5 of the best ski resorts in Europe

Best for families: Avoriaz, France

Time and again, Avoriaz has been noted for its ability to equip families with all they need for a fun-filled family holiday. Nestled in the middle of France’s largest linked ski area of Portes du Soleil, it boasts a car-free village, snow-sure skiing and ski-in/ski-out accommodation for a safe, reliable and convenient getaway. Central to the resort is the award-winning Village des Enfants, providing children of all ages with skiing tuition and childcare on and off the slopes. The British-run ski school offers lessons in English to children of all ages and abilities, while Aquariaz, the sub-tropical water park built within a huge glass dome at the top of the mountain, is just one example of the resort’s ‘above-and-beyond’ facilities.

But the kids don’t get all the fun. At 1,800m and with 650km of lift-linked pistes, parents looking to hone their skills are equally catered for. Enjoy a wealth of great blues and reds around Avoriaz, ski over the border into Switzerland, or explore the neighbouring areas of Morzine and Les Gets by catching the gondola. Fantastic off-piste conditions make Avoriaz a great place to indulge your inner wild side and the five permanent freestyle parks – including smaller ones for adventurous youngsters – are a welcome playground for big kids.