A family ski holiday is a fantastic way to be active together. The air feels fresh and healthy, everyone is learning (or perfecting) a new skill, and there’s nothing quite like watching your kids get more confident on the slopes as the week goes on.
Planning ahead makes all the difference, so here are our top tips for putting together a family ski holiday that works for everyone.
1. Make Sure You Budget
A ski holiday can add up quickly, especially with young children who need crèche facilities. For kids old enough to ski, you’ll need to hire a helmet, skis and poles, and buy lift passes on top of that.
Then there’s accommodation, food and ski gear to factor in too. Sit down before you book and work out a full budget covering all of these so there are no surprises once you arrive.
2. When to Go
If your children are school-age, the obvious times to travel are the Christmas, February or Easter holidays. These are the most popular (and busiest) weeks to ski, so if your children are younger and you’re not tied to school dates, you can often save by booking off-peak.
For milder weather and longer daylight hours, many families find March and April more comfortable for skiing with younger kids.
3. Where to Stay
There are plenty of options, and the right one depends on your children’s ages. The most popular choices are a family-friendly hotel or renting a chalet with friends.
Many family resorts let you order nappies or formula ahead of arrival, and have family leisure facilities like a pool on site. Renting a chalet with friends is a cost-effective option and works particularly well if your children are similar ages.
You might also like: 10 Best Austrian ski resorts for kids and families
4. Book Childcare in Advance
Few children start skiing before around three years of age, so booking childcare in advance is essential, especially during busier peak weeks. Kids’ clubs and private nannies are popular options, and many resorts also offer morning clubs with pick-ups from ski school.
“Our crèche was situated in the hotel, which made our mornings a lot easier — saves you having to bundle up the little ones in numerous layers to get them there.” — Niamh W.
5. Ski Gear
Ski gear for the whole family can be a big expense, so keep an eye out for sales in the months before you travel — supermarkets and discount stores often stock affordable kids’ ski gear in season. Buying second-hand or borrowing from friends is also worth considering.
Thermal underwear and plenty of base layers matter, as kids tend to feel the cold faster than adults. Other essentials include:
- a scarf
- goggles
- ski socks
- two pairs of ski gloves (so one pair can dry while the other is worn)
- warm, waterproof outerwear such as snowsuits and jackets
- a warm, silly hat — always a must!
Skis, poles and helmets can usually be hired at the resort, and it’s worth booking this equipment in advance. Helmets are required at many resorts and are a sensible safety choice wherever you ski.
“Make sure gear is easy for the kids (and you) to get on and off!” — Niamh M.
6. Ski Lessons
Lessons are the best way to help your children get the most out of the holiday. It sounds obvious, but do check that lessons are taught in your child’s language.
Keep in mind that lessons only cover part of the day, so if you’re planning to ski too, you’ll need childcare arranged for before and after lessons, and over lunch. Some resorts offer supervised lunches as part of their childcare service, which is a real help.
If you love skiing, it’s easy to forget your kids won’t have the same stamina. Cold boots and long days can wear children out faster than you’d expect. Be encouraging, and never push your child to keep skiing once they’ve had enough, no matter how much you’ve spent on lift passes and lessons.
7. Other Activities
Wherever you spend your family ski holiday, make sure there are other activities to fall back on. You never know when a snowstorm — or a sudden thaw — might disrupt your plans. Popular options to look out for include:
- tobogganing
- snow-shoeing
- ice-skating
- husky-sledding
- swimming
- the cinema
- shopping
Skiing makes for a brilliant family holiday, and many tour operators offer strong family support to help make planning your trip as easy as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children start skiing?
Most children start skiing from around three years old, though this varies by child and by resort. Many resorts run kids’ clubs and lessons designed specifically for young beginners.
When is the best time to go on a family ski holiday?
School holiday periods like Christmas, February and Easter are the most popular (and busiest) times. If you have flexibility outside school terms, March and April often offer milder weather, longer daylight hours and better value.
Do we need to book childcare and lessons in advance?
Yes — especially for peak weeks. Kids’ clubs, private nannies and ski school places fill up quickly, so booking ahead helps you avoid disappointment and gives you a clearer picture of your daily schedule.
What ski gear do children actually need?
The basics are thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves (ideally two pairs), a warm hat, goggles and ski socks. Skis, poles and helmets are usually hired at the resort rather than bought.
What should we do if the weather isn’t good for skiing?
Choose a resort with backup activities such as tobogganing, ice-skating, swimming or indoor options like cinemas and shops, so a poor-weather day doesn’t derail the whole holiday.
Related Articles
Looking for more winter holiday inspiration? You might enjoy:
- 10 Best Austrian ski resorts for kids and families
- A Winter Family Break in France
- Family Holiday to Lapland
Save This for Later
Planning a family ski trip takes a bit of organising. Why not save this article or browse our other adventure holiday ideas so you have everything to hand when you start booking?
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