Why Skiing Makes the Perfect Family Holiday
I recently went to Meribel for a ski holiday taking my 11 year old for her first time skiing. We went during the Easter holidays and had good snow conditions along with soaring temperatures so had the best of both worlds. There is something very special about a family ski holiday. Crisp mountain air, rosy cheeks, hot chocolate stops, and that unique mix of excitement and togetherness that you just do not quite get from any other type of break. For many parents, the idea of taking children skiing for the first time can feel a little daunting, but with the right planning it can be one of the most rewarding holidays you will ever take together. In this blog I will share how family skiing can work beautifully at every age, why good ski schools are worth their weight in gold, and a few practical tips to help everything run smoothly.
The magic of first turns: starting children in ski school
For many families, the biggest concern is 'What will my child do while we ski?' This is where a good ski school really comes into it's own.
Many resorts offer children's ski schools that run morning or afternoons, often including lunch. I always recommend the mornings but afternoon's can be quieter and have less children in. Parents can drop their children off with qualified instructors, the head off to enjoy a few hours of their own skiing knowing the kids are safe, supervised and learning with others of a similar age & level. Lessons for adults run at similar times if you too are a first timer, or want to improve your skills.
The kind of set up we went for works especially well when:
- A child is skiing for the first time
- Parents want to ski at their own pace in the mornings
- The family would like to come back together on the mountain later that day.
As the week goes on and skills are built, there is nothing quite like the moment when you can collect your child from ski school and then all ski together in the afternoons. Those gentle green and blue runs you might normally cruise past suddenly become the backdrop to some cherished family memories.
Why is ski school so valuable for children
Ski school is much more than just technique:
- Confidence & independence: Children oftern learn faster from instuctors than parents. Being in a group of peers encourages them to try new things and push their boundaries in a safe way.
- Fun & friendships: Group lessons are full of games, challenges and laughter. I love hearing the stories of the day and how much fun they have.
- Routine & structure: A set timetable of lessons, snack breaks and lunch keeps the day flowing smoothly and avoids tiredness and tears.
- Safety: Qualified instructors understand the mountains, the lifts and how to keep children wam, comfortable and secure on the slopes.
For parents, it is also reassuring to know that your child is learning good gabits from day one: how to use the lifts correctly, how to stop and turn safely and how to behave respectfully on the pistes.
Carving out adult time: guilt-free skiing for you
One of the joys of this kind of family set-up is that us parents get to enjoy proper skiing too.
While the children are in ski school you might:
- Explore more challenging runs and off the beaten tract areas of the resort.
- Take a lesson yourselves to refresh your technique.
- Enjoy a relexed coffee or lunch on a sunny terrace without worrying about keeping everyone entertained.
Becasue you know your children are having their own fun, you can relax into your own time on the mountain. By the time you meet up again, everyone has stories to share.
Coming together: afternoons on the slopes as a family
As the week progresses and the children's confidence grows, afternoons can be spent skiing together. This is where the real family magic happens:
- Following your child's instuctor's recommendations for suitable runs.
- Taking the 'long scenic way' down, with plenty of photo stops.
- Ending the day with a hot chocolate or crepes at a cosy mountain cafe.
- Watching your child proudly show you turns and skills they have learned.
You may even find that by the end of the trip your little one is the one waiting for you at the bottom of the run, eagar to go again.
Practical tips for a succesful family ski holiday
A few thoughtful choices can make all the difference.
- Choose a family-friendly resort
- Book ski school early
- Think carefully about accommodation - ski in/out, family rooms, easy access to ski school
- Plan for energy levels, plan in breaks
- Make memories off the slopes too - what else can the resort offer
How I can help you plan your trip
Every family is different. Ages, abilities, confidence levels and budgets all play a part in choosing the right resort, accommodation and ski school set-up.
Working with myself means you have someone who will:
- Listen to what matters most to your family.
- Recommend resorts and accommodation that genuinely fit your needs
- Arrange lessons, lift passes, ski hire and any extras in advance
- Share honest, practical advise from experience
From finding that perfect ski school with lunch included, to matching you with a hotel in just the right location, the aim is to take away the stress so you are free to enjoy those special family moments in the snow.
If you would like help planning your own family ski adventure, with the right balance of children's ski lessons, adult ski time and precious moments together on the mountain, contact me and let's get planning.
