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Going skiing with your family is more than just a holiday. Getting out on the slopes together is a fantastic opportunity to make memories in a dreamlike mountainous setting, and it’s something that many families choose to repeat time after time.
If it’s your first time planning a family ski holiday, the process might feel a little bit daunting. Going away for a week might be overwhelming for your children, especially if they’ve never skied before – but leaving too soon could mean that they don’t have time to get the hang of it.
No matter your levels of experience as a family, it’s worth knowing a few tricks and tips to ensure a ski holiday that the whole family adores – and wants to repeat!
Booking a family-friendly resort is the first essential step. You should try to look out for resorts that not only boast accessible, beginner-friendly slopes and lifts but also other child-centric amenities. These could include facilities like kids’ ski schools, dedicated beginner slopes and separate play areas too.
If time away from the kids is important to you, it’s possible to find resorts with creche options and playgroups too. Just make sure to read reviews before you decide.
Some resorts offer more comprehensive childcare services than others, which could make a better solution to provide keen skier parents with well-deserved time on the slopes while the children get stuck into age-appropriate group activities.
While the skills associated with skiing do come naturally to some people, lessons are incredibly important for beginners – no matter their age. For young children, investing in lessons from a trained ski instructor could boost their confidence and get them out on the slopes sooner than you’d expect.
No matter your age, ski lessons not only impart valuable skiing skills but promote a safer and more enjoyable experience out on the slopes. Many resorts offer group lessons, adding an extra layer of fun for children and teenagers thanks to the social, welcoming environment fostered.
It’s easy to find lists of the best family ski resorts online, but your choice is ultimately a personal one. You should choose based on your own preferences and requirements, including those for your food, entertainment, and travel times.
You must make sure that the whole family has comfortable ski gear that fits properly and securely. All amateur skiers know that renting equipment is the most practical and cost-effective choice, especially since children quickly outgrow their gear.
If you’re buying kit, try to prioritise warmth, ensuring that they have high-quality insulated clothing to prevent frostbite. Waterproof gloves and well-fitted helmets are two of the most essential items.
But saving luggage space and time might be more important to you and your family, so hiring equipment once you arrive could be the most convenient option.
While you and your partner might be ready to hit the slopes all day, every day, it’s important to remember that other family members might not feel the same way.
Try to keep in mind that skiing might make children feel tired faster than you’d expect, both physically and mentally. Plan to take regular breaks on the slopes and put plenty of snacks in your pockets – or stop at the chalet for some sit-down rest and hot lunch between sessions.
Plenty of resorts offer a fantastic range of non-skiing activities, including ice skating, tubing, or even novelty competitions. Try to change the pace to keep your children engaged and excited throughout the holiday, and don’t hesitate to have a total rest day if you’re staying for a week.
No skiing holiday would be complete without embracing the après-ski culture. You don’t need to stay up late to have a good time either, even though lots of newcomers assume that après-ski is one big party. Many world-class resorts offer family-friendly activities to enhance that après-ski experience, including bonfires, child-friendly discos, or seasonal bonfires.
Even if you’re enjoying the party, just make sure that you don’t stay up too late. You and your children should aim to get at least nine hours of sleep per night to prepare for the active days ahead.
Taking part in activities like these not only helps you to make lasting memories and spend quality time with your loved ones, but it allows all the family to decompress and share tales of their adventures throughout each day. Skiing can be challenging for a beginner, but it’s a fantastic way to help your children build confidence, teamwork skills, and fitness too.
With a few simple steps, the whole family can enjoy the ski holiday of a lifetime. Always make sure you choose the most appropriate equipment and give yourself – and the kids – plenty of opportunities to take a break from the thrills. When it comes to travelling with the family, it’s worth doing everything you can to guarantee smooth and hassle-free ski transfers from the airport to the resort.
This is a collaborative post.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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