This is a question I get asked a lot as more families are skiing together and taking grandparents along or the non-skier aunt for free childcare.  Or the whole family want to enjoy Christmas in the snow but not leave someone stuck in the chalet the whole week.

My top recommendation is Zermatt.  Switzerland is a very friendly country to ski with easy access for non skiers to most lifts plus they have winter friendly walking routes, sledge runs and breathtaking views.  Swiss alpine villages are set up for year round tourism so they make sure they accommodate walkers and have places of interest all year round to attract the tourists.

Zermatt is an excellent base as all the lifts come down into the town and although car free, electric buses and electric taxis are widely available.  The large village is chocolate box perfect with lots of shops, cafes, restaurants plus après ski spots to keep you interested.  The sports centre offers ice skating, ice hockey and curling.  Or if you prefer relaxing in a spa then the hotels offer a wide selection open to the public from 12chf per person with a range of sauna, hamman, Jacuzzis, indoor pools with many suitable for children as well.

Why not join the skiers in your group for a spot of gastronomy on the mountain with a sunbathe on a deck chair after.  There are many fantastic places to eat with amazing views.  From traditional Swiss fare to Italian to a gastronomic experience at Chez Vrony.  Most are accessible by lift or some involve a short walk from the lift, though you may like a walk down the winter hiking trail back to the chalet to walk off your lunch.

Or if you fancy taking to the snow but not on skis you must try out the sledging.  Rotenboden run is easy and is 1.5km long or if you prefer a bit more challenging then Täsch is 3.6km long but you have to get to the starting point on foot.  But if you have small children then Randa in the heart of the village is 0.2km and very gentle.

Skiing with people with walking difficulties? This resort offers lots of new chalets or renovations with internal lifts, plus lifts right off the main street.  Electric taxis will minimise the amount of walking needed.  Please ask us for recommendations on chalets.

Zermatt offers excellent skiing, nightlife, non skiing activities, wonderful views and satisfying food plus the Swiss are extremely family friendly.  What more could you ask for on your next ski trip?