Planning a Family Ski Holiday
Family ski holidays are a huge amount of fun, but without a little bit of planning, things can quickly turn a bit trickier. But don't worry, we're here to help and by following our simple guide, you'll be guaranteed to have a great holiday.
But if this is your first time skiing with children, or you’re skiing with children of different ages and skill levels, it’s worth doing your research before you decide where to go. There’s nothing worse than booking a hotel at the far end of the village with the ski school at the other, and you definitely don’t want to be skiing at Europe’s biggest après resort when you have two young children to look after.
To help make your ski holiday run as smoothly as possible, we’ve put together this complete roundup of what you need to know when planning a family skiing holiday. Bringing you all the best family skiing advice from the Ski Club’s Rep community, don’t forget to join in the conversation on our Facebook page where you can find advice from over 18,000 Ski Club members.
Which ski resort is best for families?
The key to a successful ski holiday is picking the right ski resort. You need quality accommodation, children for your kids to mix with, a relaxed atmosphere, a wide variety of slopes with a range of difficulties, decent ski schools and adequate childcare facilities.
Fortunately, to save you the hassle of undertaking days of research, we’ve listed the six ski resorts encompassing all these qualities.
Avoriaz, France – Small, family-friendly and with excellent quality ski lessons, Avoriaz is probably the most popular ski resort for families in Europe. Find out more on our Avoriaz Resort Guide.
Obergurgl, Austria – Snowsure with a jolly, traditional atmosphere, Obergurgl is a traffic-free village that combines charming decor with child-friendly hotels for an ideal family ski destination. Find out more on our Obergurgl Resort Guide.
Flaine, France – Purpose built, hassle-free and with the nursery located right next to the slopes, Flaine is ideal for families looking to hit the snow this winter. Find out more on our Flaine Resort Guide.
Lech, Austria – If you’re looking for quality ski tuition, don’t look any further than Lech. Playing host to one of the oldest ski schools in Europe, Arlberg school is a major attraction for families across Europe. Find out more on our Lech Resort Guide.
Pila, Italy – For an option that is neither French nor Austrian, make sure you consider Pila. Hidden above the Roman town of Aosta, the family-friendly Italian atmosphere will make for a delightful week for all the family. Find out more on our Pila Resort Guide.
Arinsal, Andorra – If you need an option that balances amazing value with beginner slopes, then look no further than Arinsal. With a free lift pass for children under 15, a free helmet for kids under 12 and a free creche for children under 6, Arinsal is doing all it can to attract families this winter. Find out more on our Arinsal Resort Guide.