One Of The French Pyrenees' Largest Ski Areas Is An Affordable Family-Friendly Resort

The legendary slopes of Zermatt, the star-studded hills of St. Moritz ... skiing in Europe is a dream. A dream that, unfortunately, can be out of reach for many. It's a pricey endeavor, made even more expensive (and more difficult) when you have little kids in tow. But if you know where to go, it's possible to find those awe-inspiring views, that dreamy fresh powder, and family-friendly activities — all at an affordable cost.

The key to finding these budget-friendly ski destinations in Europe is to go off the beaten path. Although all skiers deserve a chance at the Alps, the resorts in Switzerland and France cost a pretty penny and aren't always the best suited for kids. Instead, look south to the Pyrenees, a mountain range on the border of France and Spain. Many of the ski resorts in the Pyrenees are more affordable, including the largest one in the area: Grand Tourmalet, deep in the Vallées de Gavarnie (Gavarnie Valleys). Tickets here start at $54 per day for adults, with cheaper tickets for kids and students and discounts on longer stays.

The Pyrenees aren't exactly a hidden gem — they're considered one of the best places in the world to ski. However, their location in the south of France and on the edges of northern Spain means that many visitors don't immediately think of "ski vacation" when heading to the area. This reality offers less crowded, less expensive ski resorts that still don't skimp on the views, amenities, or activities (or, especially integral to skiing, the snow). The snow cover varies wildly throughout the year and annually, but usually, there's decent snow by Christmas, with the best skiing in January and February.

Grand Tourmalet itself has 62 miles (100 km) of pistes, or ski runs, suitable for all levels of skiing. Although the Pyrenees, and thus Grand Tourmalet, aren't as high as the Alps, the wetter snow clings to steeper mountainsides than the lighter, fluffier Alpine snow. Grand Tourmalet is also one of the most varied resorts in the Pyrenees, as far as terrain goes, from heavily forested trails to vast powder fields seen alongside far-reaching vistas at the top near the Pic du Midi observatory (at 9,439 feet/2,877 meters).

Grand Tourmalet has a large variety of beginner packages, as well as lessons, depending on the ability and level of your little snow bunnies. Pop them in a lesson to build their confidence or explore with them yourself in the dedicated family zone with a bunny hill. If your kids are smaller, less coordinated, or just not into skiing, there's still a host of fun activities for them at this resort, such as biking, sledding, and more.

The physical nature of skiing and the après-ski culture means that some of the world's best ski resorts aren't always family-friendly. Of course, there aren't really "adults-only" ski resorts out there, but resorts where you ski hard and then party hard are just not as fun when you have to be responsible for a child. But that doesn't mean you should give up your skiing holiday! That's where kid-friendly ski towns for your European winter vacation come in, like Grand Tourmalet. There's plenty of après-ski fun for that crowd, but also plenty of fun for you and your little ones, too. Meet some sled dogs, rent a sled yourself, try out a fat tire bike, zoom around on a snowmobile, or strap on some snowshoes. If you need a break from the cold, the two nearest towns, Barèges and La Mongie, have charming restaurants, hot tubs, pools, and other family activities.