Most parents know that a ski holiday with kids is anything but child’s play and that there are plenty of challenges to be mastered. The good news: With a bit of preparation and a few tips and tricks, your family ski holiday is bound to become an unforgettable highlight!
What should you keep in mind when planning a ski holiday with kids? We have all the facts for you …
First of all, a ski holiday with children takes careful planning. Ideally, you should plan your winter getaway several months in advance and start with the following steps:
Many family-friendly ski resorts, villages and regions are awarded a special quality seal. For instance, in France, there’s the “Famille Plus” label and in Switzerland the “Family Destination” label. However, not every great family ski resort carries an official quality seal. It’s also a good idea to check the ratings on online ski platforms, for instance, the categories “Best ski resorts for families and children” on skiresort.info or “Bestes Skigebiet für Familien” on snowplaza.de.
You already have a few resorts in mind? Then you should check their websites to see what exactly they offer. It’s also a nice idea to include your kids in the research phase, for instance by showing them pictures of the ski resort’s mascot. This makes them feel like they are having a say in things and gets them excited for the upcoming holiday.
Big ski resorts:
Small ski resorts:
Using a ski lift can sometimes be quite daunting for adults – and even more so for kids! That’s why it’s important to allay your child’s fears when it comes to using different lifts and cable cars.
Drag lift (T-bar lift)
Chairlift
Other types of lifts
Using ski lifts with children is one thing – getting them down the mountain safely is quite another! Check out our tips and rules for responsible skiing!
What’s better: a whole day of skiing or just a half-day? Realistically, the time you spend on the slopes will be determined by your kids’ stamina and motivation. For smaller kids and beginners, half a day of skiing is usually enough. Older, more motivated kids are often fit and eager enough for all-day skiing. In both cases, it’s important to take breaks.
Lunch break at a mountain hut gives you the chance to warm up and recharge your batteries for the rest of your ski day. Our tip: Don’t eat too much heavy food, as it can make you tired!
Child-friendly mountain restaurants usually offer the following amenities:
Time for a break! For longer family ski holidays, it’s a good idea to have a few days away from the slopes. This helps your family’s muscles to recover and gives you the chance to try some fun activities away from the slopes.
Many winter sports resorts offer great amenities for families. At the more family-friendly places, you will also find plenty of options for activities away from the slopes – for instance, sledging runs, ice rinks, snowshoe trails, horse-drawn sleigh and carriage rides and more. A perfect family resort should also offer a choice of bad weather activities, including family spas, children’s museums, indoor playgrounds or other attractions for guests of all ages.
What’s more, great destinations for family ski holidays usually offer free ski busses that regularly run from your hotel to the valley station and back.
Top-class equipment for the whole family: Last but not least, a great family ski holiday destination also needs ski rental options at great prices. That’s why you can find INTERSPORT Rent at the world’s best family ski resorts. Find a shop now!
What boxes should a good children’s hotel for your ski holiday tick?
In addition, there should be:
Your next family winter holiday is just around the corner, and you‘re looking for the perfect destination? Discover the best family ski resorts in Austria, France, Switzerland and Europe!
Buying equipment, first having to pack it, then unpack it, storing it at the ski resort, lugging it to the slopes and back – you could do without all of this during your family ski holiday? Then why don’t you make use of the INTERSPORT Rent ski rental service? Great family offers, free ski helmets, expert advice on site, an online reservation tool and valuable information on the RENTertainer blog: We have everything you need for amazing family ski holidays!