It’s time to plan the next family holiday, so why not go all out with a trip to the slopes of Europe. There are a lot of great family-friendly ski resorts to choose from that will ensure you can have fun skiing in Europe with the kids.
But let’s face it; Europe is not a quick hop over to New Zealand or easy trip down south to Falls Creek or Thredbo.

There is more to planning a ski holiday in Europe as the slopes and powder here are on a whole other level! So let’s check out some of the best ski resorts in Europe to take the family to below.

Location, location, location – can make or break your holiday. You want to look for resorts that have some of or all of the following:

• Child-friendly
• Less bus trip = longer slope fun
• Child and youth skiing and snowboarding lessons
• Other outdoor or indoor activities to keep the kids entertained
• Or resorts that offer child care facilities

Avoriaz, France

Avoriaz is ideally located in the middle of the Portes du Soleil ski area, with access to high-altitude skiing. Portes du Soleil is made up of twelve resorts between France and Switzerland, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world, offering 650 kilometres of happiness. This resort offers a range of pistes to suit all levels and offers a great family skiing experience that will appeal to skiers of all ages.

• Traffic-free village with vast area of slopes
• Safe and convenient
• Village des Enfants – a childcare haven that is full of activities and special children slopes
• Has indoor and outdoor pools
• Highest and most snow-sure slopes in the Portes du Soleil ski area
• Free lift pass for children 4 years and under

The altitude of this resort guarantees snow cover from December to April, with an average of 8 metres of snow each winter.

Obergurgl, Tirol, Austria

This ski resort is a winter paradise, offering absolute snow guarantee, and is known as the "Diamond of the Alps". There are 24 mountain lifts and 110 kilometres of immaculate ski slopes for your family to explore, and absolute must-sees during your ski vacation is the Top Mountain Star panorama bar at 3,080 metres above sea level.

• Offers snow guarantee set in the traditional atmosphere of the Austrian Alps
• Famous Bobo Skiclub for outdoor activities
• Bobo kindergarten for indoor fun
• Range of slopes from easy to intermediate, as well as experts
• Modern, high-speed chairlifts and gondolas
• Nederhutte, famous for family-friendly live music and dancing

If you want to head off-piste the “Diamond of the Alps” is a skiing el dorado. There are countless off-piste routes and slopes offering superb conditions for skiers and riders of all ability levels. This is freeriding heaven.

Wengen, Switzerland

This ski resort is part of the Jungfrauregion region and is considered to be great for people who don’t take their skiing too seriously and for families. The resort offers skiers 4777 feet of vertical descent and has 112 kilometres of terrain over 53 pistes.

• Traffic-free village offering wonderful scenery
• Great for relaxing breaks
• Covers the slopes of Grindelwald and Murren
• Good nursery slopes in the middle of the village
• Kindergartens, from as young as six months
• Free lift pass for children five and under
• Charming ice rinks and cinema, that frequently shows films in English
• The views of the Aletsch glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are breathtaking
• The cog railway at 3,450 metres is the highest railway station in Europe

Cervinia, Italy

What child wouldn’t love skiing around the sunny, easy slopes of Cervinia and lunching on pizza? Cervinia is one of Italy’s leading ski resorts and one of the biggest ski areas in Italy with 350 kilometres of pistes. But, it doesn’t stop there. This high-altitude resort also has a lift linked to Zermatt in Switzerland. Skiers and boarders also have access to one of the world's longest ski runs, an epic descent of more than 20 kilometres from the Klein Matterhorn above Zermatt down to Cervinia's lift-linked neighbour, Valtournenche. So they’ve got you covered, but what about the kids. This resort pays special attention to the little ones. Right at the foot of this “huge pyramid”, they can learn to ski in safety whilst having fun too.

• Kindergartens both in resort and at Plan Maison
• Playgrounds and ski areas dedicated to the children
• Highest play area in the resort at 2,500 metres at Plan Maison, reached via the cable cars from Cervinia
• “Wild West Zone” playground is ideal for beginners and children, equipped with jumping castles, three magic carpet lifts and a Wild West village
• Scuola di sci del Cervino’s Mini Club
• The Baby Club Kinderheim cares for children from birth to age nine
• Virtually guaranteed snow from December to the end of April

The ski season in Europe runs from December to April. For these and many more family-friendly ski resorts in Europe visit www.skitheworld.net.au or give us a call on 1800 156 856.

What to pack?

• Ski Sun cream
• Ski goggles and sunglasses
• Ski socks and base layers
• Après ski clothes
• Ski lip balm
• Ski helmet and hats
• Ski and après ski gloves
• Universal travel plug adapter
• Passports, insurance and don’t forget your travel documents

Important reminders:

• Pre-book everything – ski classes, kindergarten, lodgings, ski hire, ski passes
• Always bring a Ski Emergency skiing pack – spare gloves, hats, plasters, tissues, sweets and chocolates
• Insurance – be sure you and your family are covered
• Exchange currency – you can get better rates at your local bank than at the airport
• Bring your gadgets – ski resorts have Wi-Fi
• Make a list of everything!
• Check the weather forecast!

Most importantly, have fun and carve up some of the finest powder on earth in Europe.

It’s time to plan the next family holiday, so why not go all out with a trip to the slopes of Europe. There are a lot of great family-friendly ski resorts to choose from that will ensure you can have fun skiing in Europe with the kids.
But let’s face it; Europe is not a quick hop over to New Zealand or easy trip down south to Falls Creek or Thredbo.

There is more to planning a ski holiday in Europe as the slopes and powder here are on a whole other level! So let’s check out some of the best ski resorts in Europe to take the family to below.

Location, location, location – can make or break your holiday. You want to look for resorts that have some of or all of the following:

• Child-friendly
• Less bus trip = longer slope fun
• Child and youth skiing and snowboarding lessons
• Other outdoor or indoor activities to keep the kids entertained
• Or resorts that offer child care facilities

Avoriaz, France

Avoriaz is ideally located in the middle of the Portes du Soleil ski area, with access to high-altitude skiing. Portes du Soleil is made up of twelve resorts between France and Switzerland, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world, offering 650 kilometres of happiness. This resort offers a range of pistes to suit all levels and offers a great family skiing experience that will appeal to skiers of all ages.

• Traffic-free village with vast area of slopes
• Safe and convenient
• Village des Enfants – a childcare haven that is full of activities and special children slopes
• Has indoor and outdoor pools
• Highest and most snow-sure slopes in the Portes du Soleil ski area
• Free lift pass for children 4 years and under

The altitude of this resort guarantees snow cover from December to April, with an average of 8 metres of snow each winter.

Obergurgl, Tirol, Austria

This ski resort is a winter paradise, offering absolute snow guarantee, and is known as the "Diamond of the Alps". There are 24 mountain lifts and 110 kilometres of immaculate ski slopes for your family to explore, and absolute must-sees during your ski vacation is the Top Mountain Star panorama bar at 3,080 metres above sea level.

• Offers snow guarantee set in the traditional atmosphere of the Austrian Alps
• Famous Bobo Skiclub for outdoor activities
• Bobo kindergarten for indoor fun
• Range of slopes from easy to intermediate, as well as experts
• Modern, high-speed chairlifts and gondolas
• Nederhutte, famous for family-friendly live music and dancing

If you want to head off-piste the “Diamond of the Alps” is a skiing el dorado. There are countless off-piste routes and slopes offering superb conditions for skiers and riders of all ability levels. This is freeriding heaven.

Wengen, Switzerland

This ski resort is part of the Jungfrauregion region and is considered to be great for people who don’t take their skiing too seriously and for families. The resort offers skiers 4777 feet of vertical descent and has 112 kilometres of terrain over 53 pistes.

• Traffic-free village offering wonderful scenery
• Great for relaxing breaks
• Covers the slopes of Grindelwald and Murren
• Good nursery slopes in the middle of the village
• Kindergartens, from as young as six months
• Free lift pass for children five and under
• Charming ice rinks and cinema, that frequently shows films in English
• The views of the Aletsch glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are breathtaking
• The cog railway at 3,450 metres is the highest railway station in Europe

Cervinia, Italy

What child wouldn’t love skiing around the sunny, easy slopes of Cervinia and lunching on pizza? Cervinia is one of Italy’s leading ski resorts and one of the biggest ski areas in Italy with 350 kilometres of pistes. But, it doesn’t stop there. This high-altitude resort also has a lift linked to Zermatt in Switzerland. Skiers and boarders also have access to one of the world's longest ski runs, an epic descent of more than 20 kilometres from the Klein Matterhorn above Zermatt down to Cervinia's lift-linked neighbour, Valtournenche. So they’ve got you covered, but what about the kids. This resort pays special attention to the little ones. Right at the foot of this “huge pyramid”, they can learn to ski in safety whilst having fun too.

• Kindergartens both in resort and at Plan Maison
• Playgrounds and ski areas dedicated to the children
• Highest play area in the resort at 2,500 metres at Plan Maison, reached via the cable cars from Cervinia
• “Wild West Zone” playground is ideal for beginners and children, equipped with jumping castles, three magic carpet lifts and a Wild West village
• Scuola di sci del Cervino’s Mini Club
• The Baby Club Kinderheim cares for children from birth to age nine
• Virtually guaranteed snow from December to the end of April

The ski season in Europe runs from December to April. For these and many more family-friendly ski resorts in Europe visit www.skitheworld.net.au or give us a call on 1800 156 856.

What to pack?

• Ski Sun cream
• Ski goggles and sunglasses
• Ski socks and base layers
• Après ski clothes
• Ski lip balm
• Ski helmet and hats
• Ski and après ski gloves
• Universal travel plug adapter
• Passports, insurance and don’t forget your travel documents

Important reminders:

• Pre-book everything – ski classes, kindergarten, lodgings, ski hire, ski passes
• Always bring a Ski Emergency skiing pack – spare gloves, hats, plasters, tissues, sweets and chocolates
• Insurance – be sure you and your family are covered
• Exchange currency – you can get better rates at your local bank than at the airport
• Bring your gadgets – ski resorts have Wi-Fi
• Make a list of everything!
• Check the weather forecast!

Most importantly, have fun and carve up some of the finest powder on earth in Europe.

A ski holiday in Sweden will provide you with a winter adventure a cut above the ordinary.

Soft powder, beautiful pistes and activities galore are not hard to find in a winter wonderland like Sweden. There is an abundant range of ski resorts to suit all levels from the timid beginner to the adrenalin fuelled off-piste.

Almost without excpetion, every resort has a stamp of guaranteed snow, and while the favourites are still Åre, Sälen, and Idre, if you have a curious nature and imagination to explore further afield, you are bound to discover experience to be had that few other resorts can match.

Sweden's largest and most renowned resort is Åre, with 111 runs and 41 lifts. This diverse Northern Alpine resort offers everything from awe-inspiring black pistes and highly challenging off-piste slopes to an abundance of easy skiing runs for children and beginners.

In addition to skiing in Sweden, resorts such as Åre, also offer a wide range of other activities, such as snowmobile safaris, dog sleighing, ice fall climbing, ice fishing and much, much more, which make for an adventure packed family holiday.

Closer to Stockholm, you'll find Sälen. This resort offers 111 pistes and 83 lifts, and can be reached from the capital by road in less than seven hours. There is enough space in Sälen to allow families with children and fun-seekers alike to enjoy their very different holidays side-by-side. Every need is catered for with special areas for the smallest child, heaps of green slopes, as well as an easy lift system for the inexperienced.

Fun Parks and snowboard areas for boarders who literally live for that next jump, plenty of blue and red slopes for people sitting around the medium level, and finally, harsh black runs for skiers and boarders who are in complete control or have a bet on with their mates.

Now, remember before we mentioned the person who may be a bit more curious than the average joe, well for these adventure seeking spirits, Kittelfjäll, is almost unbeatable. The area is considered to be a snow paradise, known as much for its heli-ski as it is for its pistes.

Trips will take to the skies from around late-January. You can also kick your feet up for a day and channel your "inner cowboy" with a western style horse riding trip, test your snow scooter driving skills, or even try a spot of mountaineering.

The terrain in Kittelfjäll looks a little like this: around 5% beginner runs, 0% intermediate, around 24% advanced and a whopping 71% expert.

Now many may say that Sweden as a ski holiday destination doesn't necessarily boast the conditions to match the Alps down on the continent, and they are probably right, however, this country does have a charm and another take on winter sports that is all it's own and few others can match, certainly if not always on the snow, than most definitely off it.

European ski and snowboard resorts have a completely different flavour from the resorts in Australia and it will only take the uninitiated Australian skier or snowboarder a very short time to realise that other than snow and the general practice of sliding down the pistes, there is little similarity between Europe and Australia. However, many Australians who have explored the European mountains have embraced the lifestyle differences during their holidays, but for those who can't, there is still a silver lining!

If you don't care for the long leisurely lunches, then you'll have the pistes all to yourself at midday and if you can't party till the wee wee hours of the morning like our Continental counterparts, then you can revel in the fact that there is no lift que in the mornings. You can also rejoice in the fact that the countries of Europe provide arguably the best skiing in the world!

The traditions and pure variety of snow types is astounding and the verticals are at least double the size compared to Australia in a majority of the resorts and in places such as Chamonix and St. Mortiz, they are at least three times the size. I swear to 'God' when you are looking up at the Alps or Pyrenees you are bound to say to yourself "Holy Cow, I'm about to ski down that".

From Austria and Switzerland, the birth place of many champions, to the cradle of skiing in Norway, the upmarket resorts in France and Italy, along with the relative newcomers to ski and snowboard tourism, such as Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia, which are also by the way growing in popularity, your choice of ski holiday in Europe is simply endless and to make this choice much easier Ski The World have created a dedicated ski website with the largest range of European ski resorts on show in Australia.

"So all you snow junkies out there who are looking for that next big slope to ride, then look no further than SkiTheWorld.net.au for all your thrills, spills and off-piste adventures. Of course families are very welcome and Europe has many ideal resorts that cater to you as well as beginners and intermediates".

" And its no joke when I say your clients can spend 7 nights in a 3 star hotel from as little as $240.00 per person". No absolutely no joke at all and if this price sounds to good to believe, then I suggest you starting believing, tell your clients to pack their bags and head off on a ski holiday to Spindleruv Mlyn, the Czech Republic's number one ski resort, which is just 2.5 hours from beautiful Prague.

"You can also stay in some of the most popular resorts such as St. Anton in a 3 star Pension from just $776.00 per person and in Kitzbuhel from $513.00 per person. We also have all your equipment hire needs, lift pass desires and transfer options taken care of".

To organise your next ski and snowboard holiday in Europe give us a call on 1800 242 353 FREE or email info@skitheworld.net.au  and tell us what your are looking for and we'll tell you which resorts best suits your needs.

Dreaming of pristine white powder under bright winter sunshine

The Iron Curtain has been drawn back to reveal a whole new frontier for skiers and snowboarders looking for that next big slope to ride. Welcome to Eastern Europe the former playground of czars, dictators, and royalty.

The resorts may not be as pretentious as those in the west, but the outstanding hills of Eastern Europe are real bargains. You'll have fun adapting to ski signs in foreign languages, and sharing your grasp of the English language with the locals, but if pure unadulterated skiing and après ski is what you are after, than defect and go east!

The skiing destinations on offer read like a drunken tour director who has taken a wrong turn in Prague and has headed north to Spindleruv Mlyn in the heart of the 'Giant Mountains', Czech Republic's largest ski resort and then crossed the border into Poland and onto Zakopane, situated on the edge of the famous Tatra Mountains. This town has a long history and features every stage of the past century on its well-trodden streets, from old haunts of Polish intellectuals to the more recent addition of Western Society – Burger King. You'll then backtrack into Slovakia, a winter wonderland, where ski slopes are found virtually everywhere. If there's a hill, there's a good chance you'll find people skiing down it. Your tour director will then decide to completely bypass Hungary and move onto Romania and into Poiana Brasov.

Internationally renowned and highly regarded as Romania's most popular ski resort, it is here where you will find great skiing in a beautiful area stepped in legend. Open spaces alternate with pine woods and the well appointed hotels offer wonderful hospitality and warmth, all of which makes holidaying here in Poiana a real pleasure. The excellent layout of the ski runs allows advanced skiers and snowboarders to "let go" without fear of interfering with beginners and intermediates, and to master the more advanced techniques in a spectacular environment. If you can pull yourself away from the uncluttered, scenic pistes of the compact ski area, a visit to Bran Castle, home of the legendary Count Dracula is a must! It's mystique and the snow-covered slopes will throw you back in time to an era immersed in legend, where wolves hunt at night and their howls can be heard, as you lie snuggled up in bed at night in the heart of Transylvania.

All aboard, for the next stop on the itinerary of the drunken tour director, Bulgaria. Set amid the majestic Rila Mountains, Borovets is Bulgaria's number one ski resort, only 70 kilometres from Sofia this famous skiing destination has hosted the Alpine World Cup competition twice. There are two main ski areas, which are ideal for beginners and intermediate while advanced skiers can test their skills on the World Cup Competition run. Pamporovo is also a favourite, but the immerging jewel in Bulgaria's crown is Bansko in the Pirin Mountains. Its atmospheric old centre and colourful local customs have long charmed holidaymakers, but following impressive and substantial investment to its piste area, ski lifts and winter infrastructure, Bansko can now combine old charisma with superb modern ski facilities to great affect. With a respectable height of 2580 metres, it has one of the best snow records in Bulgaria, and boasts the only half-pipe in Eastern Europe.

Take a hop-skip and a jump into Slovenia. The well-equipped ski resorts in the Julian Alps offer impressive ski runs and amazing scenery. 40% of the runs are beginner, 45% are intermediate and 15% of the runs are for advanced skiers. Combined with a range of non-skiing activities such as frozen waterfall climbing, snow shoeing and tobogganing, the friendliness of the Slovenian people and excellent value for money all add up to make Kranjska Gora Slovenia's leading ski resort. While you are there you can visit beautiful Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and the spectacular Postojna caves, a lifetime experience you'll not forget.

Completely off the beaten track, nestled between France and Spain is the tiny mountain kingdom of Andorra. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, but its privileged location proves to be a great advantage because Andorra is blessed with reasonably consistent snowfalls as well as numerous sunny days and if it's not dumping you can pretty much guarantee it's bluebird.

Over the last several years, about $200 million has been poured into Andorra, turning it into one of the hippest spots this side of the Alps. There are cool new lifts, new hotels with spas and fancy restaurants, and the addition of high-tech grooming and snowmaking facilities.

Once a caterpillar, Andorra has now merged into a butterfly, consisting of two big "ski stations," linked by a high-speed network of 106 lifts and spanning 7,600 acres of skiable terrain, more than Aspen and Vail combined.

Whether you are a party of two, a family of six or a group of 500 avid skiers looking for a new frontier or a totally new skiing experience you'll find it with SkiTheWorld.net.au, your expert skiing operator.

Call them today on (07) 5526 2855 or Toll free on 1800 156 856 FREE.

Your skiing indulgence is their challenge!