Bitesized guide: Family ski holidays

Splash out on upmarket Oberlech © Petra Schneider

Pricey but peaceful: Lech, Austria

Picturesque Lech is well known for its exceptional skiing terrain, but one of its most unique features is the nearby mountain village of Oberlech. Accessible only by cable car and boasting mainly 4-star hotel accommodation, this secluded, car-free oasis is a safe and peaceful option for families and is conveniently located close to the nursery slopes. An underground tunnel system links the hotels and lift station, and parents staying here can enjoy free kindergarten access. The resort has a good toboggan run, English-speaking instructors on hand at its ski schools, and is a smart ski destination for parents with cash to burn.

Affordable fun: Flaine, France

Affordable self-catering accommodation, a compact village and variable ski terrain to cater to all skiing abilities makes Flaine a good choice for families seeking alternatives to the country's other better-known ski resorts. Another big draw is the fact free children's lift passes are available during low season, while childcare facilities are excellent. Flaine also works hard to give children as much excitement as anyone else away from the slopes, with ice-karting or indoor climbing popular among youngsters.

Winter wonderland: Tremblant, Canada

Although the long journey time and distance to North American resorts is not always favourable for families, Tremblant in eastern Canada is worth considering. Vibrant coloured buildings line narrow, cobbled streets and squares, infusing the resort with something of a French feel. It has good runs for all abilities, including great beginner slopes, and a ski school plus a children's adventure area. Some of its best features are off the slopes such as dog sledding, ice skating, and a family-friendly version of Acrobranche, a type of zip line that zooms through the trees.

Crazy about kids: Avoriaz, France

Avoriaz has a complete ski area dedicated to children. Called Village des Enfants, children can enjoy a wide range of activities, such as skijoring where they are towed on skis by ponies. In addition, there's gentle beginner slopes themed with Disney characters. The Avoriaz Alpine ski school is highly acclaimed and there's good nursery provision for babies from three months old. For parents, this purpose-built resort on the Portes du Soleil circuit offers extensive, varied runs, with a broad range of comfortable ski-in/ski-out accommodation.

Laid-back charm: Wengen, Switzerland

For mixed family parties of skiers and non-skiers looking for a tranquil and traditional Swiss setting, Wengen delivers. Accessible by train, children are sure to love the adventure of travelling by rail to reach the resort. Popular with Brits, Wengen offers long, gentle runs for intermediate skiers, nursery slopes in the heart of the village and a ski school offering lessons to children above the age of four. For non-skiers, there are some lovely walks, ice skating, curling and hotel spas. There is limited nightlife, but it's precisely this that will attract those seeking a relaxing atmosphere.