Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland for Families with Kids Just Starting Out
- Family Fun Factor
- 5 days ago
- 13 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Switzerland is famous for its world-class ski resorts — think Zermatt or St. Moritz — but these big ski areas can be overwhelming (and expensive) when you or your kids are just learning to ski. Beginners often can’t take advantage of most of the terrain, which means you pay a premium without getting the full experience.
To help families get started with skiing in the best possible way, we’ve put together a list of the top small ski resorts in Switzerland for beginners and families with kids. These resorts offer gentle slopes, great learning areas, and stunning views — all without the crowds and complexity of the major destinations.
When choosing a ski resort for beginners, a few things make all the difference: an easily accessible magic carpet area (a moving belt that gently carries kids uphill so they can practise without using lifts), wide and gentle slopes that help build confidence, and a ski school on site to support learning. Beginner-friendly resorts are usually either small and simple to navigate or offer flexible pricing with options for families who only need access to beginner areas.
We’ve personally visited every resort on this list and included only our top picks for beginner-friendly skiing in Switzerland.
If you’re still searching for a meaningful Christmas gift, have a look at our Adventure Map for Families. It’s the ideal gift for families who want to spend more time outdoors and get into hiking with their kids.
Here are our top 8 ski resorts in Switzerland for families just starting their skiing journey:
Canton Obwalden (OW)
Brunni Engelberg — Globi-themed slopes and two beginner areas, perfect for young kids.
Canton Schwyz (SZ)
Brunni Alpthal — Super easy access, a great beginner zone, and a fun sledging system.
Canton St. Gallen (SG)
Amden Arvenbüel — Family-friendly slopes with a great family ticket option and beautiful views.
Flumserberg — One of the easiest large resorts to reach from Zurich with a dedicated beginner area.
Canton Glarus (GL)
Elm — Compact resort with a lovely kids’ snow park and a beginner zone connected to the main slopes.
Braunwald — Car-free village with two beginner areas and beautiful alpine views.
Canton Bern (BE)
Männlichen — High-altitude beginner area with reliable snow and incredible views, ideal once kids can handle blue slopes.
Canton Valais (VS)
Saas-Almagell — Family-focused ski area with Kian’s Adventureland full of playful beginner features.
1. Brunni-Alpthal (SZ)
Beginner ski area with a unique sledge system that attaches to the pull lift, right by the parking lot.
Elevation: 1100 - 1526 m
Facilities: 0 chair lifts | 5 pull lifts | 1 gondola
Magic carpets beginner area: Directly accessible from the parking, near the other slopes (but not directly connected)
Slopes: 15 km, mostly blue with some red and one adventure slope
Ski rental on site: Yes
Ski school on site: Yes
Brunni-Alpthal Video
What Makes It Special:
Easily accessible slopes: Right next to the parking
Special sledging option: You can rent their special sledges (regular ones won’t work) that clip onto the lift so the ski lift pulls you up
Snow scooters for kids: Kids from 5 years old can try fun snow scooters
Restaurant with a play corner: There’s a restaurant on-site with a cosy little play area for kids.
Things to Consider
Blue slopes are only accessed by magic carpets and drag lifts — no chairlifts or gondolas. Kids learning to use the lift may fall off, which can slow the group down during lessons.
The ski lifts run along a road where cars park, so be mindful of traffic.
Prices:
IMPORTANT: All prices are indicative and subject to change. Please refer to the resort’s official website for the most current rates.
Ticket prices vary depending on which lifts are included. If you’re just starting out, we recommend either the magic-carpet ticket or, if you’re ready for blue slopes, the “Linke Talseite” ticket — it’s the cheapest option that still covers the beginner-friendly areas.
Adults:
Full day: from CHF 29 to CHF 41
Reduced day: from CHF 21 to CHF 29
Kids 6–15 years old:
Full day: from CHF 24 to CHF 28
Reduced day: from CHF 16 to CHF 20
Kids 0–5 years old:
Full day: CHF 13 - CHF 24
Reduced day: CHF 13 to CHF 16
Magic Carpets: CHF 10 - CHF 16
Ski School: Prices available here
Practical info:
Arrival by car: Park at one of the official parkings: Brunnistrasse 21, 8849 Alpthal
Arrival by public transport: Take the train to Einsiedeln and a bus to Brunni Talstation
Ski school meeting point: Brunnistrasse, 8849 Alpthal
Ski Map | Restaurant | Ski School | Snow Scooters | Sledging | More Info
2. Arvenbüel Amden (SG)
Sunny plateau with gentle slopes, lake views, and even a family ticket option that includes lunch. The Arvenbüel part is more beginner friendly than the Amden part.
Elevation: 1272 m - 1684 m
Facilities: 1 chair lifts | 2 pull lifts
Magic carpets beginner area: Directly accessible from the parking, with magic carpets, 1 pull lift and some fun obstacles for learning. A short walk away from the main slopes.
Slopes: Part of the small Amden ski area (total ~20 km). The Arvenbüel side itself has roughly 10 km of pistes (blue and red) plus about 3 km of connecting runs
Ski rental on site: Yes (limited supply - check in advance)
Ski school on site: Yes
Arvenbüel Amden Video
What Makes It Special:
Easily accessible slopes: Right next to the parking
Special family ticket (up to 5 people, max 2 adults): without lunch CHF 99 or with lunch CHF 140 (choice of 2–3 set menus)
Sledging run just next to the ski run
Things to Consider
The beginner area with magic carpets is a c. 15 mins walk from the main ski area.
The ski area itself is just a short walk from the parking.
The ski rental shop has limited stock, so it’s best to check availability in advance.
Prices:
IMPORTANT: All prices are indicative and subject to change. Please refer to the resort’s official website for the most current rates.
Ticket prices vary based on lifts coverage
Adults (20+):
Full day: CHF 38
Reduced day: CHF 29
Magic carpets:
Kids 6–15 years old:
Full day: CHF 24
Reduced day: CHF 19
Magic Carpets:
Full day: CHF 15 (all ages)
Reduced day: CHF 10 (all ages)
Kids 0–5 years old:
Free
Special family ticket (99 CHF for up to 5 people), single rides, season tickets and points cards are also available.
Ski School: Prices available here
Practical info:
Arrival by car: Park at one of the official parkings - we parked here: Föhrenstrasse 4, 8873 Amden
Arrival by public transport: Take the train to Ziegelbrücke and a bus to Arvenbüel, Arven - ski area is just a few minutes walk away
Ski school meeting point: Chapfstrasse 13, 8873 Amden
Ski Map | Restaurant | Ski School | Ski Rental | Sledging | More Info
3. Elm Sportsbahnen (GL)
Compact village feel, fun kids’ snow park, and easy runs in the beautiful valley.
Elevation: 1020 m - 2105 m
Facilities: 2 chair lifts | 2 pull lifts | 1 gondola
Magic carpets beginner area: Accessible with 1 gondola, just next to the restaurant and directly connected with the main slopes
Slopes: 40 km of slopes: 5 blue, 9 red, 1 black
Ski rental on site: Yes
Ski school on site: Yes
Elm Sportbahnen Video
What Makes It Special:
Beginner area connects directly to the main slopes, making it easy to ski nearby and check in on your child anytime
Great magic-carpet zone with fun obstacles and features that help kids learn through play
Generally feels less crowded than many other resorts (based on our visit — your experience may vary)
Things to Consider
Sledge run down to the valley when there’s enough snow — but note that it’s not suitable for beginners as some parts get narrow
You’ll need to take a gondola up to reach the beginner area — it’s located right next to Bergrestaurant Ampächli
Prices:
IMPORTANT: All prices are indicative and subject to change. With reduced lift operations, ticket prices may also be lower. Please refer to the resort’s official website for the most current rates.
Adults (20+):
Full day: 59 CHF
Reduced day: 50 CHF
Magic carpets: 31 CHF (full day) - 26 CHF (reduced day) - includes the gondola ride up to the beginner area
Kids 6–15 years old:
Full day: 30 CHF
Reduced day: 25 CHF
Magic carpets: 23 CHF (full day) - 20 CHF (reduced day) - includes the gondola ride up to the beginner area
Kids 0–5 years old:
Free
Season tickets, single rides tickets and more options available here
Ski School: Prices available here
Practical info:
Arrival by car: Park at the official parking: Schiesserblock 24, 8767 Elm
Arrival by public transport: Take the train to Schwanden (Glarus Süd) and a bus to Elm, Sportbahnen
Ski school meeting point: The ski school hut just next to the gondola valley station. Lessons for beginners start at the Kids Arena, right next to the top gondola station and Ämpächli restaurant
Ski Map | Restaurant | Ski School | Sledging | | Webcams | Tickets | More Info
4. Brunni Engelberg (OW)
The sunny side of Engelberg, featuring Globi’s Winterland for kids in the valley and additional slopes up at the top of the mountain.
Elevation: 1000 m - 2057 m
Facilities: 1 chair lift | 3 pull lifts | 1 gondola
Magic carpets beginner area: The main beginner area (Globi Winterland - Klostermatte) is right next to the parking, and there’s a smaller one at the top of the gondola at Ristis station (Yeti-Park - Bruni).
Slopes: 8.5 km of slopes: 2 blue, 2 red, 1 black
Ski rental on site: Yes
Ski school on site: Yes
Brunni Engelberg Video
What Makes It Special:
Two ski areas connected with a gondola:
Klostermatte: A large Globi-themed beginner area (Globi Winterland) with magic carpets, one pull lift, playful obstacles, accessible directly from the parking
Brunni: Small beginner area (Yeti Park), chair lift and pull lift with blue and red slopes and a sledge run
Two restaurants — one beside Globi Winterland at the bottom gondola station and one at the top — each with a small indoor play corner for kids
Things to Consider
The red run in Schonegg (Brunni area) is accessed via the steepest pull lift in Switzerland — we recommend it only for confident, experienced skiers.
Prices:
IMPORTANT: All prices are indicative and subject to change. Please refer to the resort’s official website for the most current rates.
Adults (20+):
Brunni + Klostermatte
Full day: 48 CHF
Reduced day: 39 CHF
Klostermatte (Beginner area with Globi Winterland in the valley)
Full day: 26 CHF
Reduced day: 23 CHF
Kids 6–15 years old:
Brunni + Klostermatte
Full day: 24 CHF
Reduced day: 22 CHF
Klostermatte (Beginner area with Globi Winterland in the valley)
Full day: 17 CHF
Reduced day: 15 CHF
Toddlers 3–5 years old:
Brunni + Klostermatte
Full day: 11 CHF
Reduced day: 9 CHF
Klostermatte (Beginner area with Globi Winterland in the valley)
Full day: 11 CHF
Reduced day: 9 CHF
Kids 0–2 years old:
Free
Season tickets, single rides tickets and more options available here
Ski School: Prices available here
Practical info:
Arrival by car: Park at the official parking: Am Dürrbach 5a, 6390 Engelberg
Arrival by public transport: Take the train to Engelberg and either walk 20 minutes or take a bus to Engelberg, Brunnibahn
Ski school meeting point: Most of the ski lessons are taking place in Brunni Klostermatte (just next to the parking) - check with your ski school to confirm
Ski Map | Restaurant Klostermatte Area | Restaurant Brunni Area | Ski School | Sledging | | Webcams | Tickets | More Info
5. Flumserberg Tannenboden (SG)
A larger resort close to Zürich, often above the clouds, but with a special beginner-area pass for families. For beginners we recommend Tannenboden area.
Elevation: Beginner area 1400 m - 1600 m, Main area goes all the way up to 2222
Beginner area facilities: 1 chair lift | 4 pull lifts | 1 gondola (to access the ski area)
Magic carpets beginner area: Accessible either with a gondola or directly from the parking
Slopes: Resort’s approx. 65 km of slopes. The dedicated beginner section is roughly 8–12 km with mainly blue slopes.
Ski rental on site: Yes
Ski school on site: Yes
Flumserberg Tannenboden Video
What Makes It Special:
Super easy access by train — the gondola station is right next to the Flumserberg train stop, making arrival with kids and gear very smooth
Large resort with lots of slopes — plenty of variety for all levels, from first-timers to confident skiers
Dedicated beginner section with its own ticket options — perfect for families where some members ski only easy terrain while others explore the wider mountain
Things to Consider
As one of the closest and easiest ski resorts to reach from Zurich, Flumserberg can get crowded — especially on weekends and sunny days. Parking fills up quickly and gondola queues can become very long, both in the morning when entering the ski area and in the afternoon when everyone heads back down. It’s worth arriving early and planning to leave a bit earlier to avoid the rush.
Prices:
IMPORTANT: All prices are indicative and subject to change. Please refer to the resort’s official website for the most current rates.
Adults (20+):
Full day: 43.50 CHF
Reduced day: from 30.50 CHF
Kids 6–15 years old:
Full day: 22.00 CHF
Reduced day: from15.50 CHF
Kids 0–5 years old:
Free
Season tickets and more options available here
Ski School: Prices available here
Practical info:
Beginner area is in Tannenboden
Arrival by car:
Park at the parking in Unterterzen, just off the highway and take the gondola up (officially recommended option): Blumenaustrasse 2, 8882 Quarten
Park at the parking in Tannenboden just next to the slopes: Sonnhalde Flumserberg, Sonnhalde, 8898 Quarten
Arrival by public transport: Take the train to Unterterzen and take the gondola to Tannenboden
Ski school meeting point: Most of the ski lessons are taking place in Tannenboden ski school area - check with your ski school to confirm
6. Braunwald (GL)
Car-free village with amazing views. Accessible by funicular.
Elevation: 1258 m - 1901 m
Facilities: 3 chair lift | 2 pull lifts | 1 gondola
Magic carpets beginner area: Accessible either with a gondola or directly from the parking
Slopes: Approx. 35 km of slopes, 3 blue, 5 red, 1 black
Ski rental on site: Yes
Ski school on site: Yes
Braunwald Video
What Makes It Special:
Car-free village surrounded by stunning nature
Easily accessible by train
Two beginner areas — one in the valley (Hüttenberg) and one at the top of the Grotzenbüel chairlift (Grotzenbüel)
Long fun sledge run
Hotel Cristal restaurant with a playroom right next to the Hüttenberg beginner area.
Home to the famous Märchenhotel, one of the best family hotels we’ve ever stayed at
Things to Consider
The village is only reachable by funicular from Linthal
The ski area is about a 15-minute walk from the top funicular station — if there’s enough snow, you can pull kids on a sledge.
Otherwise, if you don't want to walk, you can rent an electric taxi to get there.
Prices:
IMPORTANT: All prices are indicative and subject to change. Please refer to the resort’s official website for the most current rates. Prices vary by the ski lifts covered
Adults (20+):
Full day: 50 CHF - 58 CHF
Reduced day: 40 CHF - 45 CHF
Kids 6–15 years old:
Full day: 25 CHF - 30 CHF
Reduced day: 23 CHF - 20 CHF
Kids 0–5 years old:
Free
Season tickets and more options available here
Ski School: Prices available here
Practical info:
Arrival by car: Park at the parking in Linthal: Stachelberg 2, 8783 Linthal and take the funicular to Braunwald
Arrival by public transport: Take the train to Linthal Braunwaldbahn and take the funicular to Braunwald
Walk to the ski area in Hüttenberg where the gondolas and beginner areas are
Ski Map | Restaurant Cristal | Restaurant Chamistübe Grotzenbüel | Ski School | Webcams | Tickets | More Info
7. Saas-Almagell (Saas-Fee area) (VS)
Next to famous Saas-Fee, this smaller, family focused area with Kian's Adventureland - perfect for kids and beginners.
Elevation: 1673 m - 2400 m
Facilities: 2 chair lift | 5 pull lifts
Magic carpets beginner area: Accessible with a chairlift
Slopes: Approx. 15 km of slopes - mix of blue and red (the total in Saas-Valley: 150 km)
Ski rental on site: Yes - in the village
Ski school on site: Yes
Saas-Almagell Video
What Makes It Special:
Kian’s Adventureland features:
Fun cartoon-themed obstacles on the kids’ slope
Snow scooters for kids to ride
A timed race course for friendly competition
A long sledge run all the way to the valley
A snow-tubing track with its own self-pull lift
Things to Consider
Saas-Almagell is part of the Saas-Fee region, but the slopes aren’t connected — you need a bus or car to reach the other areas.
The beginner area itself is accessible by chairlift
Prices:
IMPORTANT: All prices are indicative and subject to change. Please refer to the resort’s official website for the most current rates. Prices vary by the ski lifts covered
Adults (20+):
Full day: 56 CHF
Reduced day: 48 CHF
Kids 6–15 years old:
Full day: 34 CHF
Reduced day: 29 CHF
Kids 0–5 years old:
Free
Season tickets and more options available here
Ski School: Prices available here
Practical info:
Arrival by car: Park at the official parking: 3905 Saas-Almagell
Arrival by public transport: Take the train to Visp and take the bus to Saas Almagell, Dorfplatz
Walk to the chairlift and take the chairlift up to the ski area
Ski Map | Restaurant Alpina | Ski School | Webcams | Tickets | More Info
8. Männlichen (Part of Jungfrau Ski Area) (BE)
A fantastic beginners’ zone at the Männlichen summit — ideal when there isn’t much snow in the valley — with a magic carpet and incredible Alpine views. This area is part of the vast Jungfrau Ski Region and is a great “first big resort” experience for kids gaining confidence on skis.
Elevation: 1624 m - 2225 m
Facilities: Immediate area around Mannlichen: 2 chair lifts | 1 pull lift | 1 gondola. Total connected area has c. 23 gondola & chair lifts
Magic carpets beginner area: Accessible with a gondola, located at 2222 m
Slopes: Approx. 110 km of connected slopes in Grindelwald - Wengen area
Ski rental on site: Yes - in the village and on top of the mountain in Männlichen
Ski school on site: Yes
Männlichen Video
What Makes It Special:
Beginner area at the top of Männlichen with reliable snow
Cute cow-themed playground open all year
The Royal Walk, a short themed hike also accessible in winter
Sledge run down from Männlichen
Directly connected to the Grindelwald–Wengen ski area, so advanced skiers in the family can explore while kids stay in the beginner zone
Things to Consider
There are no tickets for the beginner area only — you need a full-area pass. It’s best to visit once your child can manage blue slopes, so you can really make use of the terrain. If you’re looking for beginner slopes specifically in Grindelwald, there is a separate beginner area in Grindelwald village (skil-ift Bodmi) or beginner area near Wengen village.
Prices:
IMPORTANT: All prices are indicative and subject to change. Please refer to the resort’s official website for the most current rates. Prices vary by the ski lifts covered
Approximate Jungfrau Ski Region lift ticket prices (including Männlichen) are roughly CHF 60–90 for adults, and CHF 30–50 for children (6–15) for a full-day pass — prices vary by date, season, and online/advance purchase.
Ski School: Prices available here
Practical info:
The area can be accessed from two Locations:
ARRIVAL FROM WENGEN:
By Car: Park at the Lauterbrunnen parking (Gütli 481, 3812 Wilderswil). Take the train to Wengen and gondola to Männlichen
By Public Transport: Take the train to Interlaken Ost, train to Lauterbrunnen, train to Wengen and gondola to Männlichen
ARRIVAL FROM GRINDELWALD
By Car: Park in Grindelwald Terminal (Grundstrasse 54, 3818 Grindelwald) and take the gondola to Männlichen
By Public Transport: Take the train to Interlaken Ost, Train to Grindelwald Terminal and gondola to Männlichen
The beginners area is in Männlichen
If you’re still searching for a meaningful Christmas gift, have a look at our Adventure Map for Families. It’s the ideal gift for families who want to spend more time outdoors and get into hiking with their kids.
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