The 5 Best Ski Resorts For Groups

The Best Group Ski Holidays 2018-2019

Our ski specialists can take all the hassle out of group ski break organisation and save you plenty of time by using their wealth of knowledge to find you the best accommodation out there for the best price as well. When speaking to our customers we've found that, yes the ski area size and variability is a big factor but there are other more important things to consider for group ski holidays:

• Quality accommodation - something that's going to provide an amazing space for your group to enjoy and not simply the cheapest option
• Price - it's obviously important to find something within everyone's budget whilst being great quality at the same time. This is where some group discounts can help
• Activities - the skiing is great but there needs to be a little more to do, especially where kids are involved but who doesn't love a bit of tobogganing or a fire and ice show
• Après/nightlife - this invariably pops up, it's not always about jager bombs and table dancing, it can just be great places to chill out together, a decent game of nails or a bit of live music to look forward to
• Scenery - there's nothing that sets a holiday off on the right tone more than rocking up to a beautiful ski resort, instant smile machine, you can't underestimate it

We know each group of friends, families and colleagues are different so below we look at the best ski resorts for different groups. There are very few 'one-size-fits-all' ski resorts out there, so where you pick massively depends on your preferences.

Our top four resorts for group and family ski holidays:

Meribel group skiing

Chances are you've probably heard of Meribel or even been there. Famed for its chalet-style buildings amongst the trees and an après ski scene to be proud of. A firm British favourite, its hard to beat as a group ski destination, in the heart of the largest linked ski area in the world (600km of skiing) you have cruisy skiing over in Courchevel and high altitude adrenaline up in Val Thorens but there's more than enough in Meribel itself. This could be the resort that has it all.

 

 

What we like

• Undoubtedly the prettiest resort in the three valleys with peaked wooden roofs interrupting the conifers and mountain views
• Energetic après ski with the famed Rond Point as well as the Folie Douce and plenty more options back in town
• Fantastic skiing for all abilities, you won't find more varied ski slopes anywhere else
• Being a relatively large resort there's plenty of activities to go with it; bowling, cinema, horse-drawn tours, ice skating, wall climbing, swimming...

Worth knowing

• The transfer is two to two and a half hours from Geneva airport
• It is predominantly an English resort, which is both good and bad depending on how you look at it
• Ski schools are great for kids and adults alike

Summary: It'd be hard to find a group Meribel wasn't suitable for, maybe those looking for a small resort with slopes to themselves wouldn't love it here but would still have a good time.
Where to stay: Chalet Ophelia for a great sociable atmosphere and outdoor hot tubs.

Engelberg group skiing

Engelberg is a popular choice for those looking for a relatively low-cost option, but that's only as it's not that well known, it's up there amongst the best in our opinion. A great little town complete with a Benedictine monastery it was built around. The ski area soars up to 3,239m at the top of the glacier with a 2,000m vertical drop to town. Snow comes in abundance here so anyone looking to try a bit of powder skiing would be in luck.

 

 

What we like

• A great little town with loads going on, try the Yucatan club for live music and plenty of beer (more beer sold than any other bar in central Switzerland we're told)
• High, snow-sure skiing with consistently one of the best snow records in Europe
• Extensive off-piste skiing
• Great value accommodation
• Activities such as tobogganing, air-boarding, Europe's highest suspension bridge, rotating sight-seeing cable car, snowmobiling, igloo village and snowshoeing

Worth knowing

• The town wasn't built to be a ski resort as it was founded by monks, therefore depending on where you stay, it may be easier to hop on the bus in the mornings
• Although there's plenty of skiing for all levels, Engelberg is most suited to confident intermediate and advanced skiers
• 1 hour 30 minute transfer from Zurich airport - it doesn't get much more convenient

Summary: Engelberg is a great option for those looking for some high altitude skiing in a striking landscape. There's plenty going on in the town and the convenience of being so close to Zurich is hard to beat. The resort is great for short breaks and many of the hotels put on special events for large groups.
Where to stay: Hotel Bellevue-Terminus for a great atmosphere and plenty of live music.

Chamonix group skiing

The capital of mountaineering, Chamonix has some serious ski pedigree. The town is surrounded by towering peaks and glimmering glaciers, it's a remarkable setting. Many class the skiing as world-beating and certainly some of the ski routes are up there with the best. The ski area is split into separate sections with areas to suit all levels, we particularly liked Le Tour for its cruisy runs and quieter slopes.

 

 

What we like

• A huge range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, we even have a penthouse chalet here
• Vibrant nightlife that starts before the mountains close and carries on into the early hours
• The town is a mini-city break itself, a fab year-round town with pedestrianised centre lined with Victorian buildings
• Fantastic skiing and plenty of choice, you could even drive across the border to Courmayeur if you fancied some Italian skiing too

Worth knowing

• It is a large town and getting to the different ski areas requires hopping on the bus, they're super efficient though and you won't be waiting around for more than about 10 minutes ever
• A one hour transfer from Geneva means you can certainly ski on your arrival and departure days
• There is loads to do for non-skiers as well, in particular, the Aiguille du Midi lift with spectacular views from the summit, one of France's most popular tourist destinations. Dog sledging is also a great option

Summary: Chamonix is perfect for ski groups who have a few non-skiers or those who don't like to ski every day as well as those looking to really test themselves. Hire a guide to do the famous Valley Blanche ski itinerary, it's a full day skiing for just one run with plenty of necessary stops along the way.
Where to stay: 4* Le Refuge des Aiglons for some of the best views in town from the heated outdoor Nordic pool.

St Anton group skiing

The party capital of the Alps, St Anton is a perennial favourite with flexiski customers. A huge and varied ski area with a great snow record as well as some of the liveliest après ski on the mountains. The Mooserwirt is our personal favourite though the Basecamp umbrella bar at the bottom of the slopes has some pretty spectacular live sax sessions and is a great place from which to watch the last stragglers come down the mountain.

 

 

What we like

• The après scene, it's all about a few post-ski beers (other beverages are available) and having a good time before heading back to your chalet or hotel for dinner
• The ski area is great, the areas around Stuben and Zurs are great to avoid the crowds and get some cruisy skiing in
• Short transfer from Innsbruck, as little fuss as possible
• A range of hotels and chalets to choose from
• There's a great toboggan run if you fancy a bit of a thrill or the Skiing Buddha overlooks the indoor climbing walls if you're happier watching the adrenaline junkies than participating yourself

Worth knowing

• It is an après destination so young children may have a better time elsewhere
• The slopes can get crowded at bottle-neck points, but it's rarely much of an issue
• The slopes back to town can be challenging at the end of the day, so if you're learning it may be worth getting the gondola down

Summary: A fantastic ski resort to head to if you're looking for one big party, there are quieter areas and much more besides but the après is the big draw
Where to stay: Chalet Amalien Haus to be right in the centre of town and easy walking distance to the main gondola

In Summary

Group skiing can be the highlight of the season, they can be amazing when everything goes right and a nightmare if it all falls apart. We're here to make sure you have the best experience possible and to take all the hassle out of a group ski break. We can:

• Organise everything from accommodation only through to flights, transfers, lift passes, ski rental, ski lessons and activities
• Use any UK airport with corresponding flights
• Can hold hotel and chalet options for you whilst you round up the troops
• Call/take payment from different group members so you don't have to be responsible for the entire deposit
• Use our knowledge to recommend the best resorts and accommodation for your group

Speak to our ski specialists on 01962 587777 to chat about any options you have in mind, or ask them for their opinions. For some guide pricing check out our offers and packages pages or enquire online.

 

For some more inspiration take a look at our ski chalet or short breaks and ski weekends pages. There are plenty more resorts and hotels/chalet/apartments that may suit your group.