Taking the family skiing doesn't have to be expensive and stressful. There are dozens of cheap ski holidays out there to help you experience the slopes without breaking the bank, with facilities for all ages.
If you're wondering where to book in 2025 for a winter getaway, here are four destinations the whole family will love.
Andorra
Andorra has long been a favourite for budget-conscious skiers wishing to avoid Alps prices. Nestled in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, it offers great value for money with family-friendly resorts such as Grandvalira and Vallnord. They cater to beginners with wide, gentle runs and English-speaking ski schools.
Grandvalira's ski area is the largest in Andorra, with 215km of terrain to explore and 74 lifts to take you there. Off the slopes, you can enjoy cheap drinks, electrical goods, clothing, and perfume, thanks to the country's lack of VAT.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is another popular option for those seeking inexpensive skiing without compromising on facilities. Bansko, the country's best-known resort, is located in the picturesque Pirin Mountains near Greece and North Macedonia. It boasts 75km of varied terrain for beginners and intermediates, as well as off-piste options for those feeling adventurous.
Bansko's hotels feature plenty of family suites with on-site ski schools for the kids to keep them busy while you explore the cobbled streets. Pamporovo and Borovets are good alternatives, both with dedicated nursery slopes and welcoming après-ski suited to families rather than partygoers. The country has come a long way in modernising its ski slopes in the past two decades, with more progress expected in the coming years.
The French Alps
While the French Alps have a reputation for luxury, there are plenty of lesser-known resorts where you can enjoy alpine views without the premium price tag. Les Houches, situated in the Chamonix Valley, features scenic, tree-lined slopes that are ideal for families and beginners.
Accommodation in Les Houches is notably more affordable than neighbouring resorts and features dog sledge tours of the resort for something the kids will long remember.
La Clusaz, located in the Haute-Savoie region, features a compact, walkable village centre and numerous easy runs. In both resorts, you can find affordable chalets and low-cost shuttle buses to get from A to B.
Italy
Italy can deliver incredible value, especially in less crowded, family-oriented resorts. Val di Fiemme, located in the Dolomites, is home to several family-run hotels and ski schools that offer English-language lessons. The slopes are varied enough to keep everyone entertained, while the less formal atmosphere can help take the pressure off if you're new to skiing.
Another excellent choice is Cervinia, which shares a ski area with Switzerland's Zermatt but comes at a much more reasonable cost. Its wide, gentle slopes are perfect for getting used to the basics of skiing, and there's an abundance of cosy mountain restaurants serving Italian cuisine to choose from at the end of the day.