Dreaming of hitting those powdery slopes with the family but not sure where to start? Have a read of these tips for planning a family ski holiday - you’ll be sure not to overlook any important considerations, and you’ll be stress-free in a winter wonderland before you know it!
The important things you need to consider when choosing a ski resort are: ease of travel/distance from the airport, altitude of the resort and suitability of the slopes, accommodation options that are close to the slopes, quality of the ski schools and what activities are available to enjoy when you are not skiing.
When to go
Plan early to get the best value for money. School holidays are always the busiest ski periods, so expect crowded slopes and premium prices if you want to ski over Christmas, New Year or the 2015 mid-term. Choosing to travel outside the peak season means you will have a more relaxed holiday when the slopes, lifts and restaurants are not crammed. It’s also worth bearing in mind that later on, towards the end of the season, the days begin to get longer and the temperatures start to rise nicely which may be more suitable for younger children.
Where to go
A number of factors will help narrow the wide choice down, for example budget, ski experience and length of holiday, but here are some popular family ski resorts in Europe to consider:
France: Morzine, Les Gets, Meribel, Alp D’Huez, Avoriaz
Austria: Kaprun, Obergurgl, Alpbach
Italy: Cervinia, Claviere, Champoluc
What to pack
It is essential to get the right kit before you go. Remember to pack ski gloves, sunglasses, goggles and high factor sun cream. Lots of layers will keep children warm when it’s cold and are easy to take off if they get too warm; good fitting ski socks are imperative. Most kids love winter holidays but they are less motivated than keen adult skiers to endure being cold and tired while wearing strange boots and equipment. Don’t forget to pack your slippers - your feet will be glad of them after a day on the slopes! Skiing is an energy burner, and when kids get tired they stop having fun. If you have biscuits, cereal bars and bananas to hand, this will pick them up and keep them going, so always have something in your pocket when you collect them from their ski lesson. They’ll be starving!
Most important: don’t leave home without travel Insurance that covers skiing.
Ski school
Children need ski schooling in their native language, so check that instructors are English speakers. Your kids will also get on better if they are with friends or at least with kids of the same age in the class. Even if you're not a fan of organised childcare, you may find your holiday compromised, unless your kids are looked after to some degree. As a beginner, you won’t be able to learn; while as an experienced skier, you’ll be frustrated by having little ones in tow. Ski school only covers part of the day, so consider who will look after your children before ski lessons start, when they end and during lunch-time if supervision isn't provided.
If I am honest, there is no doubt that a family ski holiday can be challenging, but taking everything into account, it’s more than worth it. Spending your days in the fresh air of the mountains, nothing can match that proud feeling you get as you ski downhill alongside your children – in my case, my son being more proud to be skiing faster and better than me! It is a super activity that the whole family can enjoy together, and your children will learn about hard work, perseverance and responsibility in a fun and healthy environment.
