Woohoo! ❄️ Here we are, sharing ski travel tips from our family to yours. If you’re planning a winter getaway with kids, this guide to family-friendly ski resorts in Spain (and nearby Europe) will help you choose the perfect destination.
One of the biggest advantages of skiing in Spain is that it’s often more affordable than many famous European ski resorts. That said, prices can rise significantly during school holidays, and slopes tend to be more crowded. If possible, traveling outside peak holiday periods means fewer crowds, more space on the slopes, and better prices.
👉 Quick tip: Before heading to the mountains, make sure you’re fully prepared. Check your ski clothing and equipment in advance — having the right gear makes all the difference, especially when skiing with kids.
Below, you’ll find 5 ski destinations we personally recommend for families. While two of them are outside Spain, they’re close, easy to reach, and absolutely worth considering.
5 TOP SKI DESTINATIONS RECOMMENDED BY US
Top 5 Family-Friendly Ski Destinations in Europe
Winter in Europe is truly magical — snowy landscapes, breathtaking mountains, and endless opportunities for winter sports. The best ski resorts offer a mix of slopes for beginners, intermediate skiers, and advanced riders.
We consider ourselves beginners, dreaming of becoming confident skiers one day 😉, and we’ve noticed that more and more families are choosing ski holidays as an active winter escape.
Here are our top picks:
Grandvalira, Andorra
Located between Spain and France in the Pyrenees, Andorra is a destination you’ll want to return to again and again — in both winter and summer.
We’ve visited several times, and it surprises us every single time. In winter, it feels straight out of a fairy tale. Even if skiing isn’t your main goal, the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.
Why families love Grandvalira:
Plenty of non-ski activities
Largest ski resort in Andorra
Around 66 lifts
Slopes for all skill levels
Excellent ski schools for kids
Bardonecchia, Italy
Located in the Piedmont region near Turin, Bardonecchia is incredibly easy to reach — making it a perfect one-day ski trip with kids.
It’s a charming mountain village that has grown thanks to tourism. Many accommodations are holiday rentals, which makes it easy for families to find space and flexibility.
Why it’s great for families:
Easy access from Turin
Compact and easy to navigate
Suitable for beginners and intermediates
Family-friendly slopes
Sierra Nevada, Spain
Sierra Nevada literally means “Snowy Range”, and it lives up to its name. Located in southern Spain, it’s the southernmost ski resort in Europe — a unique experience on its own.
What makes Sierra Nevada truly special is the combination of snow, sunshine, and vibrant après-ski.
Highlights:
Great mix of skiing and sightseeing
Europe’s sunniest ski resort (over 80% sunny days)
Modern snowmaking system with 353 cannons
Around 35 km of pistes
La Molina
La Molina is one of the oldest ski resorts in Spain. It is located in Cerdanya region. It offers a wide range of activities for those who are professional skiers and for those who are less. And here to mention, it is one of our favorites, as whenever we find time, we go there and enjoy the slopes.
It’s a fantastic option for families thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and excellent facilities.
Why we love La Molina:
- Ideal for beginners and families
- Wide range of winter activities
- Easy access from Barcelona
- Friendly, non-overwhelming resort
Vall de Núria, Spain
Vall de Núria is a truly unique ski resort located in the Eastern Pyrenees, within the municipality of Queralbs.
What makes it special? You can only reach it by rack railway, which kids absolutely love. Surrounded by peaks of nearly 3,000 meters, it’s a place of incredible natural beauty.
We haven’t visited yet — but it’s high on our list!
Why it’s perfect for families:
Ideal for beginner skiers and snow play
Car-free resort
Stunning natural setting
Calm, safe environment
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to skiing or planning your next family winter holiday, these destinations offer something for everyone — affordable options, beginner-friendly slopes, and unforgettable mountain scenery.
Spain (and nearby countries) proves that you don’t need to travel far or spend a fortune to enjoy a fantastic ski holiday with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Ski Resorts
Is skiing in Spain good for families?
Yes, Spain offers several family-friendly ski resorts with beginner slopes, ski schools, and affordable prices.
What is the best ski resort in Spain for beginners?
La Molina and Vall de Núria are excellent options for beginners, especially families with young children.
Is skiing in Spain cheaper than other European countries?
In general, skiing in Spain is more affordable than in countries like Switzerland or France, especially outside school holidays.
When is the best time to go skiing with kids?
Traveling outside peak holiday periods offers fewer crowds, better prices, and a more relaxed experience for families.
Are there ski resorts near Barcelona?
Yes, La Molina and Vall de Núria are both accessible from Barcelona and are popular choices for families.
Thank you so much for these destinations! We love traveling and enjoy skiing so this was perfect! Maybe next time we go to Europe!
Author
yeah, you for sure have to consider these destinations.
These all look like great locations to go skiing as a family! Thanks for sharing your favorite spots!
Author
thank you for stopping by, it is a pleasure to share our favorite spots
This looks like loads of fun. I have never been skiing. Maybe my family will get to try this.
Author
i am not a professional skier, but for fun, why not.
Thanks so much- Makes me dream about a trip to Europe soon.
Author
for sure, you have to check into at least one of these places
These look like fun! We’ve on skied in the US our home state of Colorado, but the kids love it!
Author
we´ve never been to ski in US, would love to try it one day
Wow! What beautiful places to ski. I’m not familiar at all with great places to ski in Europe. So I appreciate this list.
Author
thank you, each ski resort is magic in its own way
So fun. I love snow and live nowhere near it. We’re definitely considering a mountain trip this year. My son really wants to see snow.
Author
ski time is always fun, and if you sled with your kid, it is even funnier
This looks like it would be an absolute blast! It’s been years since I’ve gone snowboarding. I would love to take my family someday but we are a family of 8 and that’s going to take some saving up, lol!
Author
oh yeah, with 6 kids is not an easy task to go anywhere skating
I used to ski as a kid, but I haven’t taken my kids skiing. These sound like they would be fun to visit as a family.
Author
the experience of skiing our kids didn´t try either, but it is fun to go sledding
Thank you for sharing this! I have never been skiing before so it is on my bucket list to do so. I’ve never heard of these places so I’m glad I found your post. I will definitely be keeping these on my list.
Author
thank you a lot for appreciations, and hope you will enjoy all of those beautiful places
The Sierra Nevada has been on my list for years!
Author
yeah, it is a great place to enjoy
Wow, your photos are amazing!!! I wish we knew how to ski, maybe one day!!
Author
i wish it too, i am still a beginer, whould love to learn more
These are definitely great ski destinations. So far, we were only able to visit one from your list and we have tremendously loved Sierra Nevada. We’re hoping to visit Grandvalira, Andorra soon. 🙂
Author
yay, great choice!
Hey, thanks for sharing. As far I know people in Andorra speak the Catalan language. The linguistic diversity of Andorra is rather diverse according to a fractionalization scale which for Andorra is 0.6848
Thanks
Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.