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Winter may still be a few months away, but if you’re thinking of hitting the slopes during the colder months, now’s the time to start planning.

For parents, there’s an added layer of complexity as it’s not just about the pretty views and chalets; you need kid-friendly restaurants, ski schools catering to all abilities, and snow parks for when skiing gets a bit too tiring and everyone needs a day off.

To give you a helping hand, we’ve teamed up with ski package holiday provider Sunweb to find the top 10 family-friendly ski resorts in Europe…

1. The Three Valleys, France

More than 250 ski lifts connect the three valleys of Saint-Bon, Les Allues and Belleville, with 600km of slopes, including 53 beginner friendly slopes. There really is something for everyone to enjoy in Les Trois Vallées, with child-friendly alternatives available everywhere, from ice skating and snow playgrounds to fun snow tunnels and parks. There are also indoor facilities with pools, cinemas and indoor play areas available.

Stay at the White Queen Residence from £539pp in November in a self-catered 2-room apartment. Includes flights, lift passes, and equipment hire.

2. Kronplatz, Dolomiti Superski, Italy

Kronplatz is one of 12 resorts located in the well-known Dolomiti Superski in Italy – the largest ski area in the world. Kronplatz offers 25 beginner friendly slopes, and all slopes in the area are extra wide, making it the perfect place for families to ski together. There’s even a tree-lined long blue slope that’s ideal for those who want to go at a slower pace and enjoy that quality time together. For those days when kids are too tired for the slopes, the resort boasts plenty of playgrounds including the popular Little Kronplatz play area.

Stay at the Astor Apartments from £697pp in March in a self-catered 2-room apartment. Includes flights, lift passes and sauna.

3. Val Gardena, Italy

Val Gardena may play host to the annual men’s slalom skiing World Championship, but you don’t need to be a pro to ski here! The area boasts 175 kilometres of slopes including 16 beginner slopes, and 115 kilometres of cross-country trails for those who fancy an adventure. There are also plenty of child-friendly alternative activities available in the resort, such as snow parks, sleigh rides, and ice skating.

Stay at Hotel Rodes from £798pp half-board in a 2-room apartment in November. Includes flights, lift passes and access to the sauna and pool.

4. Bardonecchia, Italy

The relatively undiscovered area of Bardonecchia, just on the border to France, is the perfect family friendly resort for anyone looking for a quiet winter escape. The area, which consists of four smaller sub-areas, offers 54km of blue slopes including 16 beginner-friendly slopes, and a range of authentic Italian restaurants with great child-friendly options on the menu.

Stay at Residence Tabor from £354pp in a self-catered 2-room apartment in November. Includes flights and lift passes.

5. Sälen, Sweden

The village of Sälen is located in the middle of Sweden by the Norwegian border, with the promise of lush Scandinavian snow, stunning nature, and a varied range of activities making it the ideal winter destination for the whole family. There are about 13 beginner-friendly slopes, including a mystical troll forest and the Valle the Snowman ski area for kids. Oh, and keep an eye out for the ski-thru McDonalds!

Stay at the Solbaken View from £503pp in a self-catered 4-room apartment in January. Includes flights, lift passes and private sauna.

6. Les Gets, France

Tucked away in the French Alps the small, charming village of Les Gets offers the perfect combination of beginner-friendly alpine slopes, and a traditional French village feel, with cosy chalets and quaint markets lining the streets. There are 13 beginner-friendly slopes in the area, as well as plenty of ski-alternatives such as kids clubs, sledging, and even a local farm where you can take a guided tour of their cheese making process.

Stay at the Résidence Lagrange Vacances Les Fermes Emiguy from £490pp in a self-catered 2-room apartment in January. Includes lift passes, own transport, sauna and hamman.

7. Ski Amadé, Austria

The ski region of Ski Amadé in Austria consists of five areas, over 270 ski lifts, 860km of well-maintained pistes and 255km of blue slopes – some big numbers! Head to the Fischbacher Adventure Hill in the village of Großarltal, a true winter paradise for families with young children, or the Hahnbaum ski area in Johann im Pongau – a relatively crowd-free, old-fashioned winter sports destination with family-friendly slopes.

Stay at Hotel Lerch half board from £799pp in a double comfort room in March. Includes flights, lift passes and heated outdoor pool.

8. Paradiski, France

Paradiski is a great option for both beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Made up by the resorts of Les Arcs, Vallandry, La Plagne and Champagny en Vanoise, Paradiski offers a total of 425km of slopes, including 12 beginner friendly runs. Families wanting a break from the slopes can take advantage of the resorts’ many activities, such as dog sledding, indoor swimming, or take a seat at one of the many restaurants offering authentic cuisine.

Stay at Residence Pierre et Vacances Les Constellations from £800pp in a self-catered 2-room apartment in January. Includes flights, lift passes, equipment hire and spa facilities.

9. Serfaus, Austria

Serfaus offers guaranteed snow, with some of the higher runs located at an impressive 2,828 metres altitude. Advanced skiers can challenge themselves at the top of the mountain, whereas families and beginners can get comfortable on the flatter slopes around the Mittlerer Sattelkopf, or practice their ski skills on the Kinderschneealm. The local ski-schools are amongst the best in the Tyrol, making it the perfect destination for beginner skiers and families.

Stay at GO Terrazena Serfaus from £637pp in a self-catered 3-room apartment in January. Includes flights, lift passes and spa facilities.

10. Val Cenis, France

Located between the Vanoise National Park in France and the Avigliana Regional Park in Italy, Val Cenis is an easily accessible, snow-sure destination, and on good days you can even ski all the way to your front door! The area is made up of several charming French villages which offer everything from spas, thermal baths and saunas, to exhibitions and family-friendly restaurants.

Stay at Residence Les Chalets de Flambeau from £541pp in a self-catered 3-room apartment in March. Includes flights, lift passes, and access to the spa and pools.

• Prices based on two adults and two children staying for eight days, and are subject to availability.