How To Plan a Family Ski Trip
If you’ve never done it before, planning a family ski trip can feel like tackling a treacherous black run when you’re still on a bunny slope. From choosing the right resort to organising transport, there is always a lot to consider to ensure everything runs smoothly and you and your loved ones have the best time.
With the right preparation, your snowy adventure can help create lifelong memories. At Alpine Fleet, we regularly help make ski trips easy thanks to our leading airport transfers, and we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you plan your dream family ski trip.
How to plan a family ski trip
Here are our expert trips to save time, money and make the most of your family ski trip.
Choose the right resort
Not all ski resorts are the same, and the best family ski resorts will include gentler slopes, ski schools and other family-friendly activities. When researching resorts, make sure to look for convenient access to lifts, short transfer times and dedicated kids’ zones.
Many resorts are well known for being welcoming to families, so choosing the right one for you is paramount.
Consider whether buying or renting clothing is best
If this is your first family ski trip, you might be wondering whether to invest in ski clothing or rent it. Buying can be expensive, but it might be worthwhile if you plan to ski regularly. Many resorts offer rental clothing services or you can get pre-loved options online if you don’t want to spend too much money.
Remember - school holidays will be busy
School holidays, especially at Christmas time when it’s peak season, are always the busiest times in the Alps. If you are tied to these dates as you can’t get the kids out of school, make sure you book well in advance to secure the best prices and your chosen accommodation options. If your kids are young enough not to be at school yet, you may want to go outside peak dates to avoid the crowds and higher prices.
Look for family-friendly hotels
Family-friendly accommodation can make a big difference. Look for hotels with play areas, kids’ menus and connecting rooms. Many resorts have hotels tailored specifically for families that come with extra perks like evening entertainment.
Plan for child free time
Skiing with the kids is fun, but you deserve to have some time to yourself, too. Lots of resorts have excellent nursery and creche services to give you the chance to explore the resort yourselves while your kids are having fun.
Use airport transfers
Getting to your resort can be stressful – especially with kids’ ski equipment and luggage in tow. This is where Alpine Fleet comes in. Our shared and private transfers travel from major airports, including Geneva, Lyon and more, providing you with a hassle-free way to get to your resort without having to worry about public transport or hiring a car.
Get ski lessons
Ski lessons aren’t just for beginners. Booking lessons with local ski schools can help both kids and adults gain more confidence on the slopes while also learning how to ski safely.
Buy lift passes
Lift passes are essential, and it’s often cheaper to purchase them before you travel. Many resorts offer family discounts that help you get them at a reduced rate. Some ski schools also offer lift passes within packages, so make sure you check before booking separately.
Don’t forget insurance
Skiing carries inherent risks, so you shouldn’t hit the slopes without having the proper insurance in place. Choose a policy that specifically covers winter sports and ensure every member of the family is included.
Tips for keeping costs down
Skiing holidays can soon add up, especially when travelling with family. There are a few ways you can try to make things cheaper:
Book as early as possible
The earlier you book, the better deals you’ll get on accommodation, lift passes and flights. This is particularly the case if you want to travel during busy school holidays, as early bird discounts are often available.
Borrow clothing if possible
Instead of buying brand-new ski gear, consider borrowing from friends or family. Kids grow fast, and you may only need the clothes for one trip. Also, look out for local rental schemes or second-hand marketplaces. This can help you get clothes cheaper.
Travel outside of school holidays if possible
If your kids aren’t in school yet, or if your school allows for some flexibility, travelling outside of school holiday periods is the best way to save money on your family ski trip. Not only are prices lower at this time of year, but the slopes will be quieter and lessons are more readily available. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the best conditions without the crowds or inflated costs.
Final thoughts
A family ski holiday is one of the best things you can ever do, and with good planning, it doesn’t need to be stressful or break the bank. Choosing the right resort, thinking through the logistics and getting the help of companies like Alpine Fleet will make the whole experience much easier.
At Alpine Fleet, our shared and private transfers will take the hassle out of your travel while also adding comfort and convenience. Our friendly drivers will be waiting for you from the moment you land, providing a dependable service that allows you to focus on enjoying the mountains with your loved ones. For more information or to book a transfer, contact Alpine Fleet today.