Even if you skied a lot pre-kids, you still need to plan a family skiing holiday very carefully - it's always more complicated than you think. Family ski trips can end up forming some of the fondest memories - they can also be a headache to organise.

Doing your research before hand and looking for a few key aspects when choosing a destination makes a big difference.

To start with, check out some of the small - mid size resorts rather than the big name giants - they'll be better value and will mean you won't have to trek long distances with the kids in tow. For the same reason, try to book accommodation close to the ski slopes and other facilities.

When booking accommodation, look at apartments or hotels that have plenty of space, so you're not all piled up on top of each other (especially with teenagers!). It's also a good idea to look for accommodation that offers extra facilities such as a pool and spa in case you want to take a break from the slopes. Many of the resorts offer a multitude of après ski options - from sleigh rides to top bars and restaurants, so check that the après ski scene matches your family's needs.

Every family is different, so great family resort for you may not be so good for someone else! Think about each family member's different needs. In particular, a family resort should have good variety of pistes and amenities to cater for all your family's individual skill levels. As well as the above, bear in mind transfer times from the nearest airport, train station or ferry port, the reputation of the resort's ski school, and the suitability of the resort's slopes for the differing abilities of your family.

If, like most of us, you're looking to keep costs down, keep your eye out for specials (often occurring around Christmas and Easter) - and for beginner packages which offer ski school tuition, lift pass and rentals together.

Overall, if you look out for resorts with quiet slopes, plenty of fun activities and cheaper prices than the big name resorts - and plan well ahead of time - you'll have a fantastic family trip.

1. La Plagne, France

Made up of a network of ski villages, La Plagne is well-connected by an excellent system of lifts and buses. The ski area is an intermediates paradise with long reds and blues to explore making it a great choice for more experienced skiers and families with teenagers. There's an excellent ski school and crèche, too.

With more than fifty restaurants to choose from, there are plenty of options when you feel like heading out for dinner. There's also lots to keep you occupied off the slopes - from the relaxing (Turkish and seaweed baths, outdoor heated pools) to the active (bowling, kids pony rides, open-air floodlit ice rink).

2. Cervinia, Italy

Italians are known for their enthusiastic love for kids, and the three ski schools and nursery at Cortina go out of their way to make sure they have a good time. The town itself is bustling and lively - with great shopping - which means teenagers will be kept happy.

The skiing is mainly suited to beginners and intermediates, although advanced skiers can find some interesting runs particularly down towards Valtournenche. The nursery slopes are right near the village, and are sheltered, snow sure and gentle.

3. Saas Fee, Switzerland

This charming, friendly resort has been loved by generations of Swiss families. Made up of several classic alpine villages, kids will love the winter wonderland feel. Its high altitude means it is fairly snow sure - meaning soft snow for little ones who are learning.

Saas Fee is a great place for beginners to learn. The first nursery slopes are perfectly situated in Saas Fee village, so children can ski and parents can watch while relaxing at the bar. Once they find their feet they can move up the mountain to easy blues and greens.

4. Avoriaz, France

Avoriaz is a purpose built traffic free haven - offering genuine peace and quiet, and making it ideal for families. Nestled in the French Alps, the resort is eco-conscious and has recently developed an environmentally friendly winter forest adventure park. Everything has been made out of wood, such as tree-trunk slides - providing fun for all ages.

Avoriaz is especially magical for kids at Christmas, with twinkling lights and toy-building workshops, and boasts a fantastic Children's Village, skating rink, and sleigh rides. Les P'tits loups nursery welcomes babies and children from 3 months to 5 years.

5. Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt's sunny disposition (it enjoys up to 300 sunny days a year) means warmer temperatures for tots to enjoy. It's a vibrant, car free village with plenty of dining and activities; and boasts views of one of Europe's most recognized and iconic peaks.

Regularly recognised as one of Europe's most family-friendly resorts, the ski area has varied terrain for everyone, and is a good well-rounded resort, but intermediates and experts dominate. Fifty percent of the terrain is good for intermediates, particularly confident mid-level skiers who will love the wide range of reds. For young kids not quite slope-ready, Zermatt offers Wolli's park for beginners, a sheltered sunny area perfect for learning.

6. Flaine, France

Often overlooked in favour of big, glitzy resorts like Val d'Isere and Courchevel, Flaine is an underrated, superb family resort. It boasts a short transfer time and large varied ski area has plenty to offer all levels of skier and boarder. Located at the heart of the fantastic 'Grand Massif' and featuring over 265km of amazing ski runs, it is perfect for mixed-ability families.

Fun, compact Flaine Forum is a favourite with young families, whilst those looking for a quieter break can head up the hill to Hameau de Flaine village. The small scale of the resort means it's easy to get around quickly. The P'tit Loups crèche takes children from 6 months, and there are two ski kindergartens.

7. Morzine, France

A very pretty, family friendly chalet style resort, Morzine is situated right in the middle of of the Portes du Soleil, an enormous ski area. It has ski slopes for all levels, traditional chalets and special childcare services. The Outa Nursery is especially for children between 3 months and 5 years old and organises a variety of games and activities. Set in a lovely Savoyard chalet with a large garden, kids can play in supervised safety. Guaranteed English speaking teachers and small group sizes at the BASS Morzine ski school have given it a great reputation.

Many lifts have been upgraded over the last five years and queues are rare - a definite plus for impatient toddlers!

8. Alpe d'Huez, France

A fun, relaxed resort, Alpe d'Huez caters for both experts and novices. Its central bowl naturally divides into zones catering for different abilities. The designated 'slow zone' is perfect for any first timer. And if you have members in your family who are thrill-seekers, the black runs accessible from the top of Pic Blanc and Les Marmottes III cable car let advanced skiers to experience the maximum vertical drop of 2200m.

Attractions include igloos, glacier tours, snow mobiling, and a sports centre with ice rink and heated indoor pool. The 'Les Eterlous' children's village is excellent, and kids will be enthralled by the Alpe d'Huez ice caves, a magical grotto of glistening sculptures and fairytale figures.

9. Les Deux Alpes, France

Home to the largest skiable glacier in Europe, Les Deux Alpes offers year round skiing, which means you may be able to snap up a cheap out-of-season deal. France's second oldest ski resort, it has a lively atmosphere off the slopes and a sunny reputation. The skiing lends itself best to beginners and experts.

Kids aged 6 months to 2 years are looked after at the slope side La Creche du Clos des Fonds, and Le Bonhomme de Neige caters well for 2 to 6 year olds. The Espace Loisirs playground has tobogganing, tubing, ski-biking and an inflatable bob-run with organised races most days.

10. Nendaz, Switzerland

The first thing you'll notice in Nendaz is the super-friendly, personal service typical of the region. The relaxed, friendly village overlooks the Rhone valley and offers breathtaking panoramic view over the Alps. The scenery is amplified by an incredible amount of sunshine, with the region known as the sunniest in Switzerland.

The friendly village atmosphere, plenty of non-skiing activities and laid back après ski make this a great choice for mixed ability groups and families; the resort has been awarded the "Families Welcome" label by the Fédération Suisse du Tourisme for its family friendly credentials.