Family Ski Resorts: Snow Trips For Any Time Of Year

family ski resorts in japan, korea, france, italy and world over

Trying to decide where to take the kids skiing this winter? Or do you prefer hitting the slopes when it’s less crowded? From Japan’s legendary powder to family ski resorts in North America and Europe, we round up all options for snow seekers throughout the year!

Grab your skis and snowboards, it’s time to hit the slopes! Whether it’s a short-haul family ski trip in Japan while taking in the Sapporo Snow Festival, a unique “dance while you ski” experience in South Korea, or an epic snow holiday in Europe or North America, there are endless options out there to create long-lasting frost-filled memories. We’ve also pointed out some important safety tips if you or the kids are first-time skiers as well as ski seasons around the world so you can plan your holidays. But if you have already got a destination in mind, skip ahead to the best ski resorts in each country below. We have rounded up the best family-friendly ski resorts from around the world that cater to kids.

Jump to:
Ski Resorts In Japan
Ski Resorts In South Korea
Ski Resorts In North America
Ski Resorts In South America
Ski Resorts In Europe
Ski Resorts In Australia And New Zealand

Safety Tips While Taking Kids Skiing

Skiing is very exciting and often a rite of passage for those born in countries with snow, but it isn’t something all of us are used to. Keep these tips in mind for a safe family ski holiday.

Carry warm clothes, gloves, mittens, snow pants, etc. The sun can be harsh on the slopes so also carry lip balm and sunscreen. If you own ski gear, carry it along. Otherwise, be sure you get properly fitted snow boots, googles, helmets, etc. at any ski equipment rental shop close to the slopes.
Do your research and book ski training sessions and well-qualified instructors in advance. Even if you’re an experienced skier, refresher lessons help.
Don’t ski alone. Explain the dangers to the kids and make sure they stay within your sight while skiing.
Ask the instructor to explain the levels of the different ski slopes in the area so you know which is right for your skill level.
Pay attention to signs and marked paths on the ski slopes. Teach your kids to do the same.
Have the instructors teach the kids skiing etiquette, i.e., about who has right of way when there are many skiers and snowboarders.
Last but not the least, remember that skiing is incredibly tiring. Let your kids rest when they need to (and you should too!). An overtired child will not enjoy the experience and will not be ready to have a family skiing holiday every year!

Ski Seasons Around The World For Family Holidays

Naturally, there will always be an overlap in some places and with climate change, you might find that snow falls a little earlier or later than expected every year. Keep an eye out for announcements on the ski resorts’s websites while making bookings and for possible date adjustments.

January – March ski season

This is the best time to hit the slopes in Asia, particularly Hokkaido and Niseko in Japan and Pyeongchang in South Korea.

March – May ski season

The spring break is always a good time for skiing holidays to North America and Europe. Whistler in Canada always gets the vote of experienced skiers and Obertauern in Austria, Riksgränsen in Sweden and the Sunnmøre Alps in Norway are also popular around this time.

May – July ski season

You can get some of the slopes in North America in early May. Palisades Tahoe in California, USA is lovely around this time. Zermatt in Switzerland is also a good place to go skiing in Europe. But for the most part, when it’s our summer holidays, it’s time to head to the southern hemisphere for the slopes. Nevados de Chillán in Chile, Coronet Peak and Cardrona in New Zealand and Perisher in Australia make for the perfect skiing holidays at this time.

July – September ski season

Stay in the southern hemisphere for skiing around this time of the year. Las Lenas in Argentina is a great bet as is Portillo and Corralco in Chile. You could also go to Australia’s highest Alpine mountain, Mount Hotham.

September – November ski season

It’s time to head back to the Northern Hemisphere to ski in the autumn and early winter months. Ruka in Finland, Sölden in Austria and Breckenridge in Colorado in the USA are great options.

November – January ski season

France is a lovely place to go skiing at this time. Méribel and Val Thorens in France are always popular as are Cortina and Madonna di Campiglio in Italy. Closer home, you might want to try Gulmarg in the northern state of Kashmir in India.

The Best Family Ski Resorts In Japan

With typically the highest annual snowfall in the world, Japan is undoubtedly one of the world’s best destinations for a ski holiday. What’s not to love about the iconic Japow – “Japan powder” snow? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all the family. Head north to Niseko or Tomamu in Hokkaido for frosty family fun or stick with the ski resorts closer to Tokyo for an easy-to-reach snow-filled holiday.

Villa Finder – Luxurious yet comfortable ski resorts and residences in Niseko

A popular skiing destination for Hong Kongers, find chalets and ski resorts in Niseko best suited for your family and for your budget. Villa Finder‘s handpicked selection of residences ensure quality, comfort and a personalised experience, taking a whole chunk of anxiety off your shoulders! Be it a ski resort in a central location or a hidden gem off the beaten path, scour over 350 options to find the right one for your family. What’s more, you’ll have full access to the concierge during your entire stay, so if you’re in need of a car rental, babysitter or chef, they’re all just a ring away!

Use code SASSY to get $300 off for a minimum booking of $5,000. Valid until Saturday, 24 May, 2025.

Villa Finder, Facebook: Villa Finder, www.villa-finder.com

Tomamu, Hokkaido – Ski resort packed with kids’ activities

Tomamu is a smaller, more boutique family-friendly ski resort easily accessed from Sapporo city or the city’s airport in just 90 minutes. As well as fantastic runs to suit all abilities and an English language ski school, there are a host of other winter activities to keep the kids entertained, from snow buggies to snow-karting.

Sassy Mama Tip: Do not miss the stunning Ice Village, with an Ice Bar, Ice Hotel and open-air hot spring baths.

How to get there: Shuttle bus from Tomamu station. Find more routes here.

Tomamu, www.snowtomamu.jp

Hakuba Valley, Honshu – Plenty of family ski resorts to choose from where kids under 6 ski for free!

Easily reached from Tokyo via bullet train (a must when in Japan!), Hakuba is one of the largest ski areas in Japan with 10 ski resorts with free shuttles between each. All of the resorts cater to beginners with ski lessons in many different languages on offer.

How to get there: There are various routes from different cities, find all the information here.

Hakuba Valley, www.hakubavalley.com

Niseko United, Hokkaido – Ski resort with snow rafting, junior ski school and childcare services

There are four ski towns at Niseko – Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri – all connected by a shuttle bus in winter. Niseko Village provides the most family-oriented accommodation and winter activities such as snow rafting, reindeer sleigh rides and gentle terrain along with Niseko Kids Snow School offering childcare and junior ski/board school.

SassyMama Tip: Niseko offers the IkonPass which provides access to over 50 alpine resorts around the world. Combine a ski trip to Niseko with a southern hemisphere winter adventure in Australia, New Zealand or South America.

How to get there: Fly from Hong Kong to Sapporo and catch the regular coach service from the airport that runs directly to Niseko in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, stop off in Sapporo for a few days to check out the Snow Festival before jumping on the train to Niseko (2.5 hours).

Niseko United, www.nisekotourism.com

More Family Ski Resorts In Japan

Kiroro Resort, Hokkaido — An ideal ski resort with an average snowfall of 21 metres and wonderful English-speaking ski instructors to guide children aged 3 years and up. www.kiroro.co.jp
Nozawa Onsen, Honshu – Snow season runs from November through to May. From Hong Kong, take a direct flight to Tokyo and take the three-hour train ride to the resort. www.nozawa-onsen.com
Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido – In snow season, this turns into a unique ski resort with activities such as ice fishing, a hot spring bathhouse, the world’s largest indoor two-storey carousel and a magical lights experience at Stardust Avenue. www.rusutsu.com
Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort, Honshu – This is the closest ski resort to the famous Wild Snow Monkey Park where red-faced macaques bathe in the natural hot springs – sure to delight all the family! www.shigakogen-ski.or.jp

The Best Family Ski Resorts In South Korea

Looking for an alternative to a Japanese ski holiday within Asia? South Korea could be your answer. You will find many smaller, beginner slopes, ideal for introducing snow sports to your kids.

Elysian Gangchono Ski Resort – Child-friendly ski resort for beginners

With 10 ski slopes and all but two for beginner or intermediate skiers, this beautiful valley resort is the ideal place to introduce your little ones to the joy of skiing or snowboarding. Kids from 3 years can take ski school lessons for a fraction of the price of other larger resorts.

How to get there: Fly direct to Seoul from Hong Kong, hop on the Seoul subway and get to Elysian Gangchono Ski Resort within an hour.

Elysian Gangchono Ski Resort, www.elysian.co.kr

Yong Pyong Ski Resort – Ski resort with lesser crowds but steeper slopes

With a growing international reputation as Korea’s Ski Mecca, Yong Pyong Resort in Pyeongchang is located 200km from Seoul and was the 2018 Winter Olympic Games slalom. Accordingly, the terrain is quite steep by Korean standards however beginners are still welcome on the six bunny slopes. Crowds are unlikely here as the resort is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Seoul.

Sassy Mama Tip: Fans of K-dramas whose mouths water watching Korean barbecue should try the Hanwoo Restaurant in this ski resort.

Yong Pyong Ski Resort, www.yongpyong.co.kr

More Family Ski Resorts In South Korea

Jisan Forest Ski Resort – This popular ski resort has day and night-time skiing! It’s just 40 minutes from downtown Seoul, making it perfect for a day trip. www.jisanresort.co.kr
Vivaldi Park Ski World – Indulge in the kitsch-ness of each slope being named after a music genre such as reggae, techno or jazz and music being played throughout the slope according to the named music genre. The website is not easy to navigate but you can find information on the Korea tourism website. www.visitkorea.or.kr

The Best Family Ski Resorts In North America

A tried-and-true favourite, Canada and USA provide some of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the world. With warm and welcoming hospitality and ski-in, ski-out options on many mountains, North American ski resorts tick all the boxes. These ski resorts are open through the year – with summer activities in the warm months and offering winter wonderlands for kids when it’s freezing. Plan ahead by contacting the resort to know their ski season and special activities each year.

Whistler-Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada – Family zones and adventure playgrounds at this family ski resort

The three main villages are traffic-free and there is a designated “Family Zone” on both mountains, a beginner snow park where teenagers can practice their first tricks and a Tube Park to keep kids of all ages entertained. Plus, the enchanted Tree Fort and Magic Castle adventure playgrounds are perfect for a break from the slopes.

Sassy Mama Tip: Whistler-Blackcomb is part of Vail Resorts’ which offers the Epic Pass with access to over 50 resorts across the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.

How to get there: Fly direct from Hong Kong to Vancouver flights and then it’s a two-hour transfer to the resort.

Whistler-Blackcomb, www.whistlerblackcomb.com

Diamond Peak, Nevada, USA – Scenic ski resort with ski classes and interchangeable tickets for parents

This family-friendly ski resort is the only one in the beautiful Lake Tahoe region to offer free tickets for kids 6 and under, while the unique interchangeable parent tickets make it easy to switch out who is on the slopes keeping up with the energetic youngsters. The beginner-friendly School House chairlift ensures riders are never more than 15 feet (4.5 metres) off the ground, providing a less intimidating first chairlift experience for those new to the sport.

How to get there: From Reno / Tahoe International Airport (RNO), follow the driving directions from Reno or jump on the North Lake Tahoe Express airport shuttle with direct service to Incline Village. Find more routes here.

Diamond Peak, www.diamondpeak.com

Smuggler’s Notch Resort, Vermont, USA – Family ski resort with pirate-themed off-piste activities

This family-friendly Vermont resort caters to all ages with childcare for those under 2.5 years, and Learn to Ski or Ride lessons for 3 years up. Appropriately there are several pirate-themed off-piste activities on offer for when you need a break from the ski slopes.

How to get there: Under an hour’s drive from Burlington International Airport which has connections to most major US cities.

Smuggler’s Notch Resort, www.smuggs.com

Big White Ski Resort, British Columbia, Canada – Ski lessons for kids and parents

Ski school here offers unique programmes like ‘Teach your Tot’ where instructors will guide you through a two-hour private lesson introducing your child to skiing while providing you with tips on how to teach them using games and fun activities. Flaik Real Time Tracking allows parents to see where the kids are on the mountain during their lessons and to re-live their day with minute-by-minute replays.

How to get there: 55-minute flight from Vancouver and an hour drive from Kelowna’s International Airport.

Big White Ski Resort, www.bigwhite.com

More Family Ski Resorts In North America

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, USA – Fun art installations, kid-oriented trails, snow tubing and delicious smores and hot chocolate by the bonfire! www.aspensnowmass.com
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA – Sleigh rides, zipline canopy tours, snowmobile park and kids-only apres ski party make this New Hampshire resort a firm family favourite. www.brettonwoods.com
Deer Valley, Utah, USA – A skiers-only resort during the winter and limited daily tickets ensure your little skiers can explore the trails uninhibited by crowds (or snowboarders!). www.deervalley.com
Fernie Alpine Resort, British Columbia, Canada – Easy, uncrowded runs, consistent powder and mild temperatures ideal for the beginner and mini powder hounds. www.skifernie.com
Keystone Resort, Colorado USA – A scenic two-hour shuttle from Denver Airport, Keystone is well worth a visit with two on-mountain snow forts and a Kids Ski Free program. www.keystoneresort.com
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada – A delightful mix of French and North American hospitality with a picturesque European-style pedestrian village. www.tremblant.ca
Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado, USA – An extensive array of on and off-snow activities along with ski and snowboard lessons and individual hour-long introductory lessons. www.tellurideskiresort.com

The Best Family Ski Resorts In South America

Given the time it takes from Hong Kong, it’s no wonder than South America is relatively less explored. But it’s beautiful nonetheless and worth combining with other family-friendly activities in the summer months.

Ski Portillo, Chile – Family-friendly ski resort with ski lessons starting for kids 3 years and up

The iconic yellow and blue ski resort, Hotel Portillo, has a quaint charm. Like most ski resorts in North America, it offers a ski-in ski-out option and attracts skiers of all ages from all over the world. Opt for private ski lessons for kids and teens, or a family ski guide if everyone would like to hit the slopes together. Visit in September for ideal skiing conditions and to participate in the local Independence Day there.

Ski Portillo, www.skiportillo.com

Catedral Alta Patagonia, Argentina – Ski Resort for skiers of all levels

Many of Argentina’s slopes can be quite challenging and meant for experienced skiers, so we love this one that is particularly family-friendly. There’s great emphasis on safety and progressively learning to ski. At the foot of the mountain, kids can enjoy the Play Park and after mastering turns and getting control, move on to the easiest slopes.

Catedral Alta Patagonia, Argentina, www.catedralaltapatagonia.com

More Family Ski Resorts In South America

La Parva, Chile – Easy to get to from Santiago, which also makes it rather busy. It’s not as intimidating as some of the other Andes’ slopes which makes it perfect for families. www.laparva.cl

The Best Family Ski Resorts In Europe

What’s not to love about seeing the iconic Matterhorn or Mt Blanc come into view through a glade of snow-laden trees?

Avoriaz, France – The place to be for snowboarding

If you have a family of ‘shredders’ (or hoping to!), fly to Geneva and a short drive later you will reach Avoriaz. Snowboarding school starts at 3 years old while teens will love the more adventurous tree-lined course dotted with organic obstacles made from local forestation. Don’t miss the reindeer-drawn sleighs providing daytime taxi services through the pedestrian-only, eco-friendly village!

How to get there: Multiple routes from major cities, find out more here.

Avoriaz, www.avoriaz.com

Crans-Montana, Switzerland – Ski resort with family-friendly activities

A three-hour train journey or drive from Zurich, Crans-Montana is literally a fairy-tale ski resort. If your kiddos love all things railway, the Swiss Model Train Museum houses over 1,300 model trains. And don’t miss out on Snow Island, built on the golf course in winter with snow tubing, drag lifts and magic carpets – perfect for beginner skiers and tobogganers.

How to get there: Various routes available, check for details here.

Crans-Montana, www.crans-montana.ch

Passo Tonale, Italy – Ski school for the little ones as well as off-site play areas

At this high altitude, snow is guaranteed at Passo Tonale, one of the four ski areas that make up Pontedilegno-Tonale in Italy. Fantaski Kindergarten is a winter playground offering two easy ski slopes with a travellator for beginner ski school, a bouncy castle area and downhill slopes for sledges, toboggans and snow-tubing.

How to get there: From Hong Kong, fly direct to Milan and drive to Passo Tonale in under 3 hours.

Passo Tonale, www.pontedilegnotonale.com

Zell Am See, Austria – An exciting ski resort with mixed difficulty and experience levels

Zell Am See offers a multitude of slopes, playgrounds and adventure courses for kids of all ages and abilities. Start off at Schmittenhöhe’s Kinder-Skiland with seating options for those who need a break and then graduate on to Dragon Park where wave tracks, archways and tunnels await before taking on the Funslope XXL with more twists and excitement!

How to get there: A short drive (under 2 hours) from Innsbruck, Munich or Salzburg.

Zell Am See, www.zellamsee-kaprun.com

More Family Ski Resorts In Europe

Arinsal, Andorra – Nursery slopes are separated from the main runs maximising safety and a ski school offering classes to children as young as 4 years. www.andorraresorts.com
Cervinia Ski Paradise, Italy – Eat pizza in Cervinia overlooking the ice rink and playground before skiing over to Zermatt for rösti and fondue and hitting up Wolli’s park where beginners can get started overlooking the famous Matterhorn. www.cervinia.it
El Tarter, Andorra – Amazing value for money with a British-run ski school and instructors and easy access slopes. www.soldeu.com
Geilo, Norway – One of the best resorts for toddlers with magic carpets, easy button lifts, childcare, ski schools, horse-drawn sleigh rides and dog sledding activities. www.geilo.com
Méribel, France – Located in the centre of the Three Valleys ski area, the world’s largest ski area with a high focus on safety for kids through clever design and layout of family-friendly ski areas. www.les3vallees.com
Pontresina, Switzerland – Kids under 15 ski free and a tour of the Pontresina glacier ice caves or a ride on the famous Bernina Express train are both once-in-a-lifetime experiences for children and adults alike. www.pontresina.ch
Ruka-Kuusamo Ski Resort, Finland – This family-friendly ski resort is inviting snowboarders and skiers to try its new and improved ski slopes. www.ruka.fi

The Best Family Ski Resorts In Australia And New Zealand

While Australian and New Zealand resorts do not generally come top of mind for the best places to ski or board, there is an appeal about being able to hit the slopes during Northern summer!

Mt Hutt, New Zealand – Family-friendly ski resort where kids under 10 ski for free

Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for seven years running at the World Ski Awards. The friendly vibes and Kiwi hospitality are always on display at this conveniently cashless resort located just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch. An on-mountain early childhood centre, Skiwiland, caters to babies and toddlers under 5 years with snow play, on-snow learning experiences and lunch and snacks provided.

How to get there: There are shuttle buses from Christchurch International Airport

Mt Hutt, www.mthutt.co.nz

Thredbo, Australia – Ski resort with off-site activities like movie nights, face painting and more

Located in the Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo is a 2.5-hour drive from Canberra. It is home to Australia’s only alpine gondola allowing you to access the country’s longest runs and a large variety of terrain. The purpose-built beginner’s area at Friday Flat ensures all ages and abilities are well covered. Don’t miss the free Saturday night Fireworks Spectacular or the Kids Snow Festival with flare runs, movie nights and face painting.

How to get there: Drive roughly 5.5 hours from either Sydney or Melbourne or 2.5 hours from Canberra. Find out more details here.

Thredbo, www.thredbo.com.au

More Family Ski Resorts In Australia and New Zealand

Coronet Peak, New Zealand – The oldest commercial ski field in New Zealand offering free day lift passes for children 5. www.coronetpeak.co.nz
Falls Creek, Australia – Don’t miss the Fireworks Fiesta on Thursdays and Twilight Tuesdays where the Village Bowl becomes party central for kids with fire pits, marshmallows, games and an appearance by Pete the Snowdragon. www.fallscreek.com.au
Mt Buller, Australia – Closest alpine resort to Melbourne celebrating 100 years of skiing this year. www.mtbuller.com.au
Mt Hotham, Australia – With its own airport making access a breeze, these ski slopes are called Australia’s powder capital! The village is on top of the mountain so you start your day skiing down to the chairlifts. www.mthotham.com.au
Perisher, Australia – Southern Hemisphere’s largest alpine resort that caters for beginners through to experts ensuring all members of the family enjoy the resort. www.perisher.com.au
Porters, New Zealand – About an hour’s drive from Christchurch, kids under 10 ski free, and the little ones can attend introductory ski lessons that teach skiing skills and involve plenty of snow games. www.portersalpineresort.com

Editor’s Note: “The Best Family Ski Resorts To Visit This Winter” was most recently updated in August 2024.

This post contains a mix of paid and editorial listings. Main image courtesy of Getty, image 1 courtesy of Maheshwaran Shanmugam via Pexels, image 2 courtesy of prostooleh on Freepik, image 3 courtesy of Tomamu, image 4 courtesy of Villa Finder, image 5 courtesy of Tomamu, image 6 courtesy of Hakuba Valley, image 7 courtesy of Niseko United, image 8 courtesy of Pexels, image 9 courtesy of Pexels, image 10 courtesy of Elysian Gangchono Ski Resort, image 11 courtesy of Yong Pyong Ski Resort, image 12 courtesy of Pexels, image 13 courtesy of Ethan Hu on Unsplash, image 14 courtesy of Matt Sylvestre via Whistler Blackcomb's Facebook, image 15 courtesy of Diamond Peak, image 16 courtesy of Bretton Woods, image 17 courtesy of Ski Portillo, image 18 courtesy of Catedral Alta Patagonia, image 19 courtesy of Zell Am See, image 20 courtesy of Avoriaz, image 21 courtesy of Pexels, image 22 courtesy of Mt Hutt, image 23 courtesy of Thredbo.

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