Top Tips for Skiing with Children

The Best Time to Go Skiing with Kids

Choosing the right time to go skiing with young children can make a world of difference to your family ski holiday. While it’s tempting to plan your trip during peak season, the best time for skiing with families is often during quieter periods when the slopes are less crowded, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. However, when you decide to plan your holiday will ultimately depend on your preferences, below are a few options for those planning to go skiing with kids.

Avoid Peak School Holidays

For a more relaxed family ski holiday, consider planning your trip during quieter weeks outside of peak school holidays. Mid-January and late March are often ideal times, offering fewer crowds and more space for children to gain confidence on the slopes. With shorter lift queues and uncrowded pistes, young skiers can take their time mastering new skills without feeling rushed.

Spring Skiing

For families with younger children, spring skiing is often a great choice. With warmer temperatures, longer days, and softer snow, little ones can enjoy their time on the slopes without getting too cold. Many family-friendly resorts offer excellent ski school programs and fun off-slope activities during these months, making it an ideal choice for the whole family.

Mid-Week Skiing Holidays

Travelling mid-week rather than over weekends can also make a big difference. Slopes are generally quieter, giving children a better environment to build confidence and improve their skiing skills.

By carefully choosing when to hit the slopes, you can ensure a stress-free, enjoyable experience when skiing with young children. Whether you’re introducing them to skiing for the first time or helping them progress, the right timing can make your family holiday even more memorable.

However, no matter when you decide to book a luxury ski holiday, you’re sure to find something for everyone, allowing a unique stay in stunning surroundings.

The Best Place to Go Skiing with Kids

Choosing the right resort is key to ensuring a successful family ski holiday. The best destinations for skiing with children offer a combination of gentle slopes, excellent ski schools, and plenty of off-slope activities to keep everyone entertained.

Courchevel, France

Renowned for its exceptional ski schools and dedicated children’s areas, Courchevel, France is an ideal destination for families. The resort’s gentle nursery slopes and wide, cruisy blue runs provide the perfect terrain for young skiers to gain confidence, while the wide choice of luxury family-friendly accommodations ensures a comfortable and stress-free stay. Off the slopes, families can enjoy an array of activities including tobogganing, ice skating, and even snowshoeing adventures.

Zermatt, Switzerland

For families looking for a magical winter experience, Zermatt offers a picturesque setting with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. The resort boasts excellent ski schools and gentle beginner zones, making it a great choice for introducing young children to the joys of skiing. The charming, car-free village is also an exceptional place to explore, with plenty of family-friendly restaurants and cosy cafes to relax in after a day on the mountain.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

If you’re seeking a touch of luxury alongside family-friendly amenities, St. Moritz is hard to beat. With wide, well-groomed slopes and top-notch ski schools, children of all ages can improve their skills in a safe and supportive environment. Pair this with lavish chalets and a ton of off-slope activities such as ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and winter walks and you’re sure to relish a fantastic ski experience here.

Lech, Austria

Lech is another fantastic option for skiing with young children. The resort is known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent ski infrastructure, including gentle slopes and superb ski schools. Families can also explore a variety of fun off-slope activities, from sledging and snowshoeing to indoor swimming pools, ensuring plenty of entertainment for non-skiers too.

Val d’Isere, France

A firm favourite for skiing families, Val d'Isère combines a world-class ski area with family-friendly amenities. The resort offers a range of dedicated beginner zones and high-quality ski schools to help children develop their skills. Families can also enjoy an array of après-ski activities, from ice skating to exploring the resort’s lively village atmosphere.

There are plenty of other fantastic places to choose from which you can explore here. No matter which destination you choose, these resorts offer everything you need for an unforgettable family ski holiday. With outstanding facilities, expert instruction, and plenty of fun both on and off the slopes.

Skiing with Children Tips

Now you know a bit more about the best time to enjoy skiing holidays with kids, alongside where to go, you’re likely wondering how to make the most out of your stay. Luckily enough, we’ve got everything you need to know below.

When to Start Skiing with Kids

Children from as young as two and a half can enjoy a ski holiday. At this age, it is more about playing in the snow and enjoying activities in the mountains than actually skiing.

From the age of about four or five, children have the basic strength to cope with the physical demands of skiing and are likely to have a better attention span for learning too. Most children from the age of six upwards should be able to ski all day long.

Before your luxury ski holiday, it can be helpful to book them some lessons at a dry ski slope or snowdome as they will progress much quicker once they are in the resort.

Leave the Teaching to the Professionals

For the best ski schools and instruction, it is important to book early, particularly during peak periods like Half Term, Christmas and New Year. Even if you are a capable skier, it is better to leave teaching your children to ski to the professionals. Without the distraction of parents around, children tend to listen more attentively and be a little braver on the slopes.

Book a Family-Friendly Chalet

We have a wide variety of family-friendly chalets and apartments in our portfolio for you to choose from. These luxury chalets are set up to suit a variety of age groups and often have dedicated play areas, game rooms and bunk bedrooms for children.

Catered chalets are the most popular choice for families. You need not lift a finger when it comes to preparing meals and can spend quality time with your children. Many catered chalets also come with a driving service making it easier to get straight on the slopes and avoiding the tantrums that come with walking in ski boots and carrying equipment. It is also possible to book a nanny or babysitting service so you can enjoy some time to yourselves in the knowledge that your children are being safely supervised.

If you need cots, buggies, sterilisers etc, do check with the accommodation you have booked what they can provide. Most luxury chalets can provide the essentials but it is best to organise and pre-warn the team in a resort in advance.

Make Sure They are Well-Equipped

There’s nothing worse than a miserable child on a ski holiday so make sure you have all the equipment needed for them to enjoy themselves. This means layers, layers and more layers…! Bear in mind that Christmas, New Year and half term will be a lot colder than skiing in March and April, so pack accordingly.

Goggles or sunglasses are essential to protect your children’s eyes from the sun and make sure you plaster on the sunscreen too. The UV rays reflecting off the snow are surprisingly strong in the mountains, even on a cloudy day so don’t get caught out. It is also handy to have a supply of small snacks to put in your children’s pockets in case they need an energy boost during their lesson.

Focus on the Fun Element

Whilst it is important that the children learn to ski, a ski holiday is as much about spending time together and trying out new things, whether that be food or activities. There are so many other activities you can enjoy on a ski holiday aside from actually skiing. From tobogganing and ice skating to electric snowmobiling and husky rides, the options are endless.

Summary

With so many incredible resorts to choose from, skiing with kids is a great way to enjoy a luxury holiday with the whole family. Whether you’re looking for beautiful locations with exceptional skiing, or would simply prefer to sit back and unwind surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery, these holidays cater to an array of tastes and preferences.

If you’re looking for exceptional skiing holidays with children, we’re here to help. Recognised as the World's Best Ski Travel Agent for 11 consecutive years, the Leo Trippi team is known for crafting exceptional ski holidays. We curate every detail to create your perfect trip. Contact us today and get ready to plan an unforgettable ski holiday in complete luxury.