Family ski holidays are a fantastic way for the whole family to spend time together, skiing, sledging or simply playing in the snow.
There are loads of different family-friendly ski holiday packages out there that include flights, transfers, accommodation, and even childcare - from family-focussed hotels and family-orientated chalet holidays to child-friendly self-catering accommodation. It means that you can set off on your family ski holiday knowing everything has been taken care of.
If you're still unsure on whether a ski holiday is the right type of holiday for you and your family, take a look at our guide to skiing with children. There, you'll find information on how much you can expect to pay, tips on how you can keep your children safe on the mountain, and of course, whether a ski holiday is actually worth it!
On this page, you can find out more about what you need to consider once you've decided that you'd like to take your family on a ski holiday. Find useful links to family-friendly resorts, links to more information on childcare for different ages, and tips about choosing somewhere to stay and the kind of clothing you'll need to stay warm in the mountains.
Which ski resorts are the most family-friendly?
Usually when parents come to us looking for the ideal family ski resort, they have several priorities in mind:
Easy access to the slopes and the ski school drop off point
Lots of beginner-friendly terrain
Comfortable, affordable accommodation
Free or discounted lift passes for beginners/children
La Plagne, Alpe d'Huez, Zell am See, and Selva are our top four ski resorts for a family ski holiday, meeting all of the above criteria, and you can discover even more great family ski resorts in our dedicated guide!
What to consider when planning your family ski holiday
Planning your first ski holiday with your family is an exciting yet daunting process. In this section, we answer some of the key questions we get asked as ski holiday specialists.
How do we get there?
There are a variety of ways to travel to the mountains. The most traditional way, which is available with the majority of package ski holidays, is to fly from the UK to a destination airport and then a coach transfer (organised by the tour operator). To make it easier either side of your holiday, you can choose to depart from a small, local airport like Bournemouth Airport or East Midlands Airport, in addition to large airports like Gatwick, Manchester, or Glasgow.
You can also choose to organise your own transport, whether that's booking flights separately to your accommodation (you'll also have to organise your own transfer), driving (read our blog on driving to the Alps with kids for more insight!), or getting the Euro Star from St Pancras (change at Lyon).
How high should the ski resort be?
Avoid high altitude resorts to prevent you and your children from suffering from altitude sickness during the stay. Altitude sickness may or may not affect you and if it is going to affect you it tends to kick in above 2,000m.
Also, many high altitude resorts in France have long transfers to resort which isn’t ideal for young children. Low to mid-altitude ski resort villages such as La Rosiere, La Plagne 1800, La Tania, Les Menuires, Les Gets and Morzine are located between 1000-1800m and are perfect for a family ski holiday.
How close is the ski school and the slopes?
Many of the recommended chalets and hotels for families are located close to the piste and lifts making getting children to ski school in the morning as easy as possible. Depending on which childcare you opt for, some nannies even take the children from the chalet or hotel to and from ski school for you!
Particularly families with younger children, you ideally want to be within 300m of the pistes and ski school meet points so it is easy to get to and from in the mornings and afternoons when the children need to be picked up.
What other activities are there to do in resort?
A family ski holiday is more than just creating memories and having fun skiing or snowboarding on the slopes, there are also many other activities to do in ski resorts. So if you choose to have a day off the mountains or you would like to try a different activity one afternoon there is more than just winter sports to do.
A good ski resort for families is one with many activities to do in resort; this could include swimming, bowling, husky sledging, tobogganing, tubing, snowmobiling and paragliding. If you are looking for a winter holiday where the family can ski, in addition to enjoying a whole host of other mountain activities, check out our guide to the best resorts for non-skiers for more ideas on where to go.
What do we wear and what equipment do we need?
Make sure you get the correct ski wear before the holiday as prices in resort are expensive. If you can borrow anything from family or friends this would save you a lot of money, otherwise there are places to get new kit on a budget such as Decathlon, Mountain Warehouse, Aldi Ski Wear and TK Maxx. The main items you will need include: Salopettes (ski pants), jacket, gloves, googles, helmet, ski socks, thermals (top and bottoms) and mid layers (this could be regular long sleeve tops or jumpers).
Beginner and intermediate skis, boards, and boots are best hired in resort. The ski hire shop will fit you out with the correct equipment for your level and size.
What will the weather be like?
In the mountains you can experience a vast range of weathers so it’s always best to prepare for a variety. It will be colder than the UK so make sure the family are kitted out with warm jackets, gloves, scarves, hats and boots.
December, January and early February are normally the coldest with the lowest temperatures in January. In these months, expect daily snowfall and cold conditions (as low as minus 14 during the day) so you should bring more layers and protections against the elements, such as a buff or facemask. Make sure you have boots with deep tread when walking around the resort as it’s likely to be snowy and icy at this time of year.
In March and April temperatures begin to rise as the days get longer and sunnier (although there are still some chillier days). Make sure you wear sun cream and regularly re-apply as the risk of burning is surprisingly high – ever heard of goggle tans? As the days are warmer you won’t require as many layers, but it's always best to wear a jacket if you're a beginner as you'll need the waterproofing and additional protection if you fall over!
And don’t get caught out! As soon as there is cloud cover or you are on a long chairlift you will feel cold again. Still expect it to be cold in the evening when the sun goes in.
What childcare will I need for my child/children?
Choose from the relevant age groups below for more information about all child care services available on our family skiing holidays and the resorts and properties that offer them.
Family ski holidays with young children under 2 years
Crèches and private nanny services are available for children as young as three months and in certain properties this includes an evening service. There are also a selection of services available that will take in newborn babies. For more information see our guide for skiing with infants.
Family ski holidays with children aged 2 - 3 years
There are a variety of childcare options offering supervision and fun activities for the children. An evening babysitting service or crèche is also available in selected properties. For more information see our guide for skiing with toddlers.
Family ski holidays with children aged 4 - 8 years
Numerous kids clubs are available, combining childcare with lessons and lunchtime supervision, so that your child can be looked after all day and attend ski school. In the evening certain family skiing holidays offer a selection of kids clubs that will take care of your children as you enjoying an evening in resort. For more information see our guide for skiing with kids.
Family ski holidays with children over 9 years old
Whether your child is now an experienced skier or a complete beginner there is a great range of services available offering skiing lessons and activities to keep them busy during your family skiing holiday. Evening activities are also available in selected properties. For more information see our guide for skiing with older children.
Are there ski holiday family discounts available?
Reductions and free child places are normally available for children under the age of 12 years in hotels and chalets and under 16 years in self catering apartments. Free child places for family ski holidays are available on a first come first served basis, and are usually based on a child sharing with two full fare paying adults. Early booking is recommended as free places are limited. Speak to one of our ski experts by calling the number above to find out more on the best family savings.
Where do we start our holiday search?
Choosing your family ski holiday destination couldn’t be easier with Iglu Ski, view the best family ski resorts and best family ski chalets to start thinking about your perfect destination. Find out more information about planning a family ski holiday in our top tips for a great family ski holiday guide or view the best family ski deals.
Find your perfect family ski holiday
Speak to one of the Iglu Ski experts to start your search for your perfect family ski holiday. Talk through your requirements and wish list and we will handpick a range of options to suit your family.