Ski holidays have always seemed like an exciting way to get the family outdoors and try something adventurous together. But with kids of different ages, not to mention my own need for a bit of downtime, planning can get a little daunting. It’s a real balancing act to find a resort that offers something for everyone, manage the costs, and make sure that everyone – parents included- has time to enjoy it all. The cost and complexity alone can feel overwhelming, especially once you add flights, accommodation, equipment, and lift passes. And then there’s the reality of managing energy levels; I’ve found that after a few hours, younger kids (and sometimes adults!) are ready for a break.
That said, there are ways to make it a truly wonderful experience for everyone. With the right planning, I’m convinced it’s possible to find the perfect balance between skiing, relaxation, and maybe even a touch of luxury for adults. After tons of online research and some great advice from the ski operator we ended up booking with, here are some of the approaches I’ve been considering for our family, to ensure a stress-free holiday.
Finding the Perfect Family-Friendly Ski Resort
Opt for Resorts with Excellent Family Facilities
I’ve found that starting with a resort that caters to families can make a huge difference. Family-oriented resorts often come with kid-specific amenities like childcare, beginner-friendly ski areas, and fun extras that make it easier to relax and enjoy ourselves. For example, Flaine in France is ideal with its car-free village, which makes it safer for kids. There’s a fantastic “Magic Carpet” area where young skiers can learn, making it a gentle way to introduce them to the slopes. Similarly, the Sierra Nevada in Spain is known for its sunny slopes and dedicated family zones. The Spanish après-ski culture means there are plenty of ways for parents to unwind after a day on the slopes, but I would only ski outside somewhere other than the high alpine resorts if going right in the middle of winter, to be sure of snow, so I’m leaning towards skiing in France.
Choose a Resort with Varied Terrain and Top-Notch Ski Schools
Another must-have is a range of terrain to suit everyone’s different skill levels, plus a really good ski school. Having beginner runs alongside more advanced slopes means I can have some fun too, without straying too far from the family. For instance, Val d’Isère in France has a great combination of beginner areas and challenging terrain for more experienced skiers. Their ski school, a branch of France’s famous ESF, is highly regarded so it’s easy to leave the kids in safe hands while we have some independent time skiing more intermediate runs. La Plagne also stands out for its mix of gentle and challenging slopes, as well as a ski school with programs tailored particularly to kids and families. There’s a lot less lively après ski here, but we’re not looking to party hard when away skiing with little ones.
Consider Resorts with Alternative Winter Activities
Skiing all day can be tiring, especially for younger children, so I’m keen on resorts that offer a variety of other winter activities too. For example, Åre in Sweden offers sledging, ziplining, and even Northern Lights sightings if you’re lucky enough – a magical experience for children and parents alike. In Morzine in France, I found activities like ice skating and snowshoeing, which are perfect for mixing things up on non-ski days. These alternatives let everyone get the most out of the holiday without feeling worn out. Lots of parents recommend skiing only half days when your kids are young, and we definitely agree with that on at least two or three says of your weeklong holiday.
Family-Specific Accommodation Makes a Difference
Staying somewhere geared toward families makes a world of difference, and I was first and foremost searching for a family holiday with child-friendly dining options, because booking a catered chalet or ski hotel which allows children to eat earlier at ‘high tea’ refuels them when they need it and let’s you give them an earlier bedtime to recover for tomorrow on the slopes. Shuttle services, and ski-in/ski-out access add to the convenience and reduce the amount you have to lug both yours and your kids’ clobber around! Resorts like Tignes in France are full of cosy ski chalets at different budgets, often giving your family ski-in/ski-out access for less traipsing, plus games rooms and play areas to keep your kids entertained. Similarly, Les Menuires in France has many family-oriented apartments with easy access to beginner slopes and services like babysitting, making it easier for parents to relax after bedtime.
Convenient Access to Amenities and Dining
Resorts with nearby shops, grocery stores, and dining options make family travel far easier for self-caterers, especially when we’re juggling different tastes and schedules. For instance, although La Rosière in France is a smaller family friendly resort, it’s blessed with convenient and easy access to the village’s shops and restaurants. Ruka in Finland is another family favourite known for its compact layout, making it easy to navigate with kids. Both resorts offer unique family amenities like kids’ play parks and snack shacks to refuel between runs.
A Few Final Tips for a Smooth Family Ski Trip
To make the holiday as smooth as possible, here are the top tips I’ve kept top-of-mind:
- Plan for Downtime: Skiing can be exhausting, especially for little ones, so I’m planning rest days or shorter ski days. Resorts with nearby play areas or indoor pools make it easy to unwind off the slopes.
- Rent Gear On-Site: Traveling with ski equipment isn’t easy or cheap, so I plan to rent on-site. Many family-friendly tour operators even offer kids rental packages with the helmet included, which makes things simpler.
- Book Lessons Early: Booking snowboarding and ski lessons in advance ensures availability and avoids last-minute stress. Many resorts have family lessons or kids-only options on the nursery slope, which lets parents enjoy some independent time on the slopes. Never go skiing in the school holidays without pre-booking lessons or childcare – there will not be any space left if you try to book on arrival during February half-term!
- Look for Family Packages or All Inclusive ski holidays: Family packages are a big help with managing costs, and all-inclusive holidays like those from Club Med include bundled lift passes, lessons and even kids’ club. This helps with budgeting and often comes at a better rate.
- Keep It Fun: To make the experience enjoyable for everyone, I’ll let each child pick an activity every day, whether it’s skiing or building a snowman, so they feel involved.
- Use Childcare Services: Resorts with on-site childcare or kids’ clubs give parents a few hours to ski solo, which can be a welcome break.
- Bring Snacks and Water: Skiing is hungry work, so I’ll pack high-energy snacks and water to keep everyone going. Water is super important at high altitude, as we lose so much when breathing heavily and sweating in the dry alpine air.
Family-Friendly Resorts in France
Since we’re considering France for our holiday, here are a few top choices that tick all the boxes:
- Les Deux Alpes – Known for its kid-friendly ski areas and beginner slopes, Les Deux Alpes is great for families, with affordable chalets and hotels, plus activities like tobogganing and indoor pools.
- La Plagne – A classic French child-friendly ski resort, La Plagne offers family-oriented accommodations, ski schools, and nearby sledging and snow parks for variety.
- Meribel – With dedicated kids’ areas, diverse terrain, and family-focused facilities, Meribel is perfect for families looking for a mix of skiing and off-slope activities. I love the sound of the ‘Zen Zones’ where everyone has to ski slowly so as not to intimidate newbies.
We have so many friends who ski every year without travelling anywhere more far flung than the big ski areas of Europe, and I read on Ski Club GB that more than half of all UK ski holidays are to France, so we’ve decided that’s where we’re going! With careful planning and choosing the right resort, our family ski holiday can be as fun and stress-free as we imagine it to be. Here’s hoping our next family adventure is one to remember.
I’ll post some pics and a review when we get back!