While many of us associate family holidays with the long school break in summer, there is perhaps nothing more magical than a snow-filled escape in December.
For UK travellers, popular options include the commercial Christmas hotspot Lapland and the adrenaline-inducing ski slopes of Europe.
The Alps, the highest and largest mountain range that is contained within Europe, is a prime location for ski holidays.
The many resorts here are united by their spectacular mountain scenery and unfailingly warm welcome, and all offer a wide range of winter sports activities that delight holidaymakers old and young.
While all ski resorts in the Alps boast exceptional outdoor activities, there are some that are more suited to children others.
As well as beginner ski slopes and experienced instructors, the best family resorts have a range of other suitable entertainment options in addition to accommodation and cuisine to suit kids of all ages.
Use this guide to the top family-friendly ski resorts in the Alps to find your perfect destination for your family winter holiday.
La Plagne, France
La Plagne in the south-east of France, close to the Italian border, is an enduringly popular location for British skiers.
It boasts an astonishing 425km of slopes, with many wide and shallow routes that are ideally suited to younger children and beginners.
La Plagne also has an established ski school.
There are also a wide variety of other family-friendly outdoor activities available for when skiing is too tiring, including snow-shoeing, fat biking and ice skating.
Cervinia, Italy
On the other side of the Alps is Cervinia, the best destination for family ski holidays in Italy.
It has the best of both worlds when it comes to skiing: kids can chill out on the bunny slopes and challenge themselves on the greens while those more experienced can whizz down high-altitude red routes and go on off-piste adventures.
Cervinia also offers excellent value compared to its glamorous neighbours, despite being considered as one of the ski resorts in Europe that is most reliable for snow throughout the season.
Zell am See, Austria
Planning to travel in December?
Zell am See is the most magical option for a Christmas skiing holiday, offering a myriad of winter sports in stunning surroundings.
The picturesque town is incredibly festive too, with traditional markets and ice skating on the 4km-long lake.
Skiing itself is fairly laidback here – primarily tree-lined groomers with a few challenging runs – but neighbouring Kaprun offers more exciting opportunities for experienced skiers.
It also has some of the earliest skiing in Austria thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
Leysin, Switzerland
A smaller but nonetheless attractive Alpine ski resort for families is Leysin in Switzerland.
Its consistent 1,300-1,200m altitude means that it’s a safe bet for shorter trips, with a season running all the way from the beginning of December to mid-April.
You will find a variety of pleasant intermediate slopes offering glorious views of Lake Geneva and the Rhone Valley, and mountain walks are highly rewarding.
There are also various indoor activities to compliment your skiing including a swimming pool and climbing wall, and a range of restaurants.
Featured Photo by Yin Yin Low on Unsplash
