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If you usually hit the slopes with a group of adults, your first ski holiday with toddlers is sure to be a wildly different experience.
Skiing with 1-3 year-olds brings with it a world of new considerations, from resort and accommodation choice to finding childcare and planning mealtimes.
But while you might be waving goodbye to all-night apres sessions, you’ll be welcoming in a slower-paced style of ski trip that comes with its own rewards.
Here’s everything you need to know to have a successful ski holiday with toddlers.
Skiing with toddlers: a slower-paced holiday with its own rewards
What’s skiing with toddlers like?
While older toddlers aged three and over can (if you think they’re ready) start taking their first tentative slides on the snow, younger toddlers can enjoy snowy playtimes and fun indoor activities at dedicated nurseries and toddler clubs.
There are plenty of fantastic childcare options available to enable you to head off into the mountains - either through your hotel or chalet provider - or with an in-resort nursery or ski school. The biggest ski school in France - ESF - offers English speaking nursery care for children aged 18 months to three.
While you’re enjoying the slopes, your child will be making friends with kids their own age, getting out and about in the snow, participating in age-appropriate activities, and be fed, watered and cared for by qualified childcare specialists.
That said, you may not want to leave your child in the care of others, as there’s so much to see and do in the resort with your little ones. Many resorts have sledging areas, water parks, and activity centres with soft play areas, and of course endless opportunities just to have fun in the snow.
What clothing and equipment do I need to bring?
Warm and waterproof clothing is essential, as well as mid and base-layers, gloves, socks, and a hat. Bring spares of everything as they’ll get wet playing in the snow. Snow boots are a good idea for toddlers who are walking, while a thermal onesie with a hood that covers your little one from head to toe can be easier and warmer than separates (and will prevent snow going down their trousers). You can buy budget-friendly winter gear from places like Decathlon, Mountain Warehouse, Aldi Ski Wear or TK Maxx.
If your toddler is skiing, you can rent skis, boards, boots, helmets and goggles of a suitable size from any resort you go to. This is definitely a safer bet than buying equipment which they’ll soon grow out of or, if they don’t take to skiing, never use again.
Do I need a pram?
You can bring or rent a pram to get around. If there isn’t much snow at resort level, you could get away with your regular pram, but if there’s a lot of snow or ice, you should find something more substantial (if you don’t already have one). A three wheeler with all-terrain tyres is a good idea. You can often rent prams and other equipment for children in the resort, which will save you having to lug it onto a flight.
Some people recommend bringing a carrier instead of a pram, as it can make navigating uneven surfaces and ski lifts a bit easier.
Best ski resorts for toddlers
Whether your child is an advanced 1 year old or an average 3 year old, here are the main factors to look out for when choosing a ski resort to go to with toddlers.
- Short transfer time - as you’ll know, toddlers can become impatient on long journeys. The flight time from the UK to the Alps is only around 2 hours, and you can choose a resort that’s closer to the airport to keep that journey time to a minimum. Some are within 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes from major airports like Geneva.
- Childcare and supervision - many hotels and chalets provide dedicated all-day childcare, and some ski schools like ESF can also supervise children, even non-skiing ones, with activities and meals included. Make sure to review childcare providers in prospective resorts or accommodation options to check that there’s something suitable. Also, spaces at day care facilities can fill up quickly during busy periods, so check they have capacity for the dates of your holiday.
- Family-friendly activities - one of the joys of going skiing with young children is getting stuck in to all the family-friendly fun on offer. That could be outdoor activities like tobogganing (many resorts have dedicated slopes), horse-drawn or husky-led sledges, and simply playing in the snow; or it could be indoor activities like swimming, crafting or soft play.
- Ski terrain - if you’re experienced skiers, you don’t have to be too selective about the difficulty level of the resort’s pistes, as even if your toddler is in ski school, they’ll most likely be skiing in dedicated, fenced-off areas with obstacles and magic carpets. That means you can pick a resort that matches your own abilities rather than catering to theirs.
With the above in mind, here’s our pick of the best ski resorts for toddlers:
Avoriaz
Avoriaz ticks all the boxes when it comes to skiing with toddlers. The transfer time is short (1 hour 30 mins) and it has great childcare facilities, including the Avrizou Day Nursery, which takes kids from 6 months to 3 years for a full day of fun and supervision while you go off and explore the Portes du Soleil. With its dramatic clifftop location, striking architecture, and car-free centre with horse-drawn carriages, the resort itself has a magical quality. For kids 3 and up, the Children’s Village is the perfect place to learn. It's right in the centre and alternates ski lessons with indoor activities.
Avoriaz is a brilliant resort for families with toddlers
Flaine
Just over 1 hour from Geneva in the Grand massif ski area, Flaine is the perfect resort for parents with toddlers. There’s childcare aplenty, including the Les Choucas and Les P’tits Loups nurseries, while many of the family-friendly hotels have kids clubs. It’s one you may want to come back to as your kids get older, too: lift passes are heavily discounted for under 8s and the pistes are excellent for learner skiers.
Zell am See
Zell am See is a lovely little Austrian resort on the shores of a vast lake. It shares its ski area with neighbouring glacier resort, Kaprun. There's a range of kids clubs and many hotels have dedicated childcare and activities, including Alpi Club at the Sportresort Alpenback and the Hotel Stadt Wien. There’s also loads of toddler-friendly entertainment, including the aqua centre, floodlit toboggan run and Alpine rollercoaster (for 3 and up), and there’s a children’s cinema in neighbouring Kaprun that plays specially selected films.
Lech
Lech is another ideal resort for families with toddlers thanks to its gentle, relaxed atmosphere and excellent childcare facilities. Many hotels offer in-house crèches or nanny services for children as young as one, so parents can enjoy the slopes worry-free. The village is compact, walkable, and less crowded than larger resorts, making it easy to get around. Non-skiing activities like winter walks, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and indoor play areas keep little ones entertained. With its picturesque alpine charm and welcoming vibe, Lech provides a calm, family-focused environment perfect for a first snowy holiday with the kids.
La Plagne
La Plagne, our top ranked family resort, is great if you have kids of any age, and toddlers are no exception. There’s so much variety across its 11 villages that you’re sure to find somewhere to suit your needs, whether that’s the rustic charm of Montchavin, or the purpose-built convenience of Plagne Centre. Wherever you stay in La Plagne, you’ll find that most villages have a wide range of accommodation and amenities, including activities, supermarkets, daycare and full-time nannies. The transfer from Geneva is a little longer than our other resorts (2 hours 30 minutes), though it’s only 2 hours if you fly into Chambery.
Tignes
Tignes is another resort that’s spread over several villages, and another that’s a good choice for toddlers. Linked to Val d’Isere to form the Espace Killy ski area, parents have 300km of pistes at their disposal, and can leave their kids with one of the many excellent childcare providers. If your toddler is skiing, they’ll find it a great place to learn at their own pace with its plentiful beginner terrain and nine free lifts. With its wood and stone chalets, and peaceful atmosphere, the village of Les Boisses (which was purpose-built for families) in-particular is a good place for those with kids under 4. You may even find yourself coming back to Tignes year after year as kids under 8 ski for free.
Choosing toddler-friendly accommodation
There are strengths and limitations to every type of accommodation when you’re skiing with toddlers.
Chalet
Chalets can be either catered or self-catered, and offer a cosy, home-from-home atmosphere. Catered chalets are particularly convenient for families, as meals are prepared for you, freeing up your time and reducing the stress of shopping or cooking after a long day on the slopes. Some family-focused chalets also offer in-house childcare or nanny services. This can be a huge benefit if you have non-skiing toddlers or babies, as they can be cared for on-site while you ski.
Hotel
Hotels offer maximum convenience, with everything you’ll need often under one roof, including restaurants, kids’ clubs, and often dedicated play areas or crèches. Many family-friendly hotels provide early mealtimes, children’s menus, and babysitting services, making it easy to stick to your child’s routine. Hotels may also have their own pools and, for parents, wellness facilities like a spa.
Apartment
Self-catered apartments are a great option if you’re on a budget or prefer to stick to your own schedule. They give you the flexibility to prepare meals and snacks at your convenience, which is especially helpful for babies and toddlers with specific needs. You’ll also have more space to relax and play. Just remember that, if you’re cooking your own meals, you’ll need to stock up from a supermarket, so try to find an apartment that’s a short distance from the resort’s amenities.
Can toddlers go to ski school?
Most ski schools take children from 3 years old for group lessons (some from 2 years old in small groups), and you may be able to find private lessons that will take kids from 18 months.
That said, many people think it’s better to wait until they are around 4 or 5, when they’re generally a bit more capable and coordinated. It’s really down to the individual child and your assessment, as their parent, of their readiness.
In most cases, they’ll progress more quickly (and have more fun) learning to ski with a qualified instructor and kids their own age.
Ski school for toddlers makes learning fun with games and obstacles
Ski school for 3 year olds
If you do choose to put your child into ski school at 3, here’s what you need to know:
- Lessons take place either in the morning (around 9am) or mid-afternoon (around 2pm) and usually last 2 - 2.5 hours
- Ski equipment, lift passes, and lunch (though some places have meals as an optional extra) are NOT included
- The lesson will take place in a closed off area, usually with a magic carpet (conveyor belt) lift that’s easy to use, and involve activities and games that make learning fun
- The lessons are often booked as a package of 6 to last the duration of your holiday
- Some half-day lessons are followed by another half-day of activities
Mealtimes in the mountains with toddlers
Many hotels and chalets can do an earlier dinner for children, and will be happy to accommodate dietary needs or preferences. If you’re staying in a self-catered apartment or chalet, you of course have the freedom to cook and eat wherever you wish, which can be the best option for some.
Eating out with toddlers
While you will find plenty of restaurants that welcome toddlers in ski resorts (with high chairs and kids menus), be aware that they often don’t start evening service until 7pm, which could be after bedtime. If you want to go out to eat, you may find it easier to do so in the day with your kids, and to arrange childcare for the evenings.
What childcare is available in ski resorts?
Most resorts offer a combination of the following:
Nursery or crèche services
Nurseries or crèches in ski resorts cater to infants and toddlers, typically up to around 3 or 4 years old. These facilities provide a warm, safe environment with indoor play, naps, crafts, and outdoor play in the snow. Staff are trained childcare professionals. Due to their popularity and limited capacity, advance booking is often essential.
In-accommodation childcare and kids’ clubs
Many family-friendly hotels and catered chalets offer in-house childcare and kids’ clubs as part of their accommodation packages. These are a great option for children aged from 3 who may not be skiing yet or need a break from the slopes. Staff will supervise your children during the day and keep them entertained with a range of indoor and outdoor activities, such as arts and crafts, games, sledging, and snowman building. You may also be able to arrange evening babysitting through your accommodation. Again, we’d advise booking in advance as there could be limited availability.
Private nanny services
Private nanny services offer flexible, one-on-one childcare that can be tailored to your family's needs. Suitable for children of any age, nannies can care for kids in your accommodation or accompany them around the resort. Services are available by the hour, day, or even the duration of your stay, so you can find a solution that matches your schedule.
Ski holiday providers for toddler-friendly holidays
Some ski holiday providers specialise in family-friendly packages.
Club Med
Club Med’s all-inclusive resorts are the perfect place for parents to have a hassle-free holiday with toddlers. Everything from flights and meals to accommodation and ski passes are included in the price. For an extra cost, you can make use of Petit Club, for 2-3 year olds, which combines indoor and outdoor activities, naps and stories. It can look after your kids from 8.30am to 5pm and from 7.30pm to 9pm. Many Club Med resorts also include special equipment for 0-2 year olds in your room, including a bathtub, bottle warmer, changing table and, if you ask, a pram.
Ski Famille
Ski Famille specialises in ski holidays for families with young children, including toddlers. With catered chalets in popular French resorts and ski areas like La Plagne, Tignes, and The Three Valleys, each package includes flights, transfers, and in-house childcare. Its À La Carte Childcare service is run by DBS-checked, first aid trained staff, offering age-appropriate care, six-days a week. All Ski Famille chalets have been chosen for their family-friendly layouts and locations.
Neilson
Neilson’s family ski holidays are designed to be as relaxing as possible for parents with young children. Their chalet hotels and ski hotels in France, Italy, and Andorra offer family-friendly accommodation with larger rooms, early meal options, and dedicated childcare for children from 4 months old. At selected properties, there are kids’ clubs run by trained staff that offer flexible care, so parents can enjoy time on the slopes. With flights, transfers, and meals included, you can focus on enjoying quality time together rather than worrying about holiday admin.
MMV
For families skiing with toddlers, MMV combines comfort, convenience, and age-appropriate care across its 18 Clubs and Residences in the French Alps. There are dedicated Club Baby childcare facilities for little ones aged 12 or 18 months to 3 years available in selected locations. Trained activity leaders, known as Anim’MMV, provide gentle, engaging activities in safe environments. Accommodation is designed with families in mind, with options for larger or connecting rooms, plus toddler-friendly dining and wellness facilities on-site.
Belambra
Belambra offers flexible and family-focused ski holidays across the French Alps, with accommodation options that suit parents travelling with toddlers. In selected Club locations, kids’ clubs are available from as young as 4 months, giving parents the chance to enjoy some time on the slopes while little ones are cared for by trained staff. Resorts are generally ski-in, ski-out, with convenient access to ski schools and facilities. Board options range from self-catering to all-inclusive, with family rooms and wellness areas available at many properties.
Family Ski Company
Family Ski Company offers catered chalet holidays designed exclusively for families, with a strong focus on making skiing with toddlers as smooth as possible. Their resorts in Reberty (Les 3 Vallées) and Ardent (Avoriaz) are snow-sure, family-friendly, and close to ski schools and lifts, minimising travel time with little ones. Chalets are thoughtfully laid out for family needs and are located either on or very near the slopes. Flexible childcare is available from 3 months old, provided by qualified, caring staff, giving parents peace of mind whether they want a full day on the mountain or just a quiet lunch.
Book your first ski holiday with kids through Iglu Ski
With over 26 years in the business and more ski deals available than any other agency, if you’re booking a ski holiday with toddlers, Iglu Ski should be your first port of call.
You can browse all our family-friendly ski holidays to find one that suits and then book either online or by making an enquiry. Or, if you have specific requirements, get in touch with our ski specialists. They can provide expert advice and help you find the perfect trip.