When I first started researching luxury family-friendly ski hotels, I thought I wouldn’t be able to stay in truly luxurious places anymore. It didn’t seem like there was anywhere suitable for families in the well-known ski resorts. But after lots of research, I discovered that, with a bit of planning, a family ski holiday in Europe doesn’t have to mean compromising on luxury.
I’ve now stayed at some of the best luxury family ski hotels across the Alps with my own children. Once I discovered the concept of Kinderhotels – dedicated family resorts with exceptional childcare, often with beginner ski slopes nearby – we found the type of place that really suited us. In this guide, I’ve also included more sophisticated five-star hotels that genuinely welcome younger guests, even if they aren’t specifically family-focused.
I’ve brought together my favourite family-friendly ski hotels in Europe, including some amazing options in Austria, Italy and France. I’ve looked at the things that really matter when skiing with children: ski schools and beginner slopes, family rooms, kids’ clubs and childcare, swimming pools, food and, of course, plenty for parents to enjoy too.
Every hotel on this list is somewhere I’ve personally stayed with my family.
For more year-round inspiration, see my guide to the best luxury family hotels in Europe.
Best for babies and toddlers: Moar Gut
Best kids’ club: SAN SONNEA
Best for skiing with young children: Das Edelweiss
Best for ultra-luxury: Aman Le Mélézin
Best for nature and wellness: Forsthofgut
Best for older children: Das Central
Best Luxury Family-Friendly Ski Hotels in Austria
Familien Natur Resort Moar Gut
Familien Natur Resort Moar Gut in Grossarl is completely centred around families and creating meaningful experiences together. Its location near Salzburg makes it a brilliant choice for a winter holiday, and the organic farm on site is a huge part of the experience.
Design – The architecture and interiors use lots of natural materials, giving the hotel a high-end but relaxed feel with a strong focus on sustainability. Gusti the white rooster is the hotel mascot and appears throughout the hotel, adding a playful family-friendly touch.
Rooms – There are 46 spacious family rooms and suites, all with plenty of storage and separate children’s areas or bunk rooms. Every suite also has a balcony with mountain views.
Activities – There is an incredible amount for children to do, including a beginner ski slope, sledging, a working farm, horse riding, playgrounds, swimming pools, trampolines and a climbing wall. There are also spa experiences for adults, children and even babies. This is where Oscar skiied for this first and they the perfect magic carpet slope for toddlers learning.
Kids Club – The 1,000 m² Natur-Kinderhof is one of the best kids’ clubs I’ve experienced. It includes baby and toddler areas, creative spaces, a theatre and outdoor play areas, with childcare available from 30 days old. It’s open from 9am until 9pm and is included in the stay. One of my favourite touches is Gusti the chicken collecting the children from dinner for dancing, giving parents a chance to enjoy their meal in peace.
Pretty much every child-friendly amenity you could think of is available, and the equipment and products are all high quality and thoughtfully designed.
Food – The hotel operates on a full-board basis, with a six-course dinner for adults, a children’s buffet and even an organic baby bar.
Useful info – Fly into Salzburg; the transfer takes around one hour. The hotel also runs a summer programme.
Read my full review of Moar Gut
Once you’ve chosen your hotel, my Ultimate Ski Packing List with Kids covers everything I pack for a family ski holiday, including a free downloadable checklist.
Naturhotel Forshofgut
Naturhotel Forsthofgut is a family-owned hotel inspired by nature and sustainability, designed to appeal just as much to parents as to children. We first stayed here when Oscar was a baby, so it holds very special memories for us.
Design – Reclaimed wood, loden, leather and stone give the hotel a traditional Alpine feel while still feeling modern and luxurious. There’s a strong focus on sustainability and local sourcing throughout.
Rooms – Accommodation ranges from double rooms to spacious family suites and Nature Suites. Some have separate children’s sleeping areas with bunk beds, which gives families that ideal balance of being together while still having enough separation for everyone to sleep well.
Activities – In winter, skiing is the main attraction, with complimentary access to the nearby cable car and a ski kindergarten just 150 metres away. There are also swimming pools, slides, a bathing lake, pony rides, a children’s farm, playground and teen lounge. The adults-only spa is a real ‘jewel in the crown’ for parents.
Kids Club – Rocky’s Kids Club welcomes children from two years old and runs seven days a week from 9am to 9pm. Activities include soft play, arts and crafts, wood workshops and plenty of indoor and outdoor adventures.
Food – Breakfast is included, along with an à la carte lunch and a five-course dinner in the main restaurant, with Alpine, regional and vegan menus available. There are also three additional à la carte restaurants, including Japanese and fine dining options, for an extra charge.
Useful info – Fly into Salzburg; the transfer takes just over an hour. The main ski slopes are only minutes away. The hotel also runs a summer programme.
Read my full review of Naturhotel Forsthofgut
Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort
Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort combines Alpine luxury with brilliant facilities for children. Set in the picturesque Grossarl Valley south of Salzburg, it’s surrounded by snowy peaks and ski slopes, with excellent food and one of the best spas we’ve experienced at a family hotel.Â
Design – The style is modern Alpine, with lots of wood, stone and glass and huge windows framing the mountain views. The family behind the hotel worked with local craftsmen and manufacturers, creating interiors that feel stylish, comfortable and connected to the surrounding landscape.
Rooms – We stayed in both a Suite Deluxe and a Family Suite Superior during our week here. As a family of four, having two proper bedrooms is a huge plus for us, along with two bathrooms, plenty of storage and a large balcony. One room had sliding doors between the bedrooms, while the other even had a massage chair. Cots, children’s bathrobes, slippers and other family essentials are also available.
Activities – Skiing is the main attraction and the location is incredibly convenient, with direct access to the cable car and ski school nearby. Indoors, there are different play areas for every age, from the Baby Mountain Area for under-threes to climbing, trampolines, cinema and gaming areas for older children.
The pools were a huge hit with us, especially the outdoor pool, children’s pool and slide area. There is also a family spa with a whirlpool and sauna. My only criticism is that there isn’t much outdoor activity beyond skiing, with just a small playground beside the hotel, and I would have loved more evening entertainment for children.
The 7,000 m² Mountain Spa is another major highlight, with both family and adults-only areas. The adults-only rooftop pool, where you can watch skiers passing by, is particularly special.
Kids Club & Childcare – Childcare from age three is included and available daily until 9pm. Baby and toddler childcare for ages 0–3 is available at an additional charge. I used the crèche for Noah several times and, although he was sometimes reluctant going in, he always came out happy. I didn’t love the fact that there were screens in the baby rooms and not enough books!
Food – The food is genuinely excellent, with a strong focus on local and seasonal produce. Breakfast is a particular highlight, complete with separate bread and juice rooms. Lunch options include Sakura sushi bar, the Spa Bistro and Wolke 7, reached by cable car.
At dinner, families keep the same table each evening, with a four-course menu for adults and buffet or à la carte options for children. There are also additional dining options including Sirloin steak restaurant and the Kork & Gloria wine bar.
Useful info – Fly into Salzburg; the hotel is around one hour away by car.
Planning to spend time in Salzburg too? Read my guide to Salzburg with kids for where to stay, what to do and our favourite family-friendly experiences.
Read my full review of Das Edelweiss
Das Central
Located in Sölden, Austria, Das Central sits right in the resort village with easy access to the ski slopes. The hotel has been family-run for more than 55 years and feels extremely welcoming without compromising on luxury.
Design – The hotel combines traditional Alpine character with a modern feel, using natural materials and huge windows to make the most of the mountain views. The standout is the Summit Spa, a rooftop wellness area with an infinity pool and panoramic views.
Rooms – There are lots of room options, all with plenty of Alpine charm. Families can choose two-bedroom rooms or connecting options, while the penthouse suite, with its high ceilings and central fireplace, is something really special.
Activities – Ski access is very convenient, with a hotel shuttle to the slopes and several local ski schools for children. There’s also tobogganing and plenty of winter activities.
The 2,000 m² wellness area includes an indoor pool, infinity pool and sauna facilities, with some spa areas reserved for adults. Sölden is also famous as a filming location for Spectre, and James Bond fans can visit 007 Elements, an immersive cinematic installation high in the mountains.
Kids Club – There’s a kids’ club from age three, plus a play zone open 24 hours with a virtual ski wall and children’s activities.
Food – Feinspitz serves breakfast and the half-board tasting menu, while other options include Michelin-starred Ötztaler Stube and a fondue evening in the cellar.
One of the most memorable experiences is Ice Q, Austria’s highest two-Michelin-starred restaurant, sitting at 3,048 metres on the Gaislachkogl mountain. It also appeared in Spectre and, despite the glamorous setting, has a children’s menu and can even prepare baby food.
Useful info – Fly into Innsbruck; the transfer takes around one hour. The hotel also runs a family-friendly summer programme.
Read my full review of Das Central
Check prices and availability at Das Central
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SAN SONNEA Family Dolomites (formerly Hotel Sonnwies)
SAN SONNEA Family Dolomites (formerly Hotel Sonnwies) is one of our all-time favourite family hotels. Set in Lüsen in the South Tyrol Dolomites, this luxury Kinderhotel combines a working farm, nature, wellness and genuinely excellent facilities for children with plenty of luxury for parents too.
We first visited when Noah was only six months old and he was looked after beautifully. We loved it so much that we’ve actually been twice, which is very rare for me!
Design – Think modern luxury meets Alpine charm. Natural materials such as pine and stone are used throughout, with huge windows framing the mountain views. What I love is that the hotel still feels beautifully designed despite being completely child-friendly. There are rocking horses, colouring areas and playful touches incorporated naturally into the interiors.
Rooms – Every room is designed with families in mind, with options including multi-room suites and separate children’s bunk areas. We loved the thoughtful extras include children’s deckchairs on the terrace, mini bathrobes, changing tables and baby equipment on request.
Activities – There is so much for children to do, including the working farm, pony rides, animal experiences, ice skating, playgrounds, Waterworld with pools and slides, and a beginner ski slope with ski school. Adults have access to an excellent spa and wellness offering.
Kids Club – Ferdi’s World is one of the best kids’ clubs I’ve experienced. The 1,000 m² space caters for children aged 0–14, with around 60–70 hours of childcare included each week. There’s soft play, climbing, sports halls, imaginative play and a programme inspired by nature. The staff are wonderful and children can drop in without needing to book.
Food – The hotel operates on a full-board basis with buffet and à la carte options at breakfast and lunch, followed by a five-course dinner with Alpine, Mediterranean and vegan menus.
Families are particularly well catered for, with baby food, fresh purées, a children’s buffet and self-service ice cream. The kids’ club remains open through dinner, which means parents can actually enjoy a peaceful meal.
Useful info – Fly into Innsbruck; the transfer takes around one hour. A complimentary shuttle takes more experienced skiers to the Plose ski area. The hotel also runs a summer programme.
Read my full review of SAN SONNEA
Feuerstein Nature Family Resort
Feuerstein Nature Family Resort really is the ultimate in child-friendly and parent-pleasing hotels. Set in South Tyrol in the Italian Alps, it has a strong focus on nature and family experiences, with plenty to do for every age.
Design – We loved the contemporary, minimalist style with Alpine touches. Huge windows bring in the mountain views and there’s a lovely connection between indoors and outdoors. The hotel seems rather vast but once you know you’re way around you can be quite at home! It’s actually a U-Shape around a lake (frozen in winter) but internal corridors allow you to get around the hotel without worry about the cold! The beautiful outdoor pool is a real selling point!
Rooms – Every room is designed for families, with lots of different configurations available. We stayed in a Chalet Strahlstein, which was incredibly spacious, with a living area, kitchenette, two bedrooms, a large bathroom and lots of thoughtful family details.
Activities – There is an enormous amount to do, including a play barn, trampolines, climbing, horse riding, sledding, art activities, skiing and pools with slides. Despite the huge range of activities, the hotel never feels busy.
Adults can also make the most of the spa, yoga, gym, padel and outdoor activities.
Kids Club – The hotel includes around 70 hours of childcare per week for children over four, with a programme focused on nature and creativity. Babies and toddlers are looked after in a dedicated crèche, and evening activities give parents the option to enjoy dinner while the children are entertained. Both of these are included in the price of the hotel.
Food – The hotel is full board, with fresh baby purées, a very good children’s buffet and a daily gourmet tasting menu for adults. Families keep the same table throughout their stay, which makes mealtimes much easier.
Useful info – Fly into Innsbruck; the transfer takes around 50 minutes. The hotel also runs a family-friendly summer programme.
Read my full review of the Feuerstein.
Best Luxury Family-Friendly Ski Hotels in France
Aman Le Melezin
Aman Le Melezin by the presitigous Aman group is located in Courchevel 1850 and is about as luxurious as a ski hotel gets. Set directly on the Bellecôte piste, it offers ski-in/ski-out access to the 600 km Les Trois Vallées ski area.
Design – The hotel resembles a classic Alpine château, blending beautifully with its surroundings. Inside, natural materials, neutral tones and minimalist interiors create the calm, understated style you would expect from Aman.
Rooms – The rooms are beautiful and, when we stayed, we were lucky enough to be upgraded to one of the best suites, which remains one of the best hotel rooms we’ve ever had. Families can choose rooms with an adjoining twin bedroom or arrange interconnecting rooms. Many rooms also have fireplaces and hot tubs, perfect after a day on the slopes.
Activities – Aman Le Mélézin gives guests direct access to the Three Valleys and has an exceptional ski room, complete with a team of ski butlers. Private and group ski lessons can also be arranged.
It isn’t as completely focused on children as some of the other hotels in this guide, but it is still very family-friendly. There is a children’s ski school at Village des Enfants, plus sledging and ice skating in Courchevel 1850. The hotel also has a luxurious spa and indoor swimming pool.
Kids Club – The kids’ club welcomes children from age two and is open from 9am to 9pm, with activities including arts and crafts, puzzles and cooking. Use of the kids’ club is included.
Food – The main restaurant is Nama, specialising in Japanese cuisine, and there is also a bar and terrace. The hotel operates on a half-board basis, with selected local restaurants included as part of the dining programme.
Useful info – Fly into Geneva; the transfer takes around 2.5 hours. The hotel is open for the winter season only.
Read my full review of Aman Le Melezin
Final Thoughts on the Best Luxury Family-Friendly Ski Hotels in Europe
Finding the right hotel can make such a difference to a family ski holiday, particularly when you’re travelling with younger children. For us, the best luxury family-friendly ski hotels combine brilliant skiing and childcare with beautiful rooms, great food and plenty for the adults to enjoy too.
Whether you prefer a Kinderhotel where everything is designed around families or a more traditional five-star ski hotel that welcomes children, these are all places that we’ve personally stayed and would recommend.
We’re always looking for our next family ski hotel to try, so I’ll continue to update this guide as we discover more favourites across Europe.
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