation has seen the interior get a stylish Alpine update, while the large sun terrace is a great spot for catching those Easter rays in the shadow of the majestic Matterhorn.
4. Zermatt
One of the world’s most iconic resorts, Zermatt boasts a huge ski area, unparalleled scenery, plenty of family-friendly activities and, of course, that classic high-altitude Easter snow reliability. Families of all abilities will enjoy the impeccably groomed pistes and more confident skiers can explore the numerous off-piste options and the skiable link to Cervinia.
Children will absolutely love the resort’s quaint car-free village centre, where they will wander amongst horse-drawn carriages and master chocolatiers. Meanwhile, skiers of all ages are sure to love taking the famed Gornergrat mountain railway up to the slopes, a true bucket-list experience for skiers and snowboarders.
Stay at Hotel Butterfly
A perfectly picturesque hotel in Zermatt’s centre, Hotel Butterfly offers a quiet yet central location with quick access to the slopes and fantastic local food options.
5. Tignes
Another of the classic high-altitude options, Tignes’ epic ski area graces pretty much every Easter skiing list and its fantastic family atmosphere makes it a firm fixture on this one. The area’s numerous beginner areas provide the perfect learning ground for less confident skiers, while experienced skiers have some of the world’s most interesting and challenging terrain at their fingertips.
Tignes’ three village centres provide a wealth of options for families looking for a relaxing getaway, from the cosy chalets of Le Lavachet to the ski-in, ski-out convenience of Val Claret.
Stay at Hotel Rosset
If you want to get the most out of your time in Tignes, the Hotel Rosset is the spot for you. Sat in the centre of Tignes le Lac, just 100m from the slopes and the Marmottons children’s area, this is a hotel with serious slope-side attraction.
Don’t be fooled by the beautiful traditional styling; the Hotel Rosset is packed with modern features, including a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and top-floor lounge bar, with a large balcony overlooking the peaks.
6. Lech
Another of Austria’s best family resorts, Lech enjoys a prime position in the heart of the world-famous Arlberg ski area. The slopes immediately surrounding the resort are perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers, while more advanced skiers will enjoy the ability to ski a number of top resorts, including St. Anton.
Lech is also one of the most beautiful ski areas in Europe, with tree-lined runs and cosy mountain refuges providing an almost fairytale-like setting that will truly instil the magic of the mountains in younger skiers. The town itself is similarly picturesque, with easy access to the pistes thanks to quick lifts and well-placed accommodations.
Stay at Hotel Berghof
Pure Austrian hospitality coupled with luxurious charm makes the Hotel Berghof one of Lech’s most highly recommended hotels. Sitting on the slopes above the centre of Lech, families can enjoy a private lift to whisk them from the hotel to the resort centre and its many ski lifts. Peace, quiet and incredible views await.
7. Saas-Fee
A breathtaking Alpine village with an exceptional snow record, Saas-Fee is the perfect place to escape the stresses of everyday life this Easter. The traffic-free village has a true Swiss chocolate-box chalet feel and is surrounded by some of Switzerland’s highest peaks and glacial ski terrain.
Surrounding the village you will find a huge beginners’ area and a vast network of blue and red runs, perfect for younger skiers looking for a safe space in which to progress their skills. Off the snow, entertaining family activities range from the state-of-the-art Aqua Allalin pool and spa complex to the exhilarating Feeblitz bobsleigh.
Stay at Hotel Allalin
The Hotel Allalin is a fantastic family-run spot, featuring top-quality food, friendly service and a highly convenient location. Recently voted one of Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Top 25 hotels in Switzerland, you’re in very good hands here!
8. Les Arcs
Les Arcs has long been a favourite with British families, thanks to its bustling resort centres, countless off-snow activities and world-class ski area.
For more mile-hungry skiers, a further 225km of pistes are available in the lift-linked resort of La Plagne. Easter provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy this area to the max, as Les Arcs has a brilliant snow record. Numerous north-facing slopes and the Aiguille Rouge Glacier ensure that the ski area remains in great condition far beyond the Easter weeks.
Stay at Hotel Aiguille Rouge
With the ultimate ski-in, ski-out location in Arc 2000, the Hotel Aiguille Rouge enjoys not only a prime slope-side location but also incredible views from its panoramic restaurant and south-facing sun terrace. The ski school meeting point is incredibly close by and interconnecting rooms and free childrens’ clubs cement the Aiguille Rouge as the ideal spot for families.
9. Whistler, Canada
Who said the best Easter ski resorts for families all have to be in Europe?! Whistler is without a doubt one of the world’s best ski areas for families and could provide the perfect escape this Easter holiday. The ski area boasts a huge amount of variety, from gentle cruisy tree-lined greens and blues to untouched powder bowls and steep black routes.
The resort itself has a refreshing, laid-back vibe, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy the ambience of a true mountain town. Plus, a trip to Whistler gives you the opportunity to combine an Easter ski holiday with a Vancouver city break, really making the most of that precious family time.
Stay at Crystal Lodge & Suite
Undeniably one of Whistler’s most well-located accommodations, the Crystal Lodge sits right in the centre of the village, just two minutes walk to both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain lifts. Gorgeous rooms and attentive staff make stays here a joy, while guests of all ages will enjoy the year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tub, sauna and games rooms!
10. Champoluc, Italy
Last but by no means least, Champoluc is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets when it comes to the best Easter ski resorts for families. Nestled in Italy’s stunning Monterosa ski area, Champoluc retains a rustic Alpine charm that’s becoming increasingly hard to come by in European ski areas.
Skiers here have three lift-linked areas to explore; Champoluc, Gressoney and Alagna, all of which boast well-groomed slopes and huge off-piste potential. For families, it’s the quiet, relaxed nature of the area that really stands out. The slopes are often surprisingly empty, even over peak weeks, meaning that younger skiers can really ramp up their confidence.
Stay at Chalet Hotel de Champoluc
The Chalet Hotel de Champoluc is pretty much the most ski-in, ski-out option you’ll find in Champoluc, sitting at the foot of the slopes right next to the resorts’ main gondola. Authentic Alpine decor, modern features and an attentive local team make this a real treat for families this winter.
For more Easter holiday inspiration or to view the best Easter family ski deals, head to www.inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays/ski-late-deals/easter-ski-holidays