Three Winter Stays That Make Family Ski Trips Easier

A family winter break can be shaped as much by what happens off the slopes as by the skiing itself. These three European stays offer different ways to keep children and adults occupied: a grand hotel in St. Moritz, a resort with lessons for young beginners, and self-catering apartments close to ski runs. Prices, package terms and what’s included vary, so comparing the details matters as much as choosing the destination.

Badrutt’s Palace: Alpine scenery beyond the ski runs

Set above Lake St. Moritz in Switzerland, Badrutt’s Palace is due to reopen on 3 December following renovations to its rooms and suites. Restaurant Matsuhisa has also received new touches, and a new bar is planned for Le Grand Hall. The changes position the hotel as a choice for families looking for a full-service stay, with places to spend time together and facilities for different ages.

The Palazzino Kids’ Club has been refreshed, with activities including sledging and mocktail-making. That gives children something to do while adults visit the spa or swim in the heated outdoor pool. For families, those options can make a difference on days when everyone doesn’t want to ski for the same length of time—or when the weather changes plans.

St. Moritz offers outings away from the pistes, too. Horse-drawn carriages leave from the hotel and cross the frozen lake towards a snow-covered forest. Helicopter rides offer views of the peaks, while the Unesco-listed Bernina Express travels between St. Moritz and Tirano. These activities suit families who want to mix time outdoors with more leisurely sightseeing, though each involves a different pace and experience.

The listed price starts at £2,086. The details provided don’t specify the stay length or what the starting rate includes, so families should check those terms before comparing it with a package or apartment price. See Badrutt’s Palace winter details.

Moar Gut: Lessons and seasonal activities in Austria

Moar Gut is built around a family ski experience in Austria’s Skischaukel Großarltal–Dorfgastein area, which has 80 kilometres of pistes. The resort caters to different levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, and offers lessons for learners of all ages. A short course is available for children as young as two, making it an option for families introducing very young children to skiing.

Its Advent Magic and Pre-Christmas Magic packages add seasonal activities to the ski stay. Both include Christmas biscuit baking, wreath-making and a visit to the Großarl Mountain Advent market. Families can also take a torchlight hike and receive a family Christmas photograph. These shared activities offer a planned alternative to spending every day on the slopes, and may appeal to families who want a festive programme built into their trip.

Both packages require a minimum five-night stay and are all-inclusive. Advent Magic costs €5,000 for two adults from 28 November to 3 December; Pre-Christmas Magic costs €7,700 for two adults from 12 to 19 December. The quoted prices are for two adults, and the available details don’t give child pricing or explain how the packages handle different family sizes. Confirm those costs, along with the exact inclusions, before booking. Find more details about Moar Gut.

French Alps: Apartment space and ski access

Pierre & Vacances offers spacious apartments for families who prefer to prepare some of their own meals. Its residences combine accommodation with facilities such as swimming pools and spas, alongside access to skiing. Self-catering can give a family more control over meals and daily routines, while the available shared facilities provide options for time away from the slopes.

At L’Amara in Avoriaz, France, the residence sits in a pedestrianised resort with ski-in/ski-out access. It has an indoor swimming pool, paddling pool, children’s club and spa. Larger apartments are available for bigger groups, which can make this format worth considering for families travelling together. The trade-off is that the quoted price is for accommodation only, so meals and any other costs need to be considered separately.

Accommodation starts at £1,858.54. The listed price does not specify a stay length or the apartment size, so it can’t be directly compared with Moar Gut’s five-night, all-inclusive packages without checking the booking details. Explore Pierre & Vacances options.

Compare the kind of holiday, not just the starting price

Badrutt’s Palace combines hotel facilities with outings around St. Moritz; Moar Gut pairs skiing and lessons with a set festive programme; and L’Amara offers apartment living and ski access in a pedestrianised resort. The right fit depends on how much structure, self-catering and non-ski activity a family wants. Before deciding, check the dates, length of stay, accommodation type and included meals or activities—the headline prices describe different kinds of holiday.