Much ado has been made recently about European ski trips costing less than vacationing at Western resorts (especially if you’re traveling from the East Coast). Providing you can find reasonable airfares, just about everything else once you get there—including lift tickets, lodging, meals, and lessons—is less expensive on the other side of the pond. Still, when it comes to the best ski resorts for families, there’s a common assumption that vacationing in the Alps might be challenging or unsuitable for kids. Not so.

English is commonly spoken in the majority of resorts, and European ski culture warmly embraces children, with little ones being welcome everywhere, including the leisurely midday meals at on-slope chalets. Additionally, ski school fees in the Alps are notably lower than those in North America, making private lessons much more budget-friendly.

An Alps ski trip isn’t just about hitting the slopes—it’s a chance to dive into ski history, experience new cultures, and spark a passion for global travel in your family. Handpicked by SKI editors, these five resorts have everything families need for an unforgettable skiing adventure, regardless of age or skill level.

(Photo: Courtesy of Flims-Laax-Falera/Philipp Ruggli) Top European Ski Resorts for Family Travel La Rosière, France Getting There: Fly into Geneva International Airport and book a shuttle to La Rosière.

This medium-sized French Alps resort is a great choice for families with kids of all ages, but is especially well-suited to groms just getting a little more independent on skis. The place is rife with gentle, rolling beginner runs and cruisy groomers with incredible views in every direction. The resort doesn’t feel too big, but it’s also large enough to keep you busy and exploring for the better part of a week.

Ski across the border from La Rosière in France and have lunch in Italy. (Photo: Courtesy of Espace San Bernardo)

The resort doesn’t get too crowded since the major ski area in the region is massive Les Arcs, just across the Tarentaise valley. Another boon for La Rosière is that the skiing starts at above 6,000 feet, which is a factor when choosing an Alps trip. You don’t want to have to worry about coverage during a low-snow year.