Are you looking for the perfect ski resort for ski holidays with a large group? Whether you’re with family or with the mates, there’s a good chance your group will have people with different ability levels. If you don’t feel like forcing your friend down a black piste during their first-ever ski holiday, and you’re equally unenthusiastic about accompanying your newbie mates down the nursery slopes all day long, then you should check out this list of ski resorts that are perfect for mixed-ability groups. Of course, an après-ski bar or two doesn’t hurt either!
In Kitzbühel-Kirchberg you'll find affordable accommodation and always a good party. The village is full of shops, restaurants and après-ski bars to keep everyone busy, while the ski area is suitable for all ability levels. Advanced skiers can tick off the Streif downhill from their bucket list, while less confident skiers can stick to the blue pistes on the Pengelstein and the Ehrenbachhöhe. The new Fleckalmbahn gives even easier access to the pistes from Kirchberg.
Perched at an altitude of 2300m above sea level, Val Thorens enjoys guaranteed snow and no shortage of ski-in, ski-out accommodations. Novice skiers can purchase a Val Thorens ski pass and explore the 150km of pistes in this ski resort, while advanced skiers have the luxury of buying a pass that allows access to the entire 3 Vallées ski area, with 600km of pistes. Oh, and we almost forgot – Val Thorens is home to La Folie Douce, France’s most famous slopeside après-ski joint.
Spread out across the gorgeous Italian Dolomites in South Tyrol, the Val Gardena ski area has three villages: Ortisei, St. Christina and Wolkenstein. Each village has its own distinct character, ranging from lively Ortisei to tranquil Wolkenstein. Groups of friends or family can tuck into delicious Italian food, kick back and relax in the sunshine or tackle the Sella Ronda, one of the most famous ski circuits in the Alps. The après-ski scene here is more reserved – no dancing on tables in your ski boots – but still a good time.
The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn has all the ingredients for a successful winter sports holiday with a large group, especially in the villages of Saalbach and Hinterglemm. Spacious apartments, 270km of mostly blue and red slopes, excellent ski schools and a lively après-ski scene... it’s no wonder the Skicircus is popular with the international crowd!
A hip destination with a fun atmosphere, Laax in Switzerland boasts ski-in, ski-out accommodation where groups will feel right at home. Laax is popular with young people and there is a general laid-back vibe on the slopes and in the village, with its many bars and restaurants. 4 snow parks and an indoor ‘Freestyle Academy’ round out the offering to make Laax one of the freestyle meccas of the Alps. If you’re not a freestyler, you’ll still have plenty to keep you busy on approximately 200km of slopes.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
