6 Ski Vacations Your Family Will Snow Doubt Love
Avoriaz, Morzine, France
Lots of resorts like to market their ski-in/ski-out accommodations as a luxurious add on, but in Avoriaz, it’s almost de rigueur no matter where you stay. See, this charming corner of the Portes du Soleil area doesn’t allow any automobiles. To make your way around the community, you’ll need to rely on horse-drawn carriages, sleds or (natch) skis.
You won’t find more than half a dozen hotel options at Avoriaz, as well as a few privately rented single family units. Also, there isn’t a lot of space set aside for beginners. However, reliable snowpack, speedy lifts, generally short lines and a freeriding space for snowboarders more than make up for it. So does the family-friendly safety and convenience of the tight-knit area itself.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Originally conceived as a way to boost rail-passenger traffic through the American West, Sun Valley claims the title of the first U.S. ski resort. It’s also the home of the first chair lift ever. And though you may not hear its name mentioned with the same reverent tones as Aspen or Vail, it more than holds its own in the luxury department.
There’s a reason why celebrities sneak off to Sun Valley during the winter.
While experienced skiers can suss out plenty of pleasantly advanced slopes, families will love Sun Valley’s Dollar Mountain. This tree-free area features broad, easy runs for beginners and a magic carpet (think of those moving walkways in airports) that will whisk them up the mountain.
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Vemdalen, Sweden
Sun Valley may be friendly to novices, but Vemdalen positively caters to them. Located in Central Sweden, this resort isn’t the largest or the most varied. Still, families can count on stupendous scenery (many consider its Klövsjö area among the most beautiful in Sweden) and lots of snow (ski season starts in October).
Vemdalen also boasts a surprisingly large number of beginner runs, with 32 of its 58 slopes aimed at amateurs. What’s more, super speedy six-person lifts will get you to the top of your mountain of choice in no time flat.
