Family Ski Holidays
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Family holidays are more than just a trip away from home; they become milestones and timestamps of our best-loved moments together. Just imagine the whole family – even your well-behaved furry friend – getting their kit ready before stepping into the crisp mountain air ready for a fun-filled day on the snow. And when the sun sets and the slopes quieten down, it’s those laughter-filled chairlift rides back down to resort and end-of-day hot chocolates with all the whipped cream that stick with us. Those are the things that make a family ski holiday so unforgettable.
At Erna Low, we’ve been helping ski fanatics experience the unmatchable excitement of a family ski holiday for almost a century, so we know a thing or two about what turns a family ski trip into an unforgettable memory that makes you smile. Our packages are fully customisable to your budget and preferences – and we even take care of all those extras that make for a 5-star getaway.
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Family Ski Holiday Deals
Why a family ski holiday is the perfect winter getaway
If you’re looking for a winter holiday that keeps even the pickiest people happy, a family ski trip is hard to beat. You’ve got it all; adventure, belly laughs, excitement and the kind of quality time that’s hard to find at home. Whether you’re taking the little ones on their first-ever ski trip or introducing confident kids to more challenging blue and red slopes, a family ski holiday creates magical memories that last long after the lifts shut down on an epic week. Here’s why you should book a family ski holiday with Erna Low:
- Fun for everyone A ski holiday is one of the few trips that caters to multigenerational groups. Resorts have something for skiers of all levels and abilities, including nursey slopes, reputable ski schools and plenty of fun-filled activities that everyone can enjoy once they’ve had their fill of snow-time for the day. While the kids take part in their daily lessons, parents can explore the wider ski area before everyone regroups for a well-earned (and well-needed) mountain lunch. Win-win!
- More than just skiing Not everyone wants to ski from the first lift to the last – but that’s the beauty of a winter holiday. Many resorts offer sledging, ice skating, indoor pools, husky rides and even snowshoeing, meaning there’s always something fun to do. If you feel like spending the day off the hill, you can head to a spa, cinema or a cosy café with stunning mountain views instead.
- You can completely unplug With no screens, no daily routine and no distractions, a ski holiday is the perfect way to switch off and spend proper time together as a family. From epic snowball fights to swapping stories of the day’s best and funniest moments over dinner, a family ski holiday offers family fun like no other.
How to choose the right ski resort for your family
Choosing the right ski resort for your family holiday can make all the difference. Most resorts cater to families, but seeing as every family is different, not every ski destination will be the perfect fit. You’ll want a resort that matches your family’s needs and has everything you’re looking for – whether that’s spacious beginner slopes for little ones or fun après-ski activities for teens. Picking the right spot means less stress, more fun and in short, a ski holiday everyone will remember for all the right reasons. Here’s our top tips for picking a family-friendly ski resort:
- Look for family-friendly slopes and ski schools If you're skiing with first-timers or less-confident kids, opt for a resort with plenty of wide and spacious green and blue runs, beginner areas and reputable ski schools. For children in particular, any resort with child-friendly ski zones and interactive children's activities should be at the top of your list, as they make learning to ski a fun and relaxed experience.
- Choose family-friendly accommodation Planning a family ski holiday comes with its own set of challenges, which is why choosing a property that blends quality, affordability and convenience makes everything that bit simpler. Doorstep skiing in particular takes the hassle out of the logistics. Instead of walking for miles in your ski boots to get to the chairlifts, you can easily hop on the slopes as soon as you’ve managed to get the little ones in their ski gear at the start of your day. If you like flexibility, self-catered apartments are a great option, while family-friendly hotels often come with kids’ clubs, childcare options and half-board dining.
- Check for fun activities off the hill Resorts that offer fun-filled activities off the slopes are perfect if you’re away with a multigenerational group. Things like sledging, tobogganing, indoor pools, ice skating and cinemas are all part of the magic!
- Consider travel and transfer times Attempting long transfers with tired kids who literally can’t wait to get to the slopes is never a fun idea! Resorts with shorter transfer times help reduce travel stress and get you on the slopes sooner. Plus, a nice and easy commute should set the tone for an epic holiday...
When’s the best time to book a family ski holiday?
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Whenever you choose to go on a family ski holiday, you’re guaranteed an incredible adventure-filled experience. The ski season typically runs from mid-December to late April, giving you plenty of time to get away and explore.
Thanks to the half-term holidays, February is the most popular time for families visiting the Alps, but if you’re looking for quieter slopes and shorter lift queues, January and early March are both ideal. Christmas and New Year in the Alps are both no-brainers if you’re searching for that festive magic, while the end of March and April both offer longer ski days and warmer weather without the pricey attached tag. Let's look a bit closer at the options available to you:
- December December in the Alps offers a high-energy festive vibe. Christmas and New Year’s weeks are what can only be described as magical with visits from Santa, mulled wine and firework displays aplenty. The caveat is that it’s also one of the busiest and most expensive times of the season. If you can sneak in a trip earlier in December, you’ll experience quieter slopes and you’ll also have access to some incredible early-season deals. Just double-check snow reports, as early-season coverage can be a bit hit-and-miss.
- February February is a fantastic time for family ski holidays as this is when the school holidays occur. But be warned... The entire month of February is a hugely popular time to ski across Europe, meaning slopes will be more crowded and prices more expensive. Plus, peak-season lift queues can feel as long as a school parent-teacher evening! If you can be flexible with dates, aim for late January or early February.
- March If you want to soak up some mountain sunshine while the kids build confidence and master the moves, March is where it’s at. Longer days, milder weather and reliable snow cover make this an awesome time for families. Plus, resorts often tend to attract smaller crowds in March, meaning you’ll spend less time queuing for the chairlifts and more time concentrating on the snow! Many family-friendly resorts, like La Plagne or Les Gets, have end-of-season events like carnivals and treasure hunts that the kids will no doubt love. And let’s face it – skiing in a hoodie beats layering up in your full ski gear any day. So, when’s the best time to hit the slopes with the family? In short, whenever it works best for you!
Best family-friendly ski resorts in Europe
You’ll want a ski resort that makes life easy for the whole family with beginner-friendly slopes for beginners, a great selection of ski schools and short airport transfers. France has some of the best family-friendly ski resorts in the world, and if you’re travelling with kids, these four should be high up on your list.
- Les Gets Les Gets is the kind of resort that feels like it was made for families. Nestled in the incredible Portes du Soleil ski area, it’s got a perfect blend of wide and spacious slopes, a fantastic ski school and plenty of beginner-friendly terrain. Kids will particularly love Le Grand Cry, a themed ski area with fun obstacles and characters to spot along the way. There’s also ice skating, tobogganing and even a mini train running through the village to enjoy after a fun day on the hill. Plus, with a short transfer time from Geneva at just over an hour, getting here with kids in tow is simple.
- La Plagne La Plagne is part of the huge Paradiski area and is one of France’s most popular ski resorts. It’s also famous for being one of the area’s most family-friendly places to ski. Split into 11 villages, you’ll find an abundance of beginner areas with magic carpets and plenty of easy green and blue runs that are perfect for building confidence. Most accommodation is ski-in/ski-out, meaning no long walks carrying tiny skis and poles to the chairlifts... Music to the ears of any parent! The Fun Slope is a hit with kids, too, and there’s sledging, an outdoor ice rink and even bobsleighing for the thrill-seekers among you.
- Flaine If you’re after an easy, no-fuss family ski trip, Flaine is a fantastic choice. It sits within the jaw-dropping Grand Massif ski area, which offers sunny slopes, perpetually groomed pistes and plenty of fun terrain to explore. The car-free village makes things a bit safer, and the ski-in/ski-out accommodation means getting on the slopes is always quick and easy. There’s also a huge outdoor play area, a toboggan run and an ice-driving circuit. Plus, Flaine’s high-altitude location means snow surety throughout the entire season.
- La Clusaz For families who want to feel like they’ve stepped into a picture postcard of the French Alps, La Clusaz ticks all the boxes. Alongside its relaxed, welcoming vibe, La Clusaz has a brilliant selection of ski schools and plenty of forgiving slopes for beginners and less confident skiers. More experienced skiers will also find plenty of smooth blues and fun red slopes to play on. When it comes to fun activities away from snow-time, there’s dog sledding, an indoor swimming pool and even a family-friendly après-ski scene. And with a short transfer from Geneva of around an hour, it’s an easy destination for families with younger children to get to.
Packing for your family ski holiday
Packing for a family ski holiday needn’t be too complicated – although you will need to make note of the airport baggage allowance to ensure you don’t overpack! To make the logistics of travelling with children easier, skis, poles, snowboards and helmets can be pre-booked with us and picked up at the resort. Here are a few must-pack items for your list:
- Thermal baselayers.
- Waterproof outerwear like a warm snowsuit or a shell jacket and salopettes.
- High-SPF sun cream, which the whole family will need to keep reapplying throughout the day – yes, even in cloudy blizzards!
- Ski gloves or mittens. Ideally, take two pairs each in case you lose one.
- Warm and grippy outdoor boots for après -ski fun times.
- A knitted hat and scarf to stay warm off the hill.
- Cosy slippers.
- Essential baby items:
- Nappies, baby food and baby formula. You can find these in most resort supermarkets, but they might not stock the brands your baby is used to. If you have space in your suitcase, it’s a good idea to save the hassle and bring your own.
- Wipes, cream, bibs and feeder cups.
- Waterproof nappies and swimming costumes.
- Baby monitor and plug adaptor.
- Favourite toys and games.
Why should I book a ski holiday for my family with Erna Low?
Planning a family ski holiday comes with its own set of challenges. And if it’s your first time booking, finding the right resort, sorting ski passes, booking lessons and making sure everyone has the best time can feel like a lot to handle. Luckily for you, our job is to make ski holidays simple. From finding a resort with short transfer times, beginner-friendly slopes, ski-in/ski-out accommodation options and plenty of fun activities, we make it all super easy – and the best bit is we can save you time and money by including everything as part of the same package.
When you choose Erna Low, you’re not just booking a ski holiday, you’re getting a team of ski fanatics who know the Alps inside out and are here to make your trip as easy and enjoyable as possible. So, when you’re ready for a fun-filled adventure with the family, get in touch so we can book you your perfect winter getaway.