Are you planning a ski holiday with teenagers? Family ski holidays are magical when the little ones are little. In the mountains, you can watch your tots experience their first snow, toddle about in crèches and don their first skis at nursery. As children grow older, meeting their needs can get a little tougher, but they’re also more eager to take on new experiences. As they get older, navigating their needs can get a little tougher, but they’re more ready for a challenge. You can be sure that no teenager will cry ‘I’m bored’ on a thrill-filled trip to any of these Alpine ski destinations. There’s plenty to keep them busy on and off the slopes. Take a look at our selected ski resorts for teenagers.
Flims Laax, Switzerland
Flims Laax is one of the most exciting, modern resorts for freestyle in Europe, so if your teens want to get into snowboarding or hone their slopestyle ski skills, this is the perfect place to start. There are long, undulating blue runs for those who are less confident, or for the more ambitious, there’s the red 66 from Crap Sogn Gion, where they can fly over some adrenaline-fuelled kickers, before carving down the wider part of the run.
When you’re not skiing, keep things exciting with dog sledging, sleigh rides and ice-skating. Try something new together with curling lessons – your teenager might just be the next Olympic champion.
At Rocks Resort, a stylish complex of modern apartments, trust your teens to go off on their own and make friends at the indoor Freestyle Academy during the day, and night-sledging in the evening. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, they’ll be dying to tell their friends about, book a hot air balloon ride, a helicopter trip, or go paragliding.
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Ideal for families with ski-in/ ski-out access and activities to choose from for the young and young-at-heart, Film Laax’s intimate and stylish Rocks Resort is the ultimate place to relax and recuperate.
Obergurgl, Austria
Obergurgl in Tyrol is one of Austria’s most popular resorts and a top choice for a ski holiday with teens. Together with its higher satellite resort of Hochgurgl, Obergurgl offers one of the most snow-sure ski resorts in Austria, with slopes rising to 3,080 metres. The winter season here typically runs from late November until the end of April, making it far longer than most Austrian resorts.
Why not have fun off the slopes? Your teens will be in awe once they step into the incredible James Bond Installation in Sölden, 007 Elements. Sitting at over 3000 metres, the futuristic, interactive staging of Agent Bond’s on-screen action is sure to keep the youngsters entertained. Sölden can be reached conveniently by train from Obergurgl.
The family-run Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl is widely regarded as one of the best family hotels in the Alps. The hotel is perfect for your trip with teens, offering twin, double and queen-sized double rooms, all with stunning mountain views. While you are there, your teenagers can have a go at horse riding, with the hotel boasting their all-year-round stables, it is sure to create an unforgettable experience. The hotel’s wellness centre adds extra comfort for parents and teens alike, making it a great family-friendly option.
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A focal point of the village, the Scheiber family has been running this popular hotel for over 100 years. Edelweiss & Gurgl has a reputation as one of the best family hotels in the Alps. Decorated in a luxurious rustic style, guests can enjoy stunning views throughout.
Söll, Austria
Part of the 288 kilometres SkiWelt, one of Austria’s most innovative family ski regions, Söll is perfect for more seasoned skiers. Your teens can explore wide blues and reds and visit other resorts, like Scheffau and Ellmau in the area, or practise in the Hexenwiese beginner zone.
For unforgettable memories with your teens, Söll offers the biggest night-skiing area in the Alps. Boasting a fully illuminated floodlit fun park, where the youngsters will cheer with joy as they glide through the slopes. Gram-worthy pictures guaranteed!
If you’re looking to relax after a day (and night) full of laughter, Hotel Tyrol is the perfect retreat. Its inviting lounge area with a roaring open fire is a favourite spot for parents to unwind with a glass of wine after a day on the slopes. The expansive leisure facilities – featuring indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, and saunas – are ideal for recharging for parents and teens alike after a fabulous day at one of the best ski resorts in Austria.
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Situated in a quiet location, the hotel is blissfully peaceful and, conveniently, is located a three-minute walk from the village centre.
Madonna di Campiglio, Italy
Stylish and secluded, this chic resort lies between the Brenta Dolomites and the peaks of Adamello and Presanella. Offering junior ski lessons, this resort caters to all different levels with dedicated skiing and snowboarding lessons for teenagers. If your teens are looking for more than skiing, Madonna di Campiglio is perfect for shopping enthusiasts and also has an ice skating rink and a cinema.
Consider a more eco-conscious ski holiday with your teens and stay at Trentino’s first Biohotel. Nestled seamlessly with nature, Biohotel Hermitage combines sustainable design with classic mountain elegance. Expect natural materials, heated floors, and large glass walls that fill rooms with light and offer breathtaking views of the Brenta Dolomites.
With just 25 rooms, gorgeous interiors, and a Michelin-starred à la carte option, this hotel delivers the perfect balance of comfort and style. Enjoy skiing in Italy, then unwind in a peaceful, more sustainable holiday setting that your youngsters will love.
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The Maffei family has been welcoming guests for over one hundred years in this hotel – a beautiful environment created using local produce in the cuisine, aromatic linseed oil in the Swiss stone pine furniture, and an impressive range of natural spa treatments.
Selva Val Gardena, Italy
Calling all beginners: situated at 1,565 metres, Selva Val Gardena is one of the largest resorts in the Dolomites. With UNESCO-protected views on all sides, your teenagers will be spoilt for choice: let them tackle wide, well-groomed pistes stretching to 175 kilometres, or head to the Dantercepies area to practise. If your teens are looking to improve their skiing, take a look at our friendly ski school supplier, New Generation and Oxygène.
Perhaps your teen doesn’t fancy skis? For off-piste fun, head to the Stella Ronda circuit for 42 kilometres through the Dolomites on a snowboard, or challenge yourself to a James Bond run in Ortisei.
Sitting just two minutes from the Clampinoi lift and 10 minutes from the centre of Selva, Hotel Pralong is in the ideal position for skiers with easy access to both the slopes and local amenities. Expect great communal areas with an inviting bar, a lounge with an open fireplace and a dining room, where you and your teens can relax.
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Run by the Denicolo family, this hotel offers a high standard of service and cuisine. The position of the hotel is ideal for skiers, with easy access to both the slopes and local amenities.
Méribel, France
Often voted the Family Resort of the Year at the World Snow Awards, Méribel offers the perfect mix of excellent skiing for all abilities, a prime location, and a charming chalet-style village. Surrounded by tree-lined blues, long reds and blacks, find your rhythm on the massive 600 kilometres of piste.
Let your teens experience a quintessential ski holiday by soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the town. Take a stroll through the bi-weekly street market, explore indoor ice skating, or even bowling – perfect for teens and adults alike.
Stay at a beautiful penthouse, Chalet Le Cygne. Split over two floors, the master bedroom is situated on the main living floor, with three bedrooms on the second floor. Return to the chalet on your skis and explore numerous restaurants and shops, all within easy reach. If your teens are beginners, ski schools are near the penthouse.
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An impressive Savoyard-style chalet located near the Rhodos lift, with easy access to the centre of Méribel and Courchevel.
Tignes, France
At an altitude of 2,100 metres, Tignes is truly snow-sure. Part of the famous Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area, Tignes has access to more than 300 kilometres of pistes, ranging from green to black, so your teenager’s skiing can progress throughout the holiday. The ski resort has great ski schools so your teens can socialise while learning in a group. ESF (École du Ski Français) is one of the best in France or try the Snocool school for snowboarding.
Choose a fun family-friendly hotel like the Hotel Les Campanules, where the youngsters can dive into the outdoor pool in the snow and make friends! If your teens still have energy left, you can embrace your intrepid side by going heli-skiing or snowmobiling.
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The Hotel Les Campanules has been completely renovated and redecorated to a Savoyard-style, with wood panelling and attractive fabrics, plus a new indoor/outdoor pool and spa area.
La Plagne, France
Give your teenagers access to a huge and varied range of skiing, even late into the season. La Plagne makes up one half of the large and dramatic ski area known as the Paradiski. Hiring a local ski guide will increase your teenager’s confidence, giving them the skills to take on more challenging slopes and impress their younger siblings. La Plagne also has Europe’s longest Funslope, featuring jumps, steep curves, and bank waves.
If you can persuade your brood out of their skis for a moment, try tobogganing, or the Olympic bobsleigh run. There are plenty of options for accommodation, including Club Med La Plagne 2100, which is perfect if you would like your lift pass and lessons included. While you sip drinks by the open fire, your teens can relax at Junior’s Club Med and enjoy a bit of independence.
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Perfectly located for access to the incredible skiing of Paradiski – just 100 metres from the piste – Bedrooms are spacious and all have twin beds that can be made into king-sized doubles.
Avoriaz, France
Perched high on a snowy plateau with dramatic views over Morzine, Avoriaz is one of the most striking ski resorts in the Alps. Its unique architecture blends beautifully with the rugged landscape, featuring varied rooflines and wooden tiles, tavaillons, typical of the region.
The resort’s car-free design makes it perfect to ski with your teens or younger children. Conveniently, ski lifts are just steps away from the accommodations, offering ease for both families and avid skiers. Keep your teens entertained: try snowmobiling, fatbiking, or embark on a trip to Aquariaz waterpark, where they can enjoy slides, lazy rivers, pools, and climbing walls. At Christmas, Avoriaz comes alive, with festive shows and parades adding a special touch to the holiday season.
With a modern design and an unbeatable location, Chalet Ipaka is just a short walk to the very heart of the town and within 50 metres of the pistes. Built over the centre of the resort, the chalet is split across three floors, each with large feature windows and balconies. The open plan living and dining area creates an airy yet cosy space for families and friends to relax and socialise in.
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The chalet is split across three floors and the open-plan living and dining area creates an airy yet cosy space. Chalet Ipaka is located just a short walk to the very heart of the town.
Verbier, Switzerland
If you’re after a stylish, quick getaway that your teens are sure to enjoy, Verbier is the perfect choice. Just two hours’ drive from Geneva, this resort is a top pick for a shorter ski break. You’ll soon find yourself embraced by the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of the town. Nestled at the heart of the 4 Valleys ski area, Verbier is one of Europe’s highest ski areas. With most of the slopes above 2,000 metres, the resort competes with nearby Val Thorens, Les Menuires, and Tignes.
Verbier town sits on a sun-kissed plateau, offering access to an expansive ski area with thrilling terrain that caters to adventurous skiers and snowboarders.
Verbier ski resort, is a charming blend of hundreds of cosy wooden chalets, alongside larger, chalet-style hotels and apartments. With nearly 80% of the runs suitable for beginners and intermediates, there’s plenty to explore. Enjoy the breathtaking views from Les Esserts with your teens and discover the versatile slopes at Savoleyres, the ideal spots for a memorable ski adventure.
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This hotel offers the finest facilities such as a gastronomic restaurant and bar, swimming pool, spa, and Gym. Located in the heart of Verbier.
Our top tips for skiing with teenagers
The best family-friendly ski resorts will have a wide range of pistes for varying abilities, from teens who are experiencing the first time hitting the slopes, to those more confident skiers and snowboarders. As they grow more independent, teenagers will want to explore the slopes on their own. Our team can help you choose the right place with easy areas to let them go off for a few runs.
If you have central accommodation, it will be an easy meeting point, as teenagers might want to go out to meet their new ski school friends after lifts close. To remove some of the worry of free-roaming kids, why not choose a ski resort with a car-free centre, such as La Plagne, Avoriaz or Zermatt?
All of the best ski resorts for families will have extensive snow parks with features for all levels, so your teenagers can practice their freestyle tricks and jumps. Ski schools are now set up with instructors to help guide them through learning how to use these parks properly.
We can help advise on the best family ski hotels, chalets and apartments that will have facilities to help keep teenagers busy in the evenings and on snowy days. Whether that’s swimming pools, snooker tables and table football, extensive games rooms or even private cinema rooms, contact our ski experts to find the best resort for your teenagers.
Call our ski experts to find out more about the best ski resorts for teenagers.