Family skiing holidays are a fantastic experience for the whole family to spend time together, skiing, sledging or simply playing in the snow. To ensure your family skiing holiday is as enjoyable as possible, childcare services are available at a wide choice of ski chalets and hotels. Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that qualified English-speaking staff are on hand to provide care for all children, from nanny services for babies right through to keeping the teenagers entertained.
What to consider when planning your family ski holiday
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 chalet holidays is flying from the UK to a destination airport and then a coach transfer (organised by the tour operator) to drive holidaymakers and their luggage to their accommodation in resort.
Other methods of transport include driving, where Iglu Ski can provide accommodation only options or a small no fly fee can be discounted from package holidays, and by snow train. If you live near London St Pancras, Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International then a snow train is a fantastic option for family ski holidays as you are able to take much more luggage for free than on a plane. There are no additional charges for ski/board carriage or pushchairs/prams.
How high should the ski resort be?
Avoid high altitude resorts to avoid the infant from suffering from altitude sickness during the stay. Also, many high altitude resorts in France have long transfers to resort which isn’t ideal for young children. 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.
View more family friendly ski resorts
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.
View best family ski chalets
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.
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, 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 equipment is best hired in resort. The ski hire shop will fit you out with the correct equipment for your level and size.
View top 10 ski tips for families
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 so you may require 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. Make sure you wear sun cream and regularly re-apply as the risk of burning is surprisingly high – ever heard of google tans? As the days are warmer you won’t require as many layers and you may even be able to wear just a jumper instead of a jacket. Don’t get caught out though, 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 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 skiing with children guide or view the best family ski deals.
Find your perfect family ski holiday
Speak to one of the Iglu Ski experts by calling the phone number above 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.