The Top 10 Resorts For Group Skiing
Going on a ski holiday with friends or family is pretty hard to beat. The spectacular mountain scenery, lunches on piste and experiencing all the joys of a ski resort with those close to you really is a fantastic experience for all. With a group ski holiday, you can travel together, ski together, après together, and even take time out and relax together! We do believe that going away as a group is one of the best ways to enjoy a ski holiday, so to help you decide on a resort we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 resorts for group ski holidays.
With stunning views of Mont Blanc, skiers from all over the globe are drawn to Chamonix year on year. Due to its vast terrain, it’s perfect for groups of all abilities as there is something to keep everyone from the beginners to the more advanced skier happy. There is also an abundance of entertainment on and off the snow including facilities such as an ice rink, cinema, bowling alley and a large sports complex with an indoor pool for anyone who wants to spend some time away from the slopes. We recommend you grab a special group plate together at the top of the famous Aiguille du Midi!
Morzine, which is part of the Portes du Soleil is one of the largest internationally linked ski areas in the world, with a huge 650km of skiing! The varied terrain makes this place a true favourite for mixed ability groups of skiers and snowboarders. For groups looking for non-ski activities, there’s a huge range of things to fill the hours such as ice-diving beneath a lake, snowmobiling, tobogganing, snowshoeing and nature discovery tours. There is also plenty of shopping, a world-class ice rink and large swimming pool.
Les Arcs and the Paradiski area really does have something to suit every level of skier or boarder, making it a perfect resort for all types of groups. It’s easy to reach off-piste making it a great option for a mixed ability group ski holidays, who all want to explore more of the mountain. As for après, groups of friends looking for a lively atmosphere should head to the popular bars in Arcs 1800 and 1950, or for those looking for a few quiet drinks then Arcs 1600 has some live music with a much more laid back vibe.
Bad Gastein is a great resort for a group ski holiday – whilst it’s perfect for intermediate skiers, there are plenty of beginner facilities, steep pistes and plenty of off-piste to suit everyone’s needs. For any groups where you have non-skiers, Bad Gastein is an ideal choice as there are plenty of non-ski activities with a huge attraction being the spa, which has naturally infused radon waters and health benefits, so those spending a day off the slopes can relax the day away. The après is also varied which will suit any group looking for a lively or quiet atmosphere and there is a fantastic range of quality restaurants you and your group can indulge in.
Brides les Bains is a great little spot for groups as there’s plenty of varied terrain and is a cheaper place to stay than other resorts in the 3 Valleys. There’s a good choice of accommodation to suit all groups and although it’s not a resort known for its après ski scene, there are a few quaint bars scattered around the town. Alternatively, if your group want the budget option but are after a much livelier après scene then you can head to Meribel for the evening.
Although a much quieter resort than others, Igls is a terrific destination for groups, especially those with skiers and non-skiers as there’s plenty to keep everyone busy. The skiing in Igls is varied enough to keep beginners and intermediates happy but advanced skiers in the group looking for a challenge should explore the Stubai Glacier, accessible on the Innsbruck Glacier Lift Pass. Non-skiers or people looking to escape the slopes for a day or two, should venture into Innsbruck and explore the beautiful city where you’ll find a seemingly endless list of activities and excursions.
With 11 self-contained villages rolled into one, La Plagne, located in the Paradiski area has plenty of mountain terrain to suit all abilities, making it the perfect resort for your group. For anyone just starting out on their ski adventure, there are plenty of great ski schools and a free beginners lift in each village. Intermediates will find it a skiing paradise as the majority of the runs are blue or red and advanced skiers will enjoy the 18km of black runs and extensive off-piste. For the not so keen skiers, there’s a great range of activities such as bobsledding, shopping and fantastic open air heated swimming pool.
Groups and families will have a brilliant time in Les Menuires as it has excellent facilities to cater for everyone and is one of the cheaper destinations in the 3 Valleys – one of the largest ski areas in the world, there is more than enough to keep everyone of all abilities entertained on the slopes. For any non-skiers in the group, there’s plenty for them to get up to! There are plenty of wellness facilities around and a sports centre offering spa treatments or for something more adventurous then there’s the 4km toboggan run, snowshoeing and plenty of great bars in this sunny ski village for a spot of apres!
As one of Europe’s highest resorts, Sierra Nevada is very snowsure, with 6 different ski areas with a broad variety of runs, it’s perfect for mixed ability groups as they can all easily meet up for a spot of lunch on the slopes. For days off the slopes, Sierra Nevada offers the unique opportunity to visit local attractions such as Costa del Sol and Granada City. It is also home to some fantastic restaurants and bars which offer a vibrant Spanish après ski atmosphere. Your group can even ride together on a piste basher at sunset with a few bottles of champagne.
St Anton is the ultimate resort for group ski holidays. Its variety of beginner, intermediate and advanced skiing terrain, huge selection of legendary après ski and off-slope entertainment means there’s something to suit groups of all ages, shapes and sizes. Although suitable for skiers of all abilities, St Anton is perfect for groups of intermediate or advanced skiers as the resort is famed for its challenging skiing and off-piste opportunities.