Guest author: Whitney Buchli
Skiing has always been part of our lives. Both my husband and I grew up on the slopes—he learned from his father, and I spent countless winters skiing with my family and friends. Now, it’s a tradition we’re excited to pass down to our daughters. For us, skiing is more than just a winter sport - it’s a fun way to stay active and build important life skills, make memories, and enjoy the winter season together.
When our eldest daughter turned three, we knew it was time to get her started on the slopes. But that raised the big question: which ski resort should we choose? Even with my husband’s experience as a ski instructor and my background as a physical education teacher, we quickly realized that not every resort is designed with families and young beginners in mind. After some trial and error, we’ve learned what to look for in a family-friendly resort, and we’re excited to share those tips with you—along with two of our favorite spots.
What to look for in a family-friendly ski resort
While we had skied at many resorts before having kids, we hadn’t paid much attention to their children’s areas until we needed them ourselves. After a few trials, we quickly learned some important points to consider that helped us to narrow down our choices.
Below are the criteria we feel make a ski resort family-friendly and help to create a positive atmosphere and experience for kids and parents alike.
Beginner area
Starting in a designated beginner area is the best way to introduce children (or any new skier) to the slopes. These areas are typically equipped with a magic carpet or tow lift, which makes it easy for beginners to get up the hill without the intimidation of fast-moving chairlifts. The flatter and wider the slope, the better. Beginner areas are also often separated from busier, more advanced slopes, offering a safer and more relaxed environment to learn the basics and build confidence.
If your kids have different skill levels, look for a resort with a ski lift or chairlift nearby to the beginner area. This allows you to stay central but the option to divide and conquer, and offer different levels of challenge to suit your kid’s needs.
Easy access
When skiing with young children, the easier it is to get from the car to the slopes, the better. Ideally, the beginner area is just a short walk from the parking lot or bus stop - remember, you will likely be carrying multiple pairs of skis and they will be walking in their bulky ski boots.
Bigger isn’t always better
When skiing with beginners, it’s not about being in the biggest ski resorts - look for resorts that offer affordable options like beginner, half-day or family passes. Young kids tire quickly and can only ski for so long before they need a break, so there’s no need to pay for access to the entire mountain.
Family-focused facilities
Whenever you’re skiing with kids, convenience is key. Look for resorts with easy access to restrooms, restaurants, and places to take breaks. Being able to step off the slopes to warm up or grab a snack can make all the difference in keeping everyone happy throughout the day.
Our two favourite Swiss ski resorts for families
Lenzerheide: Perfect for Beginners to Intermediate
We love Lenzerheide for its family-friendly vibe and well-designed Auarara Kinderland area, which is free for kids and perfect for young learners. With easy access by both car and public transport, it’s a breeze to get started on the slopes. The magic carpet and rope tow make it an ideal space for practicing first turns, while the option to transition to zones with longer blue and red slopes as kids progress means the resort grows with their abilities. Our family particularly loves to explore the playful off-piste trails through the Witch's Forest, a fun area next to the slopes that adds some extra magic and adventure to the experience.
This resort ticks all the boxes and is an affordable option for families offering a range of ticket options such as a 4-hour or afternoon pass.
Pontresina: Budget-Friendly and Less Crowded
Pontresina is a fantastic choice for families seeking a peaceful, more affordable skiing experience. The Languard ski area offers free skiing for children up to age 15, and its gentle slopes make it an ideal spot for beginners. Offering a beginner-friendly tow lift, a T-bar lift to fun animal-themed slopes and a snow park for more adventurous kids, this resort provides variety without the crowds. Plus, its central location and proximity to restrooms and restaurants make it convenient for families to take breaks.
An added bonus if you’re looking to ski over several days or want access to more challenging slopes - many hotels in the Engadin region offer free lift tickets with your accommodation.
Tips for choosing the best resort for your family
Here are a few tips to help guide you through the decision-making process to find a family-friendly ski resort near you:
Review the ski maps
Before you book, take a look at the ski maps on the resort’s website. If your family is just starting out, look for dedicated children's areas or beginner-friendly slopes near the base of the mountain. Blue slopes are ideal for early learners, while red slopes offer a bit more challenge for kids practicing parallel turns. If your children are already comfortable skiing, keep an eye out for red and even black slopes that match their skill level, ensuring there’s enough variety for the whole family.
Look for affordable lift passes
Not all resorts are created equal when it comes to pricing. Look for resorts that offer family discounts, beginner passes, or even free areas for children. Some resorts have dedicated beginner zones that don't require a full lift pass, which is perfect if your focus is on practicing basic skills. Being mindful of ticket options will help you avoid paying for access to the entire mountain when you’ll only be using a few select slopes.
Check for open runs and lift times
Before heading out, be sure to check the resort’s website or app for updates on open runs. This is especially important if you’re skiing early or late in the season, as some beginner areas might be closed due to snow conditions. We learned this the hard way one spring when we missed the last gondola and the slopes weren’t open—we ended up carrying our skis down the mountain instead of skiing!
Enjoy the ride
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect ski resort for your family’s needs. Whether your kids are taking their very first steps on the snow or honing their skills on blue slopes, skiing is a wonderful way to bond, create lasting memories, and build confidence. The most important thing is to enjoy the experience—celebrate the small victories and don’t worry too much about the occasional tumble. After all, it’s all part of the adventure!
