Best Neilson ski resorts: ideal picks for family ski holidays

The Andorra ski season runs from December to April, and as it’s high in the Pyrenees, the El Tarter resort offers impressive altitudes (up to 2590m), reliable snow conditions and stunning sunsets, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced skiers.

Part of the exclusive Neilson Mountain Collection, Hotel Del Clos could come straight from the scene of a classic Christmas movie and features traditional wooden walls and spacious ensuite rooms with impressive views across the mountains.

Based just 300 metres from the resort centre, there are 114 runs to choose from, including nine beginners' green runs, 25 blue runs, 18 red runs and 11 challenging black slopes for the more experienced skiers.

With a wide sloped area dedicated entirely to beginners of all ages, El Tarter is also home to one of the best native English-speaking ski schools in Europe. As such, it’s a great location for building your confidence with experienced coaches and guides.

The resort is set up to allow maximum time on the slopes, so expect good quality ‘fast’ food such as burgers, American-style sandwiches and homemade cakes at Dylan’s Chill out bar. The recently renovated L’Aberset bar and restaurant offers a laid-back and relaxed apres ski scene with live music and guest DJs to end the day on a high.

If you fancy venturing outside the resort, the snow tubes at Gran Roig are a short bus ride away, while you can reach Andorra la Vella shops and restaurants in around 30 minutes. To make your holiday extra special for kids, you can even arrange a husky sleigh ride at the Grandvalira mountains; ideal if you’re visiting close to Christmas.

Neilsen offers a non-ski kindergarten for under fives, as well as a ski school for kids aged up to 11. The qualified childminders at the Neilson kids’ clubs are suitable for children aged four months to 12 years, keeping them fully entertained while you enjoy some extra time on the slopes or some well-deserved R&R at the onsite Temple Spa.

Nearest airport: Toulouse, France (3 hours)

The Val d’Isere Tignes ski region is one of the greatest places to ski and it’s not hard to see why. Known for its steady supply of snow, sociable apres ski options, boutique shops and designer outlets, the region has a great nightlife too - with a huge 60 bars, restaurants and nightclubs in the local vicinity.

Better suited to intermediate and advanced skiers or those who take their ski time fairly seriously, there are 159 runs with altitudes between 1550m and 3456m and a range of ski runs at all levels, including off-piste. The resort has recently invested in high-speed gondolas holding 10 people each; meaning you spend less time queuing, getting to the top of the mountain in no time.

During your stay, you'll have access to an experienced ski instructor who will run a series of coaching sessions and guided tours tailored to the group's ability level.

The Hotel La Toviere itself is pretty impressive too. Completely rebuilt in 2012 and renovated in 2018, it has a stylish and luxury design of aged wood, local stone and faux fur with ambient lighting throughout. There are 29 bedrooms and suites at the hotel, all of which offer a balcony with stunning mountain views, whilst larger two-bedroom suites are available for bigger families. It’s worth noting that whilst there’s a children's area with games and books, there are no kids clubs at La Toviere, so it’s better suited to older kids who are keen to ski themselves.

From a hearty breakfast to a tantalising afternoon tea, you can expect three-course dinners every day followed by fresh coffee whilst the sun goes down.

Relaxation is a big deal at La Toviere. with a sauna, steam room and sunken hot tub. There’s even a large pool with a viewing window, where you can enjoy a relaxing breaststroke whilst enjoying the captivating views over the mountains. Alternatively, you can head to the Temple Spa treatment rooms to soothe your aching limbs at the end of a busy day.

Nearest airport: Grenoble (3 hours, 30 minutes)

Hotel Le Menuire & Spa is a luxurious but laid-back base from which to explore the world-renowned Three Valleys, the largest linked ski area in the world. With 100 miles of mostly blue pistes, it’s also really accommodating for families, with the Croisette area offering a variety of gentle and accommodating slopes.

The hotel’s 41 rooms have a warm, cosy and comforting vibe, with wooden cladding and a Fair Isle design throughout. Many rooms have views over the mountains while others have a small balcony where you can enjoy a calming coffee before the kids wake up.

For those reluctant to carry their skis (yourself included), you’ll be pleased to know that you can ski virtually right up to the door (hopefully not Bridget Jones style). Intermediate skiers will really benefit from the free guiding and coaching from fully qualified instructors.

One of the biggest attractions of the Le Menuire hotel is its spa and wellness area, which is second to none. Kids will love the indoor adventure pool with jet beds, a whirlpool and a lazy river, while parents can relax and rejuvenate their legs in the onsite sauna. If you prefer to stay active and go exploring around the resort, you can borrow snow buggies and sledges that allow you to travel in style.

When travelling with young children, the Neilson kids’ clubs, childcare and creches cater for kids from four months to 12 years and offer evening childcare three evenings a week. There are dedicated kids' menus with options for even the pickiest of eaters, while grown-ups will tuck into seven three-course evening meals during the stay, all inspired by the local region.

Nearest airport: Grenoble (2 hours)

Last but by no means least is Chalet Sandy, but there’s a slight catch - children under 15 are only welcome when part of a whole chalet booking, so only if you’re travelling as a large group or wider family. Alternatively, it’s ideal for parents travelling with teens.

Due to its small size, it’s definitely a more intimate experience; so you’ll need to be comfortable getting to know the other guests.

Chalet Sandy is part of the Neilson Mountain Collection and sleeps just 15 people in seven cosy and comfortable ensuite rooms. A relatively new property, it offers a great balance of modern interiors with a traditional chalet feel - think exposed wooden beams and log burners and you’re certainly on the right lines. Thanks to its elevated position on the mountain, the views are pretty impressive too.

Sandy Chalet is located really close to the action, with the main street of Les Deux Alpes on the Vallée Blanche side of the resort and the Diable lift and blue piste about 500 metres away.

The dining setup is similar to Hotel le Cret, in that one night is kept free for self-catering. With over 40 bars, restaurants and nightclubs right on your doorstep, you can make this holiday (and your apres ski) as lively as you wish.

If you prefer your end-of-day to be a little more relaxing, you can breathe in the fresh mountain air while taking a dip in the outdoor hot tub, relax and rejuvenate in the sauna or simply cosy up and enjoy a movie in the video room.

Nearest airport: Grenoble (2 hours)