family ski trip tips

12 Family Ski Trip Essentials, According to Parents Who Love to Ski

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We’re headed into the final stretches of winter, and that can only mean one thing for many families: spring ski season . And while packing for your own ski trip can be daunting enough, things get even trickier when kids are involved. We’ve asked outdoorsy parents—from professional snowboarders and avid skiers to busy traveling parents—for their most thoughtful recommendations to make family ski trips with the kids safe, comfortable, and fun. They did not disappoint. Read on to discover the cold-weather gear and apparel must-haves that will keep you and your little ripper snug while shredding the slopes.

If anyone has earned the right to recommend snow gear, it’s former professional snowboarder Akira Back , who spent seven years on the pro circuit. Las Vegas–based Back regularly takes his 10-year-old daughter to the mountains, where you’ll find them both wearing 686 apparel. “686 features high-quality Gore-Tex material for all of its snow apparel, even youths,” says Back, who is now a chef with 19 restaurants globally, including a Michelin-star restaurant in Seoul, South Korea. “We find it’s the best material out there for everything from negative-degree weather to warmer days. They don’t dumb down the quality for anyone, including kids.”

Kate Stefaniak, an editor based in New York, says she’s ready to turn her daughters, three and seven, into hardy East-Coast skiers. After years of skiing herself, she’s learned how essential it is to streamline your gear when maneuvering through ski lifts and villages. That’s why she’s opted for the Atomic Savor Jr. helmet , a youth ski helmet with a built-in visor. “This sleek helmet-and-visor combo eliminates the need for little goggles,” Stefaniak says. “And it doesn’t hurt that your little one will look like a fighter pilot out on the bunnies.”

If you’ve ever dealt with chapped little kid cheeks after a long day in the elements, you know how important it is to protect their skin in the winter just as you would in the hot sun . Stefaniak rubs The Original Ski Balm all over her kids’ cheeks and lips before they head out for a morning ski. “I keep some in my jacket throughout the day for reapplications,” she says. “It’s SPF 40 and kid-safe. It’s one of those products I love as much for myself as for them.”

When four-year-old Aubrin Sage’s adorable mic’ed up snowboarding session went viral earlier this year, part of the fun was that she was wearing an adorable monster-inspired WeeDo snow suit while shredding downhill. The fun yet functional suit comes in bright colors and clever shapes, something that Aubrin’s dad and outdoor enthusiast Robert Garlow says makes for easy spotting of his two kids in a sea of monochrome-colored parkas. The best part? There’s a rear waist zip for quick bathroom breaks. “Don’t let the lighthearted and fun appearance fool you,” Garlow says. “WeeDo suits are high-quality technical wear for kids and adults, if you decide to get the matching jacket they offer for yourself.”

For nonprofit founder and fashion director Rachael Russell Saiger, who recently hit the Dolomite Alps with two kids under three, it’s all about protecting the extremities. She recommends the WindRider waterproof toddler mittens, which are long enough to reach a child’s elbow, a fool-proof design that detract kids from removing gloves in the blistering cold once tucked under jacket sleeves. “Like most kids, my daughter is constantly pulling off her gloves off while skiing,” Russell Saiger says. “Enter these gloves. Not only are they long enough to reach the elbows, but they also fasten tightly with a drawstring, making it nearly impossible for her to remove or lose them.”

Nothing will derail a family ski trip faster than a little one who’s uncomfortable with a stuffy nose. Russell Saiger recommends packing the NoseFrida, which gently suctions out a snotty nose, in your snow jacket to have on hand anytime a nose gets a little runny. “It saved my toddler son from much discomfort and avoided stuffy moments,” Russell Saiger says.

Anyone who lives in a cold climate knows the importance of a good base layer. Adventure seeker Jami Savage, a British Columbia–based mom of two and family travel writer , has tried them all and says the Nifty Ninja suit from Airblaster takes comfort to a new level. It has a form-fitting hood and chin protector, four-way stretch fabric, a ponytail portal, thumb loops, and a waistband drawstring. “Having a one-piece is epic on the hill, ensuring no cold breezes sneak through your gear but can easily be unzipped at the waist, making, as they say, ‘easy pee-zy,’” Savage says. “Our whole family loves these suits, and as parents we love that they stand the test of time; we pass them down kid to kid as they grow.”

Family travel blogger and mom to two Monet Hambrick is a pro when it comes to planning for those in-between-excursion activities. Like, impromptu snowball fights. She picked up the Flexible Flyer snowball maker on a recent family ski trip, and it was an instant hit with her kids. “A snowball maker makes snowball fights so much fun,” Hambrick says. “It’s much easier for kids to make the snowballs this way, and they can pile them up before starting a friendly fight.”

Avid skier Louis-Philippe Talbot has been hitting the slopes in his native Canada for years and has started taking his niece and nephew along for the adventure. He says for those looking to ski all day, a game-changer is having goggles with interchangeable lenses, like the ones from Giro with a quick-change magnet design. “We usually ski from day to night and would need a separate pair of goggles for low lighting,” says Talbot, who is the director of rooms division at the Ritz-Carlton, Montreal . “But with these goggles, we can change the lens in a blink, so it makes a whole world of difference—and cuts down on the amount of gear for the whole family.”

Talbot also recommends compact heat warmers for all family members, like HotHands, which provide up to 10 hours of warmth. HotHands even has an adhesive version to stick inside your boots so they won’t slide around and dislodge themselves. “There’s nothing worse than having to remove your boot to readjust,” Talbot says. “Especially with kids, that whole act can take an hour of time.”

Did you know that most smartphones won’t function and can even shut off in freezing temperatures? And when you’re looking to record your kid’s first time on the slopes, it can be a total bummer to pull out your phone and find it unusable. To remedy that, slip your device into a temperature-controlled case from Phoozy. Mother of three Meggan Vasquez says Phoozy is a must-have for her family. “Our phones are our lifelines and keeping them protected and powered up is important for us to keep up with our teenagers,“ she says. “We have used a lot of different phone cases over the years, but nothing protects like the Phoozy products do to prevent them from overheating in the summer and keep the battery going all day in the winter.”

Here’s a major pro tip: Rent instead of buy. That’s what Carmen Sognonvi, founder of the Top Flight Family blog and mom to 12- and 9-year-old girls, recommends for the casual ski family. “If you’re like us, you only ski a couple of times a year, so it's not always worth investing in expensive ski apparel only for kids to outgrow it by next season,” Sognonvi advises. “We're big fans of both Kit Lender and Arrive Outdoors . You order the kit you want online, and they ship it straight to your ski resort. This allows us to fly carry-on only, even for ski trips.”

The Ultimate Family Ski Trip Planning Guide

Want to simplify the planning that goes into a family ski trip, to have a clear plan of exactly what to do and when.

Have you figured out how long it will take you to plan your family ski trip?

The logistics seem never ending. Between choosing where to go, when to ski, the best resorts and lodging, not to mention all the gear, ski school considerations, and lift tickets…

IT’S ENOUGH TO MAKE YOUR HEAD SPIN!!

Organizing a ski trip can be overwhelming, to say the least. As an avid skier, mom, and former ski instructor, I’ve taken more ski trips than I can count.  I’m here to take the stress out of planning your family ski trip so you can plan an incredible family ski trip WITHOUT all the stress. 

Simplify your planning with this guide that will help you choose the best resort, organize all your ski gear, plan for ski school, give accommodation suggestions, and get some easy (and delicious) ski meal recipes.

The Ultimate Family Ski Trip Planning Guide takes the guesswork out of all the steps that are involved and will have you hitting the slopes with confidence.  

What’s Included In The Guide?

• 40+ Detailed Pages
• 5 Printable Worksheets
• Booking Timeline
• Ski School Advice
• Resort Recommendations
• Easy Ski Meal Recipes
• Accommodation Suggestions
• Detailed Packing List
• Ski Gear Tips
• Clothing Suggestions For The Weather
• Timing Recommendations
• Resorts Where Kids Ski Free

Here’s A Preview Of The Ultimate Family Ski Trip Planner

Plus over 35 pages packed with more planning tips and information

Why do i need this ski trip planning guide.

When if comes to planning a family ski trip, most people have no idea how many details they have to consider.  I’ll be your ‘virtual guide’ walking you through each step of the process.  These are the exact recommendations that we share with our friends and family, and will help you hit the slopes knowing you planned the best ski trip possible! -Jessica

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Secrets to Make Your Family Ski Vacation Easier Than Ever

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

A family ski vacation sounds ideal, but the reality is that skiing with kids can be exhausting. It’s cold, you’re using muscles that have been dormant since last ski season, and there’s a lot of gear to keep track of.

When you add in a kid or two, things only get more complicated. Most of the time, you’ll end up lugging your kid's ski gear (in addition to your own), and it’s nearly impossible to pass the day without someone whining about the cold or their tired legs.

But there are ways to make a ski trip more enjoyable for the entire family. Here are some tried-and-true ways to make your crew’s ski vacation significantly easier so you can stress less and spend more time on the slopes.

Book a Family-friendly Resort

There’s a big difference between ski areas that actively cater to families and those that just have a few kid-friendly runs. Resorts like Keystone in Colorado and Park City Mountain in Utah are consistently given high marks for their programs for kids, family-friendly amenities, and accessible terrain. Things like the child-to-instructor ratio at the ski school matter when choosing a destination, as do the number of non-ski related activities and child care programs available.

Pick a Resort You Can Drive To

If possible, settle on a ski resort that’s within driving distance. The snow in Telluride, Colorado may be tempting, but the reality is that booking flights for an entire family is expensive, and it will likely require airport transfers or a car rental.

Book a Place With a Kitchen

When you’re traveling with kids, a comfortable home-base goes a long way. Booking a condo or vacation rental with a kitchen ensures you can maintain some of your routine, even if you’re miles from home. You’ll save some money — and avoid tantrums — by staying in and cooking your family’s favorite meal or sticking to your Sunday morning tradition of chocolate-chip pancakes.

These Are the Best Ski Resorts on the East Coast

Look for an all-inclusive offering.

There’s a lot of elements that go into planning a ski vacation. Not only will you need to book lodging, but you’ll also need lift tickets, gear rentals, transportation to and from the resort, ski school reservations, and potentially airport transfers.

That’s where all-inclusive offers come into play. Lessen the burden by consolidating several bookings into one — and score a bargain when you do. In addition to asking about offers at your resort — or hotel — of choice, sites like Ski.com , SnowPak , and SnowVentures often have affordable, all-inclusive packages.

Buy Lift Tickets Early and in Advance

Not only will buying your lift tickets early streamline your ski trip, but you’ll often find the best prices by booking online and in advance. At some resorts, like Colorado’s Copper Mountain , you can save up to 45 percent just by buying your ticket a day or more in advance.

If You Ski a Lot, Consider a Mega Pass

Nowadays, two major ski companies own most U.S. ski resorts. Thanks to the two competing organizations, you can buy a well-priced mega pass that gives you access to multiple resorts for one flat price.

Rather than buying a single-day lift ticket for over $100, you can invest in the Icon Base Pass for $799 and ski the included resorts as much as you want. The competing Epic Pass has a similar offering, bundling multiple resorts under a flat rate.

Put the Kids in Ski School

You might be tempted to spend the entire day skiing together as a family, but depending on everyone’s skill level, it might end up in disaster. The ski school has programs for everyone — from tots learning to “pizza” to teens who want to take their skills to the next level.

Spend the morning apart, then meet up around lunch to ski together as a family and show off your new skills.

Invest in Quality Gear

That $20 ski jacket may seem like a good idea, but when you’re out in the elements you’ll be wishing you paid more attention to quality. Things like jackets with down filling , Gore-Tex ski pants, merino wool base layers, and high-quality wool ski socks are lifesavers when you’re on the mountain for several hours.

It may be pricey, but ski gear that goes the distance will keep the entire family happy and on the mountain longer.

Pack Hand Warmers

You may have the best gloves on the market , but after several hours in the elements, it’s almost a guarantee that your kid’s hands will be freezing (cue whining). Combat the inevitable by stashing away a couple hand warmers. They’re small, disposable, and often last up to 10 hours. Ski day saved.

Take Advantage of the Ski Valet

Remember what we said about lugging your family’s gear to and from the base of the mountain? Avoid the frustration and let the pros handle it. The ski valet will meet you at the base of the resort, carry your gear, and store it for you. You’ll walk away feeling several pounds lighter and on your way to that much-deserved aprés-ski cocktail . Many hotels and resorts will offer some sort of ski valet service for free.

Bring Along a Few Snacks

You may have plans for an extravagant on-mountain lunch, but there’s no telling when hunger will strike. Tuck a bag of trail mix or a protein bar into everyone’s pockets for when the munchies hit.

Plan Out Your Ski Day so Everyone’s Included

Everyone has a different idea of which ski runs they want to do. To ensure no one gets annoyed or burned out, plan out your ski day as a family and make sure everyone has a chance to ski their favorite runs.

If all else fails, split up for a run or two so the family’s more advanced skiers don’t get bored and the newbies don’t end the day feeling frustrated.

Take Regular Hot Chocolate Breaks

Food — and more specifically, sugar — is the ultimate motivation, especially for younger kids. Keep everyone’s spirits high with regular breaks throughout the day. When spirits are low, the promise of hot chocolate will go a long way.

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Family ski trips (Part 1): Tips and lessons learned from parents who have done it successfully

Traveling with a young family can seem overwhelming, no matter where you go. A beach vacation is one thing. Family ski trips can be an entirely different animal. Bringing the entire family on a destination ski trip is an investment, that’s for sure. It’s an investment not only in money but in time, logistical planning, and energy. This makes it really important to look at the big picture and do the trip planning legwork ahead of time. Doing this helps things go smoothly while you are at your destination. 

Given the investment you’re making in taking your family on a big trip like this, I wanted to dedicate a three-part series of blog posts to this subject. This is Part 1. It will go over family ski trip tips from a generic sense. What to look for, what to avoid, lessons learned, and more. You’ll hear from parents who have done trips like this many times before, and they’ve done them successfully.

There will be two follow-on posts. One will focus on European family ski trip destinations. The other will focus on North American family ski trip destinations (US and Canada). Look out for those posts in the coming weeks!

If you want to learn about all the craze with Japan and its booming ski scene, I’ve got you covered. Check out my skiing in Japan article here!

You know that feeling when you get back from a family vacation and you need a vacation because your trip was complete chaos? Here’s your first tip: you don’t want that! You want the family ski trip that feels like a vacation and is rewarding for everyone.

Family ski trips mean extra logistics

Let’s talk about some of the things that contribute to family ski trips being especially difficult. First of all, you are taking your family to a destination away from your home. Then, you’re adding in a bunch of logistically challenging obstacles. Equipment. Outer layers. Under layers. Winter weather and travel delays. Unpredictable conditions. Bathing suits for the pool and hot tub. Transportation to and from the airport. Getting to and from the mountain. Ski lessons and guides… The list goes on! 

What if your kids are young and they need toys to play with? Or if the parents want to have a date night and need to coordinate a babysitter? Some of this is standard for any family vacation. Add on all of the extra STUFF that is required for skiing and it gets a whole lot more complicated.

We didn’t even talk about the situation when a family has expert skiers who want to hit the backcountry, first-timers who need beginner lessons and bunny slopes, and everything in between. Oh, and there’s your 2-year-old daughter who isn’t even on skis yet. It’s not like you can just plop everyone on the beach and be a big happy family.

So how do you handle all of these variables on family ski trips? Read on to get expert tips from people who have done it…

Planning ahead makes a big difference

There’s one overarching tip to consider from the start. When the legwork is done ahead of time and everything is in synch and goes as planned, these kinds of trips are guaranteed to make lifelong memories for everyone. On the other hand, if minimal planning is done and things start to go off the rails, it can turn into a nightmare.

I wanted to get a better understanding of what it means to travel with a young family on a ski trip. What are some planning and preparation tips to put you in the best position for a successful trip?

So I sat down with a few parents who have a ton of experience when it comes to destination family ski trips. They’ve seen the highs, the lows, and everything in between when hauling their growing families and everyone’s extra layers, bulky gear, and attention seeking moods on a long flight to their ski destination of choice.

They were happy to share their advice and recommend first-hand tips to help make your next family ski trip less stressful. Here’s what they had to say: 

What has been one of your best experiences on a family ski trip?

It’s really hard to pick just one! Honestly though, it’s just the fact we are able to ski as a family. We live in Boston, so our favorite family ski spots in New England are Stowe , Okemo , Sugarbush , and Stratton (although Stratton really only has ski school and daycare compared to some of the other family friendly amenities you might want). 

So far, as a family, we have traveled to Big Sky, Jackson Hole, Whistler, and Banff. All were very successful. Big Sky offered dog sledding which the kids loved. The condo we stayed at in Jackson Hole was close to the mountain and had a great outdoor pool and hot tub. The kids had a blast! Whistler was awesome for everyone in the family; it really does have everything a resort can offer. In Banff , we got a list of babysitters from the hotel we stayed at, and we were able to interview her first so we felt comfortable. We liked her so much, we had her come back another night!

We also took our 9-month old to Snowbird , which was not our favorite. The skiing is obviously amazing at Snowbird and Alta , but from a baby friendly perspective, maybe it wasn’t the best destination choice (at least the hotel we stayed at). There also isn’t really a super centralized village with restaurants and shops. Things are a bit spread out, which can be difficult with young kids. People go there for the epic skiing, there’s no doubt about that. We will definitely return once the kids are a little older!

What has been one of your worst experiences on a family ski trip?

Travel is hard with young children for many reasons. Entertaining them on the flight, keeping track of bags and other items, and avoiding getting sick (on the flight or at daycare). If they get sick, we usually get sick! One of our sons gets motion sickness, so add that to the list too. 

No matter what, avoiding long flights, connections, and long drives is key to making family ski trips less stressful for everyone. Long, logistically complicated trips are no good. Also, the fewer opportunities for your trip to get derailed by the unpredictable winter weather, the better. This means direct flights whenever possible!

So what makes a ski resort family friendly? 

It has to offer all types of terrain levels to satisfy everyone in the family. This means plenty of beginner terrain and preferably some bunny slopes for the younger kids to learn. Centralized or easy to access lift areas can provide a nice meeting place if the family gets separated. Not all mountains have something like this. And don’t forget about advanced terrain for mom, dad, or the older kids if they are into that!

If this is your first time to a destination, another thing to consider is hiring a ski guide for at least a day. This can be a huge help for everyone to get to know the mountain when you’ve never been there before. 

You have young kids. What about childcare?

The resort needs to have a range of childcare options which include planned activities for kids of various ages. For example, arts and crafts, s’mores making, ice castles, winter themed games, etc. Half-day lessons or “camps” and a full-day ski school or daycare are all great options to have depending on what the kids are ready for, as long as they are well run. This means clean, organized, and appropriate staff to child ratios.

Let’s talk about non-skiing activities to keep everyone entertained. Do most resorts have that?

Not necessarily, it varies. But of course it’s very important to have some great family activities off the slopes. So we look for that kind of stuff when choosing our destinations. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but things like snow tubing, ice skating, “mountain coasters”, snowshoeing, and dog sledding are all great options to keep the family entertained. This can be a big help when building in non-skiing days with fun activities during the trip.

And for dining, we want options that are close walking distance to where we are staying. This is key. It’s also really comforting to know that there are casual restaurants that cater to families. This means parents can relax and don’t have to worry about their kids potentially disrupting other diners at a fancy restaurant. Places like this are also more enjoyable for the kids.

What might you look for in a family friendly hotel or other accommodations? 

In general, we like staying really close to the mountain. It does not have to be ski-in/ski-out. As long as it is a short walk or an easy shuttle ride away, it allows us to go back for naps or if someone is done skiing for the day. 

If we are going the traditional hotel route, it needs to be something with extra space that offers multiple rooms, like a multi-room suite or condo style arrangement. Otherwise, once the kids go to bed you have to sit in silence in a dark room so you don’t wake them up! 

So do you typically stay in a hotel or other types of accommodations?

Many resorts continue to offer more and more condo style accommodations with multiple bedrooms and common living areas for families. This often makes a lot of sense when traveling with our kids because we all have a little more room to spread out, the kids can play with their toys, my husband and I can hang out without being in silence in the dark (haha!), etc.

Here’s another tip. Whichever direction we go for accommodations, this is a must have for family ski trips: a pool and hot tub or other fun indoor option. This helps when the kids don’t want to ski, or it gives them something to look forward to after skiing. It’s also nice for parents who need a day off from the slopes! We have been to destinations with big indoor facilities that offer a “childcare drop-in” option where the kids can hang out while the parents work out and hit the hot tub. Other kids programming or amenities like game rooms and movie theaters are a nice bonus.

How do you deal with all of the extra “stuff” that comes with traveling with kids for a ski vacation?

An obvious option you can consider is renting your ski gear once you get there. I’ve also heard of companies like Ship Skis that will ship your ski equipment from your house to your destination. It will be waiting for you when you get there. Both of these options definitely work for some families. Avoiding hauling all of that bulky equipment through the airport can help reduce the chaos that comes with family ski trips.

This is something that is often overlooked, but it’s super important and has been really helpful for us: baby/kid rental gear. For example, crib, high chair, baby gates, infant bath tub, bins of toys, strollers, booster seat, hiking backpack, etc. At every destination we travel by plane, we always look for companies that rent these things out. We just let them know what we need and where we are staying and they set everything up for us before we arrive. This is key because most of the time we travel at night and get to the destination super late.

What other tips do you have for families to help make their ski trip stress-free? 

When we plan a family ski trip, it is important to consider the breakdown of time. For example, finding time for the parents alone as a couple, for all of us as a family, or for each of the parents individually (e.g. to get a massage or go off and ski the backcountry). And then of course we like any time that we can spend hanging out with friends who might be on the trip as well (e.g. on the slopes, après ski, restaurants, bars, etc.).

In order to do all of this, we always consider who will be watching the kids. We want to make sure they are still having fun even when they aren’t with us. We try hard to balance all of this which is certainly not easy. It helps if we bring along a grandparent or two, or even sign the kids up for ski school/daycare in advance. This way, we know we have at least one or two days with a few hours where they are engaged and having fun, and we can break away to enjoy ourselves doing adult things.

There’s still time to take your family on a ski vacation for the 2019/20 ski season. Planning a ski vacation is overwhelming and time consuming. Let us take care of the details for you. You’ll get a custom ski package and take your best ski holiday yet. Contact us today to start planning!

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How to Plan a Family Ski Trip: Tips for Memorable Adventures

A family ski trip can be an exhilarating adventure filled with moments of excitement, bonding, and unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re a seasoned snow enthusiast or planning your first snowy escapade, careful planning is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

This comprehensive guide provides tips to help you plan the perfect family ski vacation.

Packing Essentials

Packing efficiently for a family ski trip is essential. Here’s a checklist of critical items to pack:

• Ski and snowboarding gear (skis, snowboards, boots, poles, helmets)
• Warm clothing layers (thermal base layers, waterproof jackets, pants, gloves, hats, goggles)
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• First-aid kit (including blister patches, pain relievers, and basic medical supplies)
• Snacks and hydration packs for on-the-go energy
• Entertainment and games for downtime in the evenings

Remember, your clothes should be suitable for layering to accommodate varying weather conditions and slope activity levels.

Your ski boots should also be properly fitted and comfortable, as ill-fitting boots can lead to discomfort and blisters.

Consider packing a small repair kit for any potential gear mishaps, including extra ski pole baskets, a multi-tool for quick adjustments, and duct tape for temporary fixes.

Additionally, don’t forget to pack any necessary documents, such as lift tickets, reservations, and identification, to ensure a hassle-free experience on the slopes.

Selecting the Ideal Destination

A primary step in planning a family ski trip is choosing the right destination that caters to your family’s preferences, skill levels, and budget.

Consider factors such as the variety of slopes, family-friendly amenities, ski school options, and off-piste activities at each resort. Popular family-friendly ski destinations include:

• Aspen, Colorado: Known for its picturesque scenery, diverse terrain, and world-class amenities, Aspen offers something for every family member, from beginners to expert skiers.
• Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia: With its vast ski area, vibrant village atmosphere, and extensive family activities, Whistler Blackcomb is a top choice for families seeking adventure and entertainment.

Planning Accommodations

Once you’ve selected a destination, it’s time to arrange accommodations that suit your family’s needs and preferences.

Consider options like ski-in/ski-out lodges , condominiums, or vacation rentals with amenities like kitchens, living spaces, and proximity to ski slopes and resort facilities.

To secure the best deals and availability, booking accommodations well in advance is advisable, especially during peak ski season.

Arranging Ski Lessons

If you have beginners or inexperienced skiers in your family, booking ski lessons or enrolling them in a ski school program is highly recommended.

Most ski resorts offer group and private lessons for all ages and skill levels, taught by certified instructors who can provide personalized guidance and support.

Investing in ski lessons enhances safety on the slopes and accelerates skill development and confidence-building for novice skiers.

Exploring Off-Slope Activities

While skiing and snowboarding are usually the main attractions of a ski trip, it’s essential to plan off-slope activities to keep everyone entertained and engaged throughout the vacation.

Family-friendly activities and attractions at ski resorts may include:

• Snow tubing and sledding
• Ice skating and ice climbing
• Snowshoeing and winter hiking trails
• Indoor water parks and recreational centers
• Cultural events, festivals, and local attractions

Flexibility is critical when planning a family ski trip, as weather conditions, fatigue, and unexpected circumstances can influence your daily plans.

Rather than rigidly adhering to a strict itinerary, allow for spontaneity and downtime to rest, recharge, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Be open to exploring alternative activities or attractions if skiing conditions are unfavorable or if family members have varying interests and energy levels.

Emphasizing Safety Precautions

Safety should always be a top priority when skiing with your family, especially when children are involved.

Before hitting the slopes, review safety guidelines and procedures with your family, including:

• Using appropriate ski or snowboard equipment and ensuring proper fitting and adjustment
• Wearing helmets and protective gear to minimize the risk of head injuries
• Observing trail markings, signs, and ski area boundaries to avoid accidents and hazards
• Practicing proper skiing and snowboarding techniques, including how to stop, turn, and navigate slopes safely
• Teaching children to ski or ride within their abilities and to respect other skiers and riders on the mountain
• Monitoring weather conditions and adhering to resort policies regarding lift closures and avalanche risks

Planning a family ski trip requires careful consideration, preparation, and attention to detail, but the rewards of embarking on such an adventure are immeasurable.

By selecting the right destination, arranging accommodations, packing essentials, booking ski lessons, exploring off-slope activities, creating a flexible itinerary, emphasizing safety precautions, and capturing memories, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable ski vacation for your entire family.

With proper planning and a spirit of adventure, your family ski trip will be an unforgettable experience that strengthens bonds, creates lasting memories, and instills a lifelong love of winter sports.

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Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Ski Resorts: Where to Hit the Slopes with Kids

Plan the ultimate family ski vacation with our guide to the top ski resorts catering to kids and parents alike. Uncover tips for a seamless and enjoyable winter getaway on the slopes .

Planning a family ski vacation can be an exhilarating experience, but finding the perfect family-friendly ski resort can make all the difference. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the top family ski resorts that cater to both kids and parents, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable winter getaway on the slopes. From beginner-friendly ski schools to thrilling activities for the whole family, we’ve got you covered with tips and recommendations to make your next family ski trip unforgettable.

Importance of Family-Friendly Ski Resorts

When it comes to planning a family ski vacation, choosing the right resort is key. Family-friendly ski resorts offer a range of amenities and activities designed to accommodate all members of the family, from the youngest to the oldest. These resorts understand the unique needs of families and go the extra mile to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Criteria for the Ultimate Family Ski Resort

Before we dive into the top family-friendly ski resorts, let’s discuss the criteria that make a ski resort perfect for families. The following factors are crucial in determining the family friendliness of a ski resort:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for resorts that offer a variety of activities for kids, such as ski schools, snow tubing, ice skating, and more.
• Beginner-Friendly Slopes: A family-friendly resort should have a range of slopes suitable for beginners, ensuring that even the youngest family members can enjoy the experience.
• Accommodations: Comfortable and family-oriented accommodations are essential. Look for resorts that offer spacious rooms, family suites, or cabins to accommodate the entire family.
• Safety Measures: Safety is a top priority when traveling with kids. Ensure that the resort has proper safety measures in place, including well-maintained slopes, ski patrol, and family-friendly policies.
• Accessibility: Choose resorts that are easily accessible and offer convenient transportation options, especially if you’re traveling with young children.
• Family-Friendly Dining Options: A variety of dining options catering to different tastes and preferences is important for a family ski vacation. Look for resorts with family-friendly restaurants and meal options.
• Entertainment and Events: Resorts that host family-friendly events and entertainment add an extra layer of enjoyment to the vacation experience.

Top Family-Friendly Ski Resorts

Now, let’s explore some of the top family-friendly ski resorts that meet the criteria mentioned above:

a. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Aspen Snowmass is a renowned ski destination that caters to families with its diverse range of activities and services. The resort boasts a world-class ski school with specialized programs for children, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable introduction to skiing. The family-friendly accommodations, such as spacious condominiums and slopeside lodges, make it easy for families to relax after a day on the slopes. Additionally, Aspen Snowmass hosts various family events and offers non-skiing activities like snowshoeing and sleigh rides.

b. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

Known as “America’s Family Resort,” Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont is specifically designed with families in mind. The resort offers a comprehensive lineup of kid-friendly programs, including the renowned Snow Sport University. With specialized instructors and a range of skill-building activities, kids can confidently learn to ski or snowboard. The resort’s condominium-style accommodations provide ample space for families, and the on-site daycare services make it convenient for parents to enjoy some time on the slopes while knowing their children are in good hands.

c. Keystone Resort, Colorado

Keystone Resort , located in the picturesque Rocky Mountains of Colorado, is a family paradise with a variety of activities for all ages. The resort’s Kidtopia program ensures that children have a blast with daily activities, parades, and a giant snowfort. Keystone also features a dedicated Family Ski Trail, providing a safe and enjoyable space for families to ski together. The accommodation options, ranging from cozy condos to spacious townhomes, cater to families of all sizes.

d. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Park City Mountain Resort in Utah is not only a winter sports haven but also a fantastic destination for families. The resort offers a range of family-friendly services, including specialized children’s ski programs and a dedicated learning area for beginners. With a charming mountain village, Park City provides a welcoming atmosphere for families to unwind after a day of skiing. The resort’s proximity to Salt Lake City International Airport adds convenience to your family ski vacation.

e. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe , straddling the border of California and Nevada, offers multiple ski resorts that are perfect for families. Resorts like Heavenly, Northstar, and Squaw Valley provide diverse terrain for skiers of all levels. Family-friendly amenities, including ski schools, adventure zones, and tubing hills, make Lake Tahoe an ideal destination for a winter family getaway. The stunning lake views and vibrant après-ski scenes add an extra layer of enjoyment for parents.

Tips for a Seamless Family Ski Vacation

Now that you have an overview of some top family-friendly ski resorts, let’s delve into essential tips for planning a seamless and enjoyable family ski vacation:

a. Early Planning

Start planning your family ski vacation well in advance. This includes booking accommodations, ski lessons, and any other activities you plan to enjoy during your stay. Early planning ensures you secure the best options and helps avoid last-minute hassles.

b. Pack Accordingly

Pack for varying weather conditions, and don’t forget essential items such as sunscreen, lip balm, and hand warmers. Make sure everyone has appropriate winter gear, including waterproof clothing, gloves, hats, and insulated boots.

c. Schedule Rest Days

While hitting the slopes is the primary focus of a ski vacation, it’s crucial to schedule rest days. Use these days to explore the resort village, enjoy non-skiing activities, or simply relax. Balancing activity with downtime ensures a more enjoyable experience for the entire family.

d. Take Advantage of Kid-Friendly Programs

Most family-friendly ski resorts offer specialized programs for children, ranging from ski schools to daycare services. Take advantage of these programs, allowing kids to learn and have fun while giving parents the opportunity to enjoy some solo skiing.

e. Embrace Non-Skiing Activities

Not every family member may be keen on skiing or snowboarding. Luckily, family-friendly ski resorts offer a plethora of non-skiing activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, and even indoor options like game rooms and movie nights.

f. Invest in Quality Ski Lessons

For beginners, quality ski lessons can make a significant difference in their skiing experience. Choose resorts with reputable ski schools and instructors who specialize in teaching children. A positive introduction to skiing sets the stage for a lifelong love of winter sports.

g. Capture the Memories

Document your family ski vacation with photos and videos. Not only will this create lasting memories, but it can also serve as a source of inspiration for future family adventures.

h. Be Flexible

Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to be flexible with your plans. Have alternative activities in mind in case certain slopes are closed or weather conditions are unfavorable for skiing.

i. Consider Travel Insurance

Unexpected events can occur, and travel insurance can provide peace of mind. It’s a good idea to explore options that cover cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.

In Conclusion

Planning the ultimate family ski vacation involves selecting the right destination that caters to the unique needs of both kids and parents. With the top family-friendly ski resorts and essential tips outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to create lasting memories on the slopes. From beginner-friendly ski schools to a range of family activities, these resorts offer the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. So, gear up, hit the slopes, and embark on a winter getaway that your family will cherish for years to come. Happy skiing!

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Essential tips for that first time family skiing holiday

Posted on Last updated: 19 March 2024

If your about to embark on your first time family skiing holiday, this is your ultimate guide to help all the family stay sane(ish). Here we include tips for skiing with kids, chat about how many days skiing is enough, as well as style of resorts, and even if you can do your first time ski holiday DIY!

Your first time family skiing holiday may feel like a bigger deal than other holidays. This has probably been booked at expense, you’re nervous as to how the kids will take to it, and if you’re a parent who skied pre-kids, you may be in two minds as to whether your legs can remember what to do. Then come the flashbacks of awkwardly carrying skis whilst walking in boots to get to the chairlift; imagine now doing that with kids!

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We consider ourselves seasoned family travellers. We have backpacked Southeast Asia with our boys, driven a Land Rover across Africa with them, lived in India and Morocco , and have done many a European in our Mazda Bongo camper . But when it came to our first time family skiing holiday, even we questioned whether it was worth the faff and expense.

But our outdoor-loving, adventurous boys have been begging to go skiing for years now and last month we decided to make a go of it. We were on a road trip in northern Spain and driving so temptingly-close to the Pyrenees, now was a good a time as any to try our skiing for the first time as a family.

So we booked 5 nights / 4 days skiing at La Molina in the Spanish Pyrenees. We didn’t go through a tour agency, but rather booked everything ourselves (accommodation, equipment hire, ski lesson, lift passes). Click here to read all about that trip, including where we stayed and how much it cost us.

By the end of the four days, our boys (who had never skied previously at age 6 and 8) were confidently whizzing off into the distance with big grins on their faces, leaving us parents for dust, and realising that skiing as a family had to become, at least, an annual thing. We had certifiably become a ski-obsessed family.

So if you’re thinking about a first time family ski trip, here are some tips we’re sharing for a successful trip. Although, as with all family travel experiences, there will be meltdowns along the way and challenging moments. But it’s all about balancing those moments to create the memories, right?

1. Go for the smaller ski resorts

When the kids are starting out skiing for the first time, you don’t need a lot of runs. There’s no point paying out for the larger resorts when you don’t have the ability for the full experience. Look for ski resorts that are mainly blue or green runs. These beginners slopes are also perfect for parents needing to regain confidence in their skiing ability.

La Molina in Spain is perfect for this and is known as one of the best resorts in the Pyrenees for families and beginners.

The smaller resorts also have less facilities in the way of après ski. This helps keep your spending down (less temptation) and focuses your time on the skiing.

2. Don’t plan on a full week of skiing

The majority of main ski tour operators book ski holidays on a weekly basis (Saturday to Saturday). Personally, a full week of skiing is too much. We found four days to be the perfect amount of time. Whilst our boys wanted to ski longer, as parents we can spot the signs for a much needed break. This 4-day timescale is something that we found to be perfect pre-kids too.

However, if you are booked to go for a full week, which often woks out as 6 days skiing, my advice is that everyone takes a rest day on day 4; do something completely different for the day so that everyone is refreshed for the end of the skiing week.

Similarly, if the boys had their way, they would have skied from 9am to 5pm everyday without a break (these were the times the ski lifts opened and closed). And whilst we were often the first ones and the last ones on the lift most days, we ensured we had at least a two hour break in the middle of the day, otherwise the evenings would have been total meltdowns from exhaustion.

3. Ski-in ski-out self-catering accommodation

Getting from your accommodation to the chair lift with everyone fully dressed and with all ski equipment is an utter faff. Little ones will need help with their gloves and boots, and parents are left to carry multiple skis. There’s no way around it.

But you can make it easier on yourselves.

We are all for budget accommodation, but when it comes to skiing with kids, location is aboslutely key to success. The cheaper accommodation for ski resorts is often a good walk, or even a bus ride away. But I would pay more any day to mean that we can eliminate the travel time to the chair lifts.

Look for ski-in-ski-out accommodation, or accommodation within 100 metres of the chair lifts.

We also prefer self-catering accommodation. This means that you can be flexible to how tired the kids (and parents) are. There’s no shame in kids having dinner on the sofa in front of their screens when they’re knackered after a full day of skiing. And if you want to eat out or get a take-away in, you have the flexibility to do so.

4. Get the kids ski lessons

Nothing beats your kids learning from a expert skier. By investing in lessons, not only are you getting them good tuition in the skill of skiing, but they’ll also learn the etiquette of the mountain and how to use the chair lifts.

Our boys had 10 hours of private ski lessons over 4 days, costing £390 between them.

And whilst they were in lessons, us parents went off and enjoyed some runs (and the odd beer) to ourselves. We would then regroup to ski some runs altogether so the boys could show off their new skills.

5. Borrow / hire ski gear for the kids

An additional cost to a first time ski holiday is the ski gear. You can hire all the ski equipment at the resorts (skis, boots, poles, and helmets). But there’s also the cost of ski jackets, salopettes (trousers), ski gloves, thermals, and goggles. If you have multiple kids who don’t own any appropriate clothing, the cost quickly adds up.

Ski jackets and salopettes can get pricey, but they are essential to keeping kids warm and dry when skiing. Ask around friends to see if you can borrow any, or you could even hire through Eco-Ski . I’m also reliably informed that ALDI and George at ASDA now do cheap ski gear for kids.

Thermals are something that we actually wear throughout the winter months as a family. Living in the Peak District , we do a lot of hiking, and I find that wearing a base layer and T-shirt under a coat, is better than a T-shirt and bulky jumper. Plus our boys are always wearing a base layer for football training and matches. So if you’re an outdoor family, it’s worth investing in thermals as you will get a lot of use out of them. You don’t need to spend too much on thermal base layers ( these ones do just fine).

• KEEP YOUR LITTLE ONES WARM: This kids thermal underwear base layer gives protection against the cold…
• FULL SET: Long sleeve top and long john legging trousers included. These can be used for boys…
• Thermal trouser and thermal top. Great for those cold winter days, school, ski/snow holidays,…
• SOFT AND COMFORTABLE: Our thermal underwear is has some natural stretch for the perfect fit.
• BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: This set is covered by our Britwear 101 day guarantee.

As for ski googles, these are a ski item that will hopefully be used year in year out. Supertrip Ski Goggles are for kids age 7-13 and are anti-fog.

• 【OVER-THE-GLASSES】- SUPERTRIP Kids Ski Goggles suitable for 5-15 year old skiing boys and girls….
• 【HELMET COMPATIBLE】 – The Kids Skiing Goggles use high density woven strap with great elastic,…
• 【ANTI-FOG & UV PROTECTION】 – This Kids Snowboard Goggles use dual-layer lens technology, outer…
• 【GREAT GIFT IDEAS】 – Cool full Revo mirror coating reflective lens, just like a real mirror,…
• 【CUSTOMER ORIENTED SERVICE】 – All Supertrip Kids Snow Goggles are designed for both boys and…

6. Fit your first time ski experience into a bigger road trip

Something that worked really well for our first family ski trip was that it was part of a bigger holiday. The holiday wasn’t just about the skiing, it was about exploring northern Spain.

This takes the pressure off from the holiday being all about the skiing. So if, and let’s hope not, it’s not a huge success, then the skiing is just part of a bigger trip and you won’t feel like you’ve all wasted a holiday.

But trust us… yes it’s expensive, and yes getting out the door and to the slopes is an utter faff. But it’s all totally worth it and our first family ski trip has definitely given us all the skiing bug.

You may also like to read LA MOLINA: Family skiing in the Spanish Pyrenees Iceland with kids: a 5 day self-drive itinerary The BEST alternative European city breaks with kids

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Tips for a first family ski trip

Even if you’re well-travelled, preparing for a first family ski trip can be a bit daunting – especially if you’re a beginner yourself.

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With lots of extra gear to sort, decisions about arranging accommodation and lessons (without breaking the bank), calming any nerves about learning to ski (theirs or yours!) plus all kinds of practicalities like lift passes, it can feel a bit overwhelming.

So after my daughter’s first introduction to skiing, I’ve pulled together all my tips for a first family ski trip – it’s aimed particularly at families where no-one is an expert; perhaps you’ve skied a little but never with kids, perhaps you’re all beginners.

But whatever you have planned for your first time family ski trip, I’ve got advice on everything from what to pack to how to plan your days – so you can enjoy your time in the mountains.

If you’re planning skiing lessons as part of a Lapland trip, check out my tips for visiting Lapland with kids

Contents - click to jump to a section

Packing tips for a family ski trip

How to save on ski gear.

You need a lot of gear to go skiing and there’s no way round it – but if you want to avoid paying a fortune for a few days’ holiday (especially if your kids turn out not to love skiing), there are ways to cut the cost.

Keep an eye out for sales at places like Decathlon and Mountain Warehouse – I managed to get a new ski jacket for less than half-price on Black Friday. If you have friends who ski, you might be able to borrow kit, or you can hire it through companies like  Eco-Ski .

If you can’t avoid buying it, look at options you’ll use during the winter at home too – salopettes are rarely going to come in useful, but my daughter has used a ski jacket as her main winter coat, while thermals are always good for days outdoors or cold snaps.

What to pack

There are some essentials you can’t do without on family ski trips for beginners – ski trousers or salopettes, a proper ski jacket and layers to go underneath.

The temperature can vary throughout the season so it might not actually be as cold as you expect, even with snow on the ground, so more thin layers are better than a single thick one. Thick jumpers can also mean you end up getting very hot walking to the lifts carrying skis!

Equally, you don’t want to underdo it as you can find yourself standing around a lot more while you’re learning, so kids especially can get chilly.

Waterproof outer layers

You can go for ski suits, but a ski jacket and ski trousers is a better option to start off (not least because you’re likely to get more wear out of the ski jacket at home).

Mountain Warehouse has some good ski sets for kids which often works out cheaper than buying the two individually, while Decathlon also has a good range of kids ski gear .

While it’s tempting to look at ordinary waterproof trousers with a thermal layer underneath, ski trousers with elasticated gaiters help stop snow getting inside your trousers – which will keep everyone happier.

Thermal base layers

Merino wool  is the best option as it’s lightweight but very warm and dries quickly. It’s worth having two sets of thermal base layers (they’re quick to rinse and dry if you’ve got longer family ski holidays planned) as you can then manage with one set of outer layers.

We’re big fans of Mountain Warehouse’s base layers which come in block colours – including matching  thermal pants  and  round necked top  – as well as some patterned versions, which are cute enough to be worn on their own in the hotel. Also available from  Amazon . 

Or I love Uniqlo’s Heattech thermals – I have a couple of the thermal tops, which are much thinner than standard thermals and non-itchy.

You can then layer thin jumpers and sweatshirts over these, if you’ve already got something suitable, or a lightweight midlayer .

You need something practical for walking around when you’re off the slopes. Walking boots can also work for kids, especially if it’s not hugely snowy.

My  Ohio snowboots  (also available on  Amazon ) have seen me through a trip to Lapland plus ski trips in France and any snowy days at home – as well as decent grips and laces to keep them secure, I love the fluffy trim.

• Snow Proof – Treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR), suitable in packed snow
• Thermal Tested -20 °C – Laboratory tested. Health, physical activity & perspiration will affect performance
• Faux Fur – Synthetic fur adds warmth and comfort, style and looks great too

My daughter helpfully wanted a pair of plain black snow boots , which also happened to be the cheapest ones available at Mountain Warehouse, although there are also kids Ohio snowboots and ones with velcro fastening in the kids snow boot range .

Alternatively the Trail kids walking boots are lightweight and waterproof and work well if there’s not a huge amount of snow in the resort (plus they’re easier to travel in than snow boots). If you do a lot of walking at home, Keen walking boots are also hard to beat.

Accessories

Socks – It’s worth buying some proper ski socks – you can take thermal socks but ski socks are comfier in ski boots and tend to be longer than some thermal socks which stop mid-calf.

Tip : avoid having thermal leggings layered over socks when you’re wearing ski boots – it’s best to have a single layer, so go for leggings which can be pulled up above the boots, to avoid them rubbing (something I discovered from experience!)

Gloves – It goes without saying that you’ll need gloves, but pack more pairs than you think. You need waterproof gloves for on the slopes (and for any snowball fights) but it’s well worth having a second pair for when the first pair is drying out (or if you lose one).

Get ski gloves with elastic/loops to go round the wrist too, so that you don’t have to carry them or have to stuff them in a pocket if you’re not wearing them. Younger kids can find waterproof mittens easier than gloves which can be big and bulky, and ones with elasticated wrists or with velcro straps to tighten are helpful.

I’m a big fan of glove liners too – when you’re trying to put your kids’ gloves on, sort zips, use your phone, they’re less cumbersome than the waterproof gloves but they stop your hands freezing while you take ski gloves off. Plus they add an extra layer of warmth as well when the waterproof ones are on.

• 100% Silk – Perfect for Skiing, Climbing/ Mountaineering, Running & Athletics, Exercise & Fitness, Fishing, Football, Hiking, Hunting, Paintball and ideal as a liner gloves under ski gloves, motorcycle gloves or work gloves.
• Size: Extra Small 5.5 – 7 (From the longest finger tips to the wrist)
• Naturally Hypoallergenic – Relief from itchy skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema. Warmth and insulation without weight or bulk
• Ultimate liner gloves design – Smooth, soft, comfort, warmth, lightweight and long ribbed cuff to keep your wrist warm
• Machine washable – Machine wash at 30°C using gentle silk detergent or hand wash. Air dry and cool iron.

As well as my own pair, I had a pair of kids glove liners for my daughter, although for younger kids, multiple pairs of gloves can be a bit of a faff, so keep some air-activated hand warmers in a pocket as an alternative. I also threw in some ordinary woolly gloves for the evenings while her ski gear was drying.

Neck warmer – whether you call these a buff, snood, gaiter or anything else, they’re much more practical than a scarf, help keep you warm and stop the snow going down the back of your neck!

My daughter’s thermal fleece version has lasted her for over five years now and is still super fluffy. My own fleece lined neck warmer is a bit less eye-catching but is soft, warm and not bulky – perfect!

Goggles – much better than sunglasses (although it’s worth packing those as well if you’re out in the afternoons without full ski gear), you can find some great adjustable versions which will last for years if everyone falls in love with skiing.

• ?High Impact Resistance?Our spherical ski goggles use a flexible TPU frame and unbreakable PC lenses to protect your eyes from outdoor activities. It protects skiers and snowboarders for better impact resistance. When you are hit, the lens will block the impact of the front, and the frame and thick sponge will relieve the impact.
• ?OTG & Comfortable Sponge?The OTG design allows you to wear your glasses under the ski goggles. Even if we are myopia, we can still enjoy the sport with pleasure. At the same time, the thick sponge provides you with a comfortable and sealed wearing experience. For a better skiing experience.
• ?Ventilation System?Designed to reduce fogging and optimize airflow over the inside of the lens, ski goggles provide a smooth airflow system that brings fresh air and moisture quickly and effectively while skiing.

Our Sposune ski goggles had anti-fog coating and would fit over glasses (essential for my daughter) as well as coming in several different styles. In fact, I liked hers so much that I got a similar pair for myself. Alternatively Supertrip goggles are similar. Suitable for kids aged 5-15 years old, they also go over glasses.

You can also find smaller ski goggles for younger kids which are more comfortable on little faces.

Hat – as you’ll be wearing a helmet a lot of the time (walking to/from the lifts and all the time on the slopes), you might find that you don’t need a woolly hat as much as you think.

But it’s definitely worth packing one for evenings, other snowy activities between ski sessions and if you hit a cold snap.

A hat with ear flaps is ideal for younger kids: this  Fox fleece hat  is a cute choice, along with this pompom version  and this  patterned option . For older kids, their standard winter hat is fine – my fleece lined thermal pompom hat  is superwarm, but anything similar works well.

Slippers – unlike some of the other essentials, you can absolutely go skiing without packing a pair of slippers! But after a day in ski boots (and snow boots, which feel featherlight after ski boots), putting on a pair of comfy slippers is blissful.

It might make me sound 87 to say that, but you’ll thank me later.

Where to stay

Which country to choose.

There’s a huge choice of resorts in France alone, always one of the most popular ski destinations from the UK, quite apart from Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Scandinavia, Spain, Andorra, Bulgaria…

When it comes to choosing between them, consider the costs (Scandinavia is more expensive than Bulgaria, for example) as well as the travel time.

There are frequent flights from the UK to Geneva (often the closest airport for many resorts in the French Alps), as well as Grenoble and Lyon, plus it’s easy to travel by train.

Consider how long the transfer will take at the other end as well – most European ski destinations are within two hours flight time of the UK (except perhaps Bulgaria) but you could easily spend another couple of hours on the transfer.

Small resorts are often better for beginners

While it’s tempting to look at the big resorts for all the extra facilities, a smaller resort is often better when you’re learning. For starters, it’s usually cheaper, which is handy if you’re not even sure how everyone will take to skiing.

The smaller resorts may not be ski-in ski-out but that’s not necessarily a problem. If you’re learning, you won’t be skiing in and out anyway, but make sure you aren’t too far from the lifts – a long walk is no fun when you’re carrying multiple pairs of skis.

Some resorts – like Les Carroz – have free ski buses to the gondola. Our accommodation was only a couple of minutes from the stop and we never waited more than a few minutes for a bus, but if you’re facing a long bus ride or ages waiting after a day on the slopes, it’s best avoided.

Resorts with more green and blue runs are ideal as it shows the area is particularly suited to beginners, with some variety and chance to progress from the nursery slopes.

The apres-ski scene is usually a lot smaller as well – if you’re skiing with kids, you won’t be staying out late partying after all, and you should avoid loud music keeping them awake.

Vaujany, where we stayed on our Ski France press trip, was great as it’s a small village, so nothing was more than a short walk away – Hotel des Cimes, where we stayed, was only a few minutes from the gondola, with the ski hire shop Sport 2000 right by the lifts and the nursery slope at the other end as soon as you get off.

It was was quick to get our bearings (useful when you’re carrying skis), but still had plenty of family friendly things to do off the slopes in breaks from skiing, including a swimming pool, bowling and other snowy fun like husky sledding in nearby Alpe d’Huez.

The same was true for Les Carroz – slightly bigger than Vaujany, it was also very easy to walk around with lots of ski hire shops, restaurants and a supermarket, plus the Aquacime pool and spa centre, an ice rink and fun toboggan slope reached by magic carpet.

If you are travelling with more experienced skiers or just want the flexibility of exploring further afield, look for a smaller destination that’s linked to a larger ski area – Vaujany is part of the Alpe d’Huez domaine, which means there’s 250km of runs connected by the various lifts, while Les Carroz is part of the Grand Massif so you can get to Flaine, Samoens, Morillon and Sixt very easily.

You’ll find similar situations elsewhere in the Alps including the Three Valleys (Trois Vallees) ski area and Paradiski.

Chalet, apartment or hotel?

Both have their pros and cons – a self-catered apartment will be the cheapest option, but consider if you really want to be cooking, or what the options for takeaways/eating out are, as well as checking what facilities there are for storing your ski gear.

Self-catering is always helpful if you’re travelling with picky eaters though – most places we visited did have a kid’s menu, but it can mean a constant choice of burger, chicken nuggets and croque monsieur (plus sometimes pasta).

Catered chalets or hotel will cost more, but if you are staying in smaller villages or resorts, it’s not necessarily extortionate – plus you’ll get afternoon tea (or at least some very welcome snacks and hot chocolate mid afternoon) as well as breakfast and dinner. Even the smaller hotels will have a boot room, and ours at Hotel des Cimes had a play room for children.

If you’re planning to do more skiing than your kids (even if you’re not an expert), a hotel with a kids club or booking via a company which provides childcare is a great option too.

For more tips on booking a family ski holiday with childcare , check out this post

Booking through a company can often get you some great deals on lift passes and discounts on ski hire, as well as helping arrange lessons, plus most have both hotel and chalet accommodation options.

Planning ski lessons

Are group lessons or private better for beginners.

Whether you choose group lessons or private ones, do book some! It’s by far the best introduction to the slopes – instructors will teach more than just how to ski, including how to use the lifts, mountain etiquette and more.

Even if you’re a competent skier, you might find it easier to have someone else teaching your kids too (quite apart from not passing on any bad habits) – plus it means you get out to enjoy the pistes.

Group lessons – if you go for group lessons at ski school, consider how old your kids are. If they’re likely to be much younger or older than the rest of the group, a private lesson might be best.

Consider what languages are spoken too. Instructors usually speak great English so there’s no fear about them being able to communicate during the lessons, but it’s less fun for your kids if they’re the only child speaking English in the group.

Private lessons – Private lessons are pricier but obviously have the benefit of individual attention, so your kids (and you!) may progress a lot faster this way, if you’re hoping to get off the nursery slope and onto the green runs.

Bear in mind that they (and you!) might progress at different rates though.

While my daughter and I both started together, I had managed to remember a few essentials from lessons a decade or so before, so was ready to try the green runs fairly quickly – my daughter wasn’t, so we quickly needed two instructors.

That’s one bonus of group lessons as it’s easier to move them between groups if they need more help or turn out to be natural skiers.

Book lessons for the morning

Whichever option you go for – or even a mix of both – do plan the lessons for the morning and leave the afternoons free.

Skiing is hard work – even just getting around in ski boots, carrying your gear, quite apart from the effort of learning – so you’ll be ready for some downtime by lunch.

You might not want lessons every day

If you’re going for a short break, it’s obviously tempting to fit in as much skiing as possible during your holiday but if you can keep it flexible, it’s a good idea – especially with younger kids.

On day 2, my daughter had a much shorter lesson and spent more time playing in the snow with some new friends, and the break was definitely welcome. If you’ve got a week-long break, it’s easier to space things out, with a few shorter lessons or a day off part-way through.

And if your kids are instant ski converts and want to spend every minute on the slopes, it’s often possible to schedule extra private lessons anyway (especially outside peak season, although riskier during February half-term).

Even if they think they’re desperate to spend every minute skiing, taking it at a slower pace can help avoid total exhausted meltdown by day 3.

Getting ski gear

Get sorted in advance.

If you can get your ski gear sorted the day before the first lesson, it makes life much easier. There’s usually a good choice of hire options for skis, boots and helmets, plus the chance to buy other odds and ends you might have forgotten, but they can be busy first thing and it takes a while to sort everything out.

TIP: bear in mind that it will take longer to do everything once you’re all kitted up, so the last thing you want is to be rushing in ski boots or while weighed down with everyone’s skis

Do check that your goggles and helmet work together – we realised that the shape of my daughter’s helmet pushed the goggles down so it squashed her nose, while a different style fitted fine.

Getting kitted up is getting more high-tech too – during our press trip to Les Carroz in the Grand Massif, we got our gear from SkiSet, who have a special machine to scan your feet. You don’t even need to try the boots on (and I came away bruise free, so thumbs up from me).

Save time to get used to ski boots

It’s worth spending a little bit of time practising walking in ski boots too – it might sound strange, but the heel-toe movement you need doesn’t come naturally!

Comfort is key

Don’t be afraid to go back to the shop if something isn’t fitting properly. During a recent trip, my first pair of ski boots left me with a bruise on one shin, which made walking really painful by the end of day 1.

Having swapped them for another pair, I had no problems after that – otherwise I’m not sure I’d even have been able to get to the lifts. (Don’t expect hired ski boots to be super comfy but they shouldn’t actually hurt you!)

Don’t do ski boots up straight away

Rigid ski boots are great for when you’re actually strapped into skis, less so when you’re walking to and from the lifts or through the snow.

For adult boots, you’ll often find that there’s a velcro strap around the top, as well as the bindings on the calf and foot – one great tip I got was that if you do up the velcro strap and foot bindings, it holds the boot on securely enough but gives you a bit more movement to walk.

Then when you get to the slope, undo the foot bindings, secure the top bindings first before redoing the foot, then finish by tightening the velcro strap so you’re ready to ski.

Kids’ ski boots tend to have fewer bindings as they’re smaller so it’s harder to leave any loose while they walk.

Use your special lift pass pocket

Always keep your lift pass in a left-hand pocket – most ski jackets will have a special little zip pocket by the wrist for this anyway (if you’ve wondered what that’s for).

If not, any pocket on that side means the turnstiles will be able to read it without constantly getting it out.

More family ski trip tips

Pack snacks.

You can never have too many snacks. Chocolate, fruit leather, sweets – whatever your kids (and you) prefer, this is one time where you’re going to need all that sugar for energy.

We did pack some mini gingerbread as well but tended to have those as a snack back at the hotel as they’re more easily crushed if you fall over on the slopes – mini bars of Dairy Milk and YoYo Bears would easily fit into a pocket for whenever we needed a pick-me-up.

Be prepared to motivate nervous beginners

Whether it’s your usual parenting style or not, bribery/rewards may well be the answer to getting your kids back on that slope, if they’re nervous or simply worn out.

Obviously it’s a delicate balance between pushing them too fast, but sometimes you know they just need a bit of encouragement to motivate them…

During our recent trip, one tired six-year-old who was reluctant to go back on the slopes was suddenly re-energised by the promise of a snowball maker.

Meanwhile my own daughter was persuaded to go further up the nursery slope with the promise of being able to throw a certain number of snowballs at me per challenge tackled (you may want to negotiate better than me as I ended up being pelted with 71 snowballs by the end of her lesson!)

If you live closer to somewhere offering skiing lessons in the UK, it can be a good idea to build up confidence before you travel – not always cheap though and the old dry ski slopes can be quite different from skiing on snow, so not always helpful

Always allow plenty of time

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I can’t stress it enough. From our hotel to the lifts was maybe a three-minute walk in normal shoes: when you have to go via the boot room to put on ski boots, get helmets on (to avoid carrying them), carry skis and do that same walk in ski boots, it inevitably takes longer.

And from experience, I can promise that rushing in multiple layers is no fun if you’re arriving stressed and sweaty before you even start a lesson!

Don’t overplan

Don’t overplan your time – by the time we’d had a lesson, lunch on the slopes and headed back down in the lift, it was amazing how much of the afternoon had gone.

You can certainly fit in more activities after lunch, but a bit of downtime (and a chance for a very hot shower to help any aching muscles) is often very needed.

What else to do during your family ski holiday

Make the most of the snow.

There’s far more than skiing to enjoy in the snow – a snowball fight and the chance for my daughter to push me into a snowdrift were easily one of the highlights of her holiday!

You can also get toboggans to make the most of the snowy slopes – some resorts will have separate toboggan areas, otherwise just find a quiet slope where you won’t be in the way.

Look out for husky sledding – our 30-minute trip in Alpe d’Huez was another highlight of our holiday, with the dogs whisking us through the snowy landscape (and a nice rest for my own legs).

Other areas have horse-drawn carriage rides or reindeer sledding, while you’ll also find dog sledding in several other places in the Alps.

You can even try tandem paragliding – kids do need to be able to start on skis, although you don’t need to be hugely proficient as the instructor will do all the hard part.

There are often plenty of other snowy activities, like fat biking, but with kids it’s well worth keeping the afternoons low-effort.

For more ideas of things to do in some of the best family ski resorts in France , check out my post

Check out the local attractions

At times you may want to have a complete break from the snow – especially if you’ve just warmed up, or have taken the lifts back down to your accommodation and don’t fancy venturing back up again.

A lot of ski resorts will have their own public swimming pools (as do some of the bigger hotels in larger resorts) so playing on the slides or just having fun in the water is an easy way to spend an hour. From a tired adult point of view, being able to float and rest my legs worked for me too!

If you’re staying in or around Avoriaz, the Aquariaz aquatic centre has a lazy river and splash zone as well as other water park attractions. And in Les Carroz , the Aquacime centre has a heated outdoor pool (two in summer) plus an indoor pool with jets.

You can also find bowling alleys, ice rinks as well as various other little attractions – Vaujany has a fun little interactive museum, while you’ll find a string of other quirky little museums in the Alps, such as the mechanical museum in Les Gets.

At La Tania-Courchevel, there’s indoor climbing too.

Depending where your lift pass allows you to go, it can be fun just soaking up some of the scenery as you cruise above the mountains – we spotted half-frozen waterfalls and mountain goats as we sailed from A to B.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission . My first family skiing trip was a press trip for work but I was under no obligation to write this post and all opinions are my own.

Images copyright MummyTravels

Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

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All Mountain Mamas

Planning a family ski vacation made simple.

All Mountain Mamas Family Ski Trip Tips

Let’s face it, the initial thought of planning your family’s first ever (or even second or third) ski vacation can be slightly overwhelming. For those unfamiliar to with the sport or snowy destinations in general, the thought of snowy winter adventures on strange equipment is downright alien. With the right resources, though, it doesn’t need to be a monumental task. The All Mountain Mamas are here to help you plan your perfect family winter getaway.

The Mamas are experts in family travel planning and have reviewed Vermont resorts and their amenities, highlighting programs, accommodations, dining options, and activities that are great for families. We also provide great advice on how to plan and prepare for a winter ski trip with tips on choosing lodging and lessons, what to pack, and how to beat the cold. Here the Mamas came together to provide a simple step-by-step process for planning your Vermont ski or snowboard vacation.

Step 1: Picking a Destination

Obviously, we’re experts on visiting Vermont, but why should you choose Vermont as your family’s ski and ride destination?

First off, did you know that Vermont is the #1 ski and snowboard destination in the East? Vermont boasts some of the highest and snowiest peaks in New England and is one of the most welcoming destinations in the United States. Resorts cater to families with topnotch children’s learning programs, daycare for your littlest ones, and fun and engaging off-slope activities like indoor pools, kids adventure zones, movie nights, and more. Vermont also boasts an incredible amount of options for diversely interested families – whether you’re looking for a local experience that is intimate and budget friendly, or you’re aiming for large and luxurious with a ton of amenities and great dining options, Vermont can deliver. Plus, Vermont is within driving distance of some of the largest metro areas in North America like Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Montreal and Toronto.

Which resort in Vermont is the best fit for your family?

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a destination in Vermont. You’ll likely choose a resort based on your home base and whether you are driving, flying, or taking the train. With a huge population within driving distance of Vermont, we find most families pack up the car to make the trip here. If traveling from the New York City metro area or south of Vermont, you might aim to visit the southern region of Vermont, making your car ride a bit shorter. Resorts like Mount Snow, Stratton, Bromley and Magic are all within 4 hours driving distance from NYC. Coming from the Boston area or north of NYC? Check out central Vermont, which has some of the largest resorts in Vermont including Killington and Okemo. Sugarbush is just a bit north of Killington, and Burke Mountain, while one of the most northern resorts, is a quick and easy drive from the Boston metro area on Interstate 93. Flying into Burlington, or located north of the border? Northern Vermont boasts destinations like Jay Peak Resort, Smugglers’ Notch, and Stowe Mountain Resort.

A few other things to consider when choosing a destination is budget, must-have creature comforts, and your family’s general interests. Some folks are drawn to smaller resorts so as not to overwhelm their families with sky-high peaks and denser populations. Favorites for the local down-home feel might be Bolton Valley near Burlington, Middlebury College Snow Bowl, Pico Mountain (Killington’s little sister), or Saskadena Six and Quechee Ski Hill, both near Woodstock. On the flip side, adventure seeking families looking for a challenge may choose a destination like Mad River Glen, steeped in ski history with its single chair and boasting gnarly old school terrain. And finally, for those looking to avoid the downhill thrills and get a family work out with cross country skiing, there are nearly 30 Nordic centers to choose from in Vermont, many with robust lodging options and other great family amenities.

Need help finding the best resort for your family?  Visit skivermont.com/resort-finder . The resort finder allows you to find destinations in Vermont that are closest to you, and find options that best match your lodging, lesson, and dining needs.

Step 2: Plan Your Trip: Lodging, Lesson and Rentals

Congratulations!

You’ve officially moved past the most difficult step of choosing from among Vermont’s 20 alpine and 30 Nordic destinations and can really jump into the fun part of planning your visit. Our suggestion? Call the resort you plan to visit directly and talk to one of their super-informative and friendly customer service folks and let them know exactly what you are looking for in your vacation. They’ll know all the right questions to ask and can tell you about great lodging packages that include rentals and lessons, and other promotions that can save you money. They’ll also be able to provide information on certified daycare and lessons available for your littlest ones. Prefer booking online? Head to your resort’s website (like you haven’t been there already) and check out lodging options. There you’ll find information on the same packages the customer service rep would suggest.

Pro Tip: Book lessons. 

We cannot encourage this enough. No one should try to learn from or teach friends and family members unless they are professionally trained. Everyone benefits from a lesson from a professional instructor, especially kids. The instructors know exactly how to get both kids and adults comfortable on strange equipment and sliding on snow. They also schedule breaks for hot chocolate and snacks at just the right time and understand how kids can learn to not only access skiing and snowboarding, but truly enjoy it.

Embarrassed to take a lesson as an adult? Don’t be! We’re never too old to learn new tricks, but it’s far easier if you have someone that knows what they are doing helping you out. And if you’re already a skier or snowboarder, don’t be afraid to take your skills to the next level with a great private lesson or clinic. Maybe this is the year you finally conquer those bumps! Check out these learn-to deals at Vermont resorts: skivermont.com/learn-to-ski-and-ride-resort-deals .

Step 3: Packing

Never been to a cold weather destination? Afraid you’ll forget something important? Fear not, we put together the family ski trip checklist to make sure you’re covered – literally – from head to toe. To stay warm, we suggest layering the whole family in breathable, non-cotton layers topped with waterproof shells. The elements paired with sweat are no match for the proper clothing, but cotton is a big no-no as it retains moisture close to the skin which can go from just uncomfortable to downright dangerous. Here’s our go-to list, with some of our favorite brand suggestions:

• Long underwear tops and bottoms – Remember, wicking fabric is your friend! Go for multiple layers over thick items, so you can warm up or cool down as needed. We love items from Dale of Norway!
• Socks – Go wool all the way and try Vermont’s own Darn Tough Socks for great comfort and patterns.
• Outerwear –Waterproof and windproof snow pants or bibs are a must, best matched with a technical jacket. Try light layers for temperature control, or insulated outerwear if you get cold easily. Our friends at Burton and Rossignol have great options for the whole family!
• Gloves or Mittens – A must for outdoor winter recreation. Mittens tend to be warmer and have extra space for a hand warmer if needed.
• Goggles – Protect those eyes from the cold with proper eyewear for the slopes. Try goggles from anon if you want get protection paired with a cool factor.
• Helmet – Protecting your head is a no-brainer, but helmets also keep your head warmer than a hat. You can sometimes rent these at resorts, so check in when reserving rentals.
• Ski and Snowboard Equipment – Skis, snowboards, poles, boots. Available to rent at resorts, but if you have your own, make sure you don’t miss anything!
• Other goodies – Hand & foot warmers, hats and neck gaiters (try Skida brand for fun prints), sunscreen, and lip balm.
• Boot bag or backpack – Keep everything organized with boot bags or backpacks for each member of the family and remember to write their names on everything.

Don’t have something on the checklist or you forgot it when packing? Fear not. Just check in at the resort gift shop and they should have exactly what you need, or they’ll point you in the right direction. And if you need any tips on how to manage all that gear, we have that mapped out for you, too .

Step 4: Getting There

There are many ways to get to a resort in Vermont, but the final leg is always almost by car. If you’re flying or taking the train, be sure to make arrangements for pick up with the resorts or another car service. If you prefer more flexibility, arrange to pick up a rental that has four-wheel drive or snow tires for safe travel.

Be Prepared

If you are driving to Vermont, let’s talk about preparing for the drive. The Mamas have driven just about every road that leads to a Vermont ski area and know a family ski trip is worth the time in the car, but taking precautions and planning for car time will make the whole trip smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. From November through March, prepare for a range of winter weather. The Interstate highways in Vermont should be clear and easy to drive, but once you get off of them you should be prepared to drive on narrow, rural roads. All-weather tires don’t always work well on these roads, so if you don’t have snow tires you also may want to consider renting a vehicle that does or one that has four-wheel drive. No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, it’s also a good idea to be prepared for tricky winter situations. Be sure to stow winter boots and gloves, a set of flares, extra wiper fluid, jumper cables, some rock salt, blankets, and a cell phone charger in your car to make sure you’re ready for whatever happens.

Plan your route ahead

You’ll also want to think about the route you use to get to Vermont. Some ski areas become less accessible in the winter months than they are in the summer, and you’ll need to add extra travel time into your calculations. The road between Stowe and Smugglers’ Notch closes in the winter, requiring a different route to Smuggs if you’re coming from the south. If you’re planning to ski at Sugarbush or Mad River Glen and are coming from the west, you probably don’t want to drive directly over the mountains where the ski areas are located but will want to take the more gentle route through Rutland. A call ahead to the ski resort you are visiting is always a good idea; staff there should be able to give you information about road conditions, the weather forecast, and what route is best for you.

Add some fun stops to your trip and try to visit a variety of small towns along the way. Vermont villages are an experience of their own and you can find great art, shopping, and food options along the way. Another good idea is to take advantage of rest areas along the highway. Stop for regular bathroom breaks because once you get off the main roads and into the mountains, you may find that places to stop are few and far between. Vermont has staffed welcome centers on all the major highways when you enter the state, and these are great places to use the restroom, get a cup of coffee, and pick up brochures about local attractions. Vermontvacation,com is another great resource for places to visit along the way.

Worth the extra elbow grease

If you’ve followed our tips on planning your trip, you should be ready and set to have an amazing journey to Vermont this winter. And trust us, the effort is worth it. Shared adventures on the mountains of Vermont with your family will live in your memories forever, along with cozy moments by the fire and family meals in quaint Vermont villages. Our families are lucky enough to experience these adventures every season and cannot wait to share the experience with new families near and far. If you’re interested in more stories from our adventures and additional tips on how to make the most of a family ski trip, head over to allmountainmamas.com and you’ll likely find a great story about the ski area you plan to visit this winter.

More tips and top take-aways

• Plan early and research multiple resorts.
• Save money by traveling midweek, non-holidays, if possible.
• Travel to resorts within driving distance to save time and money.
• Choose lodging catered best to your group, budget and means of travel.
• Stay slope-side for convenience and prepare meals in the kitchen to save money.
• Enroll everyone in professional lessons, especially beginners.
• Wear layers for a comfortable experience on the mountain.
• Eat for energy, hydrate and indulge in local treats.
• Treat the family (or yourself!) to something special.
• Have fun playing in a winter wonderland!

Happy trails! – The All Mountain Mamas

Please note, this article was originally published in the Ski Vermont 2017 Magazine. View or request the magazine at skivermont.com .

Sarah Wojcik is the founder of All Mountains Mamas, starting it in 2012. Becoming a mother in 2017, she grasped the opportunity to share her passion of skiing and snowboarding with families across the U.S. and came on as a contributor and manager. Formerly the Director or Marketing and Communications for Ski Vermont , and currently the creative editor and digital partnership director at Ski Area Management magazine, she writes with great knowledge of the ski industry in Vermont and beyond, and from the point of view of a new mother working to get back out on the slopes with two kids in tow. She is also the proud owner of Vermont’s #1 family fun resource, FindandGoSeek.net .

I love to ski in Vermont

I am interested in planning a one day ski trip with my friends, first time doing it and don’t have any equipment. Can you guys help me.

Hi Julio, Would this be your first time on skis? Luckily it’s Learn to Ski & Snowboard month this month and there are great deals available at skivermont.com. Look under Programs for $49 beginner lessons and book right there. Where are you traveling from?

Hi, myself and family live in Australia but are visiting family in Ottawa, Canada for Christmas and want to take our two experienced adult children skiing in Vermont after Christmas for 4,5 days. We have skiied in the Rockies before and I am looking for the ski resorts in Vermont with the most amount of vertical and challenging runs? Can you advise? Someone said that Stowe had some challenging runs, but know almost nothing about the options.

Thanks Mike and Janet

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10 Expert Tips to Know When Planning a Ski Trip with Kids

• Published on January 16, 2019
• by The Mom Trotter
• in Ski / Snow , Tips & Tricks , Travel , Travel With Kids

This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a commission if you make a purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. This helps offset the costs of running this blog & I appreciate your support. Please see my  privacy & disclosure policy  for more.

Table of Contents

Planning a ski trip with kids can be quite the task whether you are a veteran ski family or whether it’s your first family ski trip. It is important to note that, when kids are involved, there is no such thing as a perfect ski vacation. Knowing this beforehand will take some pressure of you, especially with planning and also when on your trip.

Our family when skiing for the first time last year, and knowing this expert tips when planning a ski trip with kids were very helpful for me. So, below are a few things you need to know when planning a ski trip trip with kids.

Find The Right Resort

Finding the right ski resort is going to help your family immensely. When choosing a destination for your ski trip with kids, make sure to speak to ski specialist at that resort so that you know if the resort you are choosing will match your families ski abilities. If your kids are new to skiing, you should opt for resorts with several beginner ski slopes so that your kids can practice without being crowded by other skiers. This will give them the opportunity to make mistakes and learn better. Some resorts have activities for kids and even daycare where your kids can spend the day if they need a break from skiing. Some resorts also have spa services for parents to take advantage of. For this reason, it is important to do you research on ski resorts prior to planning a ski trip with kids. Also make sure to search for resorts that offer all-inclusive family ski packages which include lift tickets, lodging, ski camps for kids, lesson, rentals equipment, and so on.

Avoid Holidays

Holidays simply mean peak season, which also means that hotel rates will be much higher and it will also be crowded. It is advisable to go on midweek ski vacations especially if you don’t mind the kids missing a few days of school for an epic ski trip. Not only will there be lower prices and fewer crowds, but you will have options for registering your kids for ski school on your preferred dates and times without worrying about it being sold out. When you go during off season or mid-week, you can even plan a last-minute budget ski trip with kids like we did to Winter Park, Colorado without breaking the bank.

Book Activities in Advance

Booking your activities in advance is one of the things that you should ensure you do before you leave your home. This is due to the fact that many ski schools get booked quickly during the peak season. If you want your kids to have a private lesson, or if you want to book a sleigh ride or snow-ski experience, then you should plan to book it in advance.

Seek Out Used Gear

As we all know, good ski gear is expensive, and kids won’t use ski clothes more than twice because they usually outgrow it before the next ski trip. You absolutely don’t need to buy new ski gear, you can buy used ski gear on local resell pages, or simply rent them. Most ski shops have rental ski gear for kids and adults including ski equipment as well. If you do end up buying new ski gear, you can always resell it when you’re done using it, and that’ll give you some money to buy or rent what you need for your next ski trip with kids.

Have A Backup Plan

You should ensure you have a backup plan in case your kids do not like skiing. This can be frustrating since you spent your time and energy to plan the trip, however use this opportunity to do other things that you researched earlier. Something that every family member can enjoy. It can be something as simple as tubing or even just enjoying the hotel pool and jacuzzi. Other good options are Winter Programs going on at the resort or an indoor playground where your kids can get some energy out.

Set A Meeting Point

When planning a ski trip with kids, it is important to set a meeting point. If you have older kids or other family members on your trip and you plan to split up, make sure every family member knows where to meet. This is going to help you out in case phone batteries die or there is no signal to contact each other which happens often. You should also instruct your older kids on how to ask for help if they need it until they can locate you.

Pack The Right Clothes

In my opinion packing the right clothes is the most important part of planning a ski trip with kids. If your family isn’t used to cold weather, you’ll want to make sure to make the appropriate clothes for skiing and for the snow. Don’t forget to shop for the correct snow boots and warm socks as well to keep your feet warm. I have always dreaded cold weather, until I realized that with appropriate clothes, like gloves, jackets and hats, it’s not so bad.

Plan for Altitude Sickness

This is one of the things that you don’t want to miss planning for as it can disrupt the whole vacation. You should make sure you look out for symptoms like nausea or headaches while on the ski slopes with kids. To avoid the effects of high altitude, ensure that you drink lots of water before you head out on the slopes so as to acclimate. It is also recommended to have light meals and pack nausea medications if you absolutely need it.

Go Car-free

Renting a car and driving in the snow can be especially stressful if you’ve never done it before. You don’t want to add more stress to yourself while on a ski trip with kids. The best way to avoid this is by avoiding renting a car, and using resort transportation. Many resorts have shuttles and bus systems that you can take from the airport, and then there is a local bus system to get you around the resort.

Stay Hydrated

It is important that you drink a lot of water or electrolyte-infused beverages while on the slope. This is due to the fact that you easily become dehydrated in the mountains when skiing with kids and staying hydrated will help to ward off altitude sickness. Sometimes people think because it is cold out, you won’t get dehydrated, but that’s false.

Hopefully this information will be helpful when planning your next ski trip with kids. If I missed any helpful tips, please share with me in the comment section.

You can read my other posts on ski trips with kids below:

• Best Colorado Ski Resorts For Families
• Colorado Ski Trip: Winter Park With Kids
• 10 Things To Pack For A Snow Trip With Kids

Booking Your Trip – Tips & Tricks

How To Book Cheap Flights When You Travel

If you are looking to book the cheapest flights you can possibly find on the internet, then make sure to use  Skyscanner when searching for flights. Don’t forget to download the  Free Skyscanner App  also which is very handy. This is how I was able to get $12.40 airfare from Los Angeles to London, as well as $9.40 airfare from London to Italy.

How To Book Affordable Accommodation When You Travel

When booking accommodation,  TripAdvisor  is the way to go because you can read reviews and see photos from other travelers to get a feel of where you will be staying. Other great sites to book hotels are HotelsCombined , Booking .com and Hotels.com . Don’t forget to check HomeAway and VRBO for house and villa rentals too. Perfect for when you travel with a large family, and also to save money when hotels are expensive. Another favorite of mine is BookVIP – they offer huge resort savings.

How To Book Activities When You Travel

My favorite website to search for activities, tours and especially skip the line tickets is  Viator and Get Your Guide . This makes trip planning so much easier because you don’t have to search several sites as both websites have several options to choose from. Same also goes with TripAdvisor Attractions – you can search and book activities as well as read reviews.

How To Book Rental Cars When You Travel

Instead of checking every single website, I use RentalCars.com , Car Rental 8 and Skyscanner Car Rentals to find car rentals all over the world with just one click. If you plan to park at the airport, visit Airport Parking and make a reservation.

Why Travel Insurance Is a Must When You Travel

People book trips and forget the most important part, purchasing  travel insurance . Because we travel often, I  purchase our travel insurance through Allianz  for a year at a time which means that we are covered for all trips within that year. Travel insurance will protect you and your family against theft, injury illness, flight cancellations and so much more. It is a MUST!

Looking to save even more money when you travel?

Visit my Travel Resources page to see all the reliable and trustworthy brands that I use to book my travel with. I only recommend brands that I’ve used and can vouch for, so you’re in good hands! ? Also check out these posts below:

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• Best Websites To Find Cheap Flights & Error Fares
• Tips On How To Make Travel Affordable For Families

Top Travel With Kids Tips

Traveling with kids and have a few questions you need answers too, these posts below will help your trip run smooth.

• Best Travel Gear For Kids
• How To Travel With Kids Internationally Alone
• Top Must Have Items When Traveling With Kids
• Everything You Need To Know About Traveling With A Car Seat

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12 best family ski resorts in the US

Whether your child is a snowboarding teen used to shredding powder or a newbie headed to ski school for the very first time, many mountain resorts across the U.S. are perfect for a family ski trip .

Skiing can be a terrific family activity in winter , as the apres-ski scene provides just as much fun as time spent on the slopes. Many resorts also offer alternative snow-related activities — such as tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing and even sleigh rides — so the whole family can enjoy the mountain experience.

Related: Best travel credit cards

The best ski resorts for families are usually the ones that offer on- and near-mountain lodging, ski schools with a variety of programs, beginner- and intermediate-friendly terrain and some quality non-ski activities.

Ski and snowboard lessons can fill up well in advance, so if ski school — or even on-mountain child care — is a must-have for your vacation, double-check the options to ensure they fit your ski vacation goals. Just note that you most likely won't be able to book ski school until the fall, at the earliest.

Once you decide on the best resort for your family, price out lift tickets and pass options ahead of time. You may be surprised at how much more affordable it is to buy ski passes in advance rather than purchase individual lift tickets — even if you are only skiing for a day or two. Buying ski passes earlier than later will ensure you get the best pricing; they will only get more expensive as the year goes on.

Some mountains also offer kids-ski-free programs , which can help keep the trip cost down. Additionally, many ski resorts have capacity limits, so you'll want to make sure you purchase your tickets before arriving (or make advance reservations at select mountains).

With all these nuances in mind, here are some of our favorite ski resorts for the whole family.

Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado

Why beaver creek is a good ski resort for families.

This may be surprising for those who are only familiar with the mountain's luxury reputation, but Colorado's Beaver Creek perhaps offers some of the friendliest slopes for family ski trips. About a two-hour drive from Denver International Airport (DEN) or 30 minutes from Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) in Gypsum, this resort is relatively easy to reach, assuming you have good road conditions.

Beaver Creek has been upping its already solid family ski game even more lately, thanks in part to the relatively new, 250-acre, lift-served expansion called McCoy Park. This offers even more terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders; it also elevates the mountain experience with an additional 17 groomable trails, plus two more chairlifts.

Here, you'll also find the Beaver Creek Candy Cabin , which is a great addition to the Ice Cream Parlour at the top of the Haymeadow Express Gondola. At Red Buffalo Park's Cookie Cabin and at the bottom of the Centennial Express and Haymeadow Lift, you'll also be able to experience the mountain's famous 3 p.m. cookie time.

After a long day of skiing, you can enjoy ice skating in the village. On Thursday nights, kids and adults who are at least level four skiers can participate in a glow stick ski. For a unique experience, take an open-air, snowcat-led sleigh ride to Allie's Cabin , Zach's Cabin or Beano's Cabin — three different mountain-top dining options.

The mountain also ensures that teens are fully entertained. This past season, the new Hawk's Nest Cabin opened in Beaver Creek Village, where teens can enjoy the coolest underage club. There, those between the ages of 10 and 18 enjoy craft nonalcoholic beverages, music, interactive technology, arcade and table games, a ski simulator, lounge spots and more.

Lift tickets for Beaver Creek don't have to cost a ton if you plan in advance and lock in an Epic Pass of some sort.

Where to stay at Beaver Creek

Winter rates start at $800 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Winter rates start at $970 or 112,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Winter rates start at $450 or 77,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

TPG tip : You can add up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to certificates with fixed prices. Should you find any nights that cost 100,000 points or less, you can use the 85,000-point certificate awarded annually by the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card if you are willing to add some points.

Keystone Resort, Colorado

Why keystone is a good ski resort for families.

Out of all the great Colorado ski resorts (and there are plenty), Keystone is the hot spot for kids of all ages. There are the usual dog sledding, snow tubing, ice skating and sleigh ride activities, but the piece de resistance is the resort's kids programs and accommodations.

There are plenty of fun on-mountain experiences, such as snowcat skiing and night skiing (on weekends and holidays). Tykes should also like the famous Snow Fort. In fact, this past year, the mountain even had two snow forts to pick from: one up on Dercum Mountain and one in the Mountain House base area.

Additionally, the resort offers a ton of family conveniences, such as free preferred family parking for those with kids 12 and younger, as well as red wagons to help tow skis, boards or even tired kiddos.

This past season, Keystone added another 550 acres of diverse terrain among 16 new trails, bringing the total up to 3,500 acres. With so much terrain, your family can experience a wide range of trails, including the 3.5-mile-long Schoolmarm — a timeless run for the family to work on turns.

Best of all, kids 12 and younger ski free when staying at one of the resort's properties for two or more nights. (There are no blackout dates.)

Where to stay at Keystone

Winter rates start at $300 or 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night. This property is a great use of the Hyatt Category 1-4 certificate that's available annually for those with the World of Hyatt Credit Card .

Winter rates start at $825 per night for a four-bedroom accommodation, with 20% discounts available to those with an Epic Pass.

Snowmass, Colorado

Why snowmass is a good ski resort for families.

Snowmass is one of the mountains in Colorado's swanky Aspen ski area, so you can check a high-end ski resort off your bucket list while entertaining the kids at the same time.

A bit less showy than its big sister Aspen, Snowmass notably includes the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center, a licensed kids club for children between 8 weeks and 4 years old. Children at least 2.5 years old can also hit the slopes, as the mountain offers many ski school options.

On top of that, Snowmass allows kids to ski free all the way through age 6, which makes it a more affordable choice for a young family than most mountains; other areas typically start charging kids by the time they turn 4. For those 7 and up, know that the mountain participates in both the Ikon and Mountain Collective ski passes.

Other kid-friendly Snowmass activities include on-mountain snow tubing , alpine coasters , ice skating , snowshoeing tours and even an indoor climbing wall . During select dates throughout winter, Snowmass will offer a nighttime winter wonderland party called Ullr Nights filled with evening activities for families. This includes a gondola ride to Elk Camp, bonfires, tubing, alpine coaster rides, snow biking, s'mores and hot chocolate.

Where to stay at Snowmass

Winter rates start at $620 or 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. This means you could add Marriott points to a 50,000-point free night certificate on select nights.

Winter rates start at $750 per night.

Related: Yes, you really can visit Aspen on a budget. Here's how

Copper Mountain, Colorado

Why copper mountain is a good ski resort for families.

If you are looking for a Colorado ski resort experience with lower prices than its neighbors, Copper is a great choice. This resort has family-friendly written all over it, and it offers an array of activities for all ages.

In addition to skiing in what are often prime snow conditions, you'll have the Rocky Mountain Coaster , plenty of snow tubing , ice skating on West Lake in Center Village and even daily complimentary ambassador ski tours .

Additionally, whenever there is a full moon, Copper Mountain will offer ambassador-guided Full Moon Snowshoe Tours in the evenings. For an off-mountain activity, the 19,400-square-foot Woodward Copper Barn serves as an indoor action sports facility, offering many unique activities at Copper Mountain.

For the past three years, Copper has also featured a Snow Maze , which we should see return for the 2024-2025 season as well. Near the base of the Super Bee lift in Copper's East Village, this maze is extremely fun for kids, as it's made entirely of snow.

This past season, visitors were able to experience the resort's brand-new mid-mountain lodge, Aerie. This 25,000-square-foot building offers more dining options and a beautiful 270-degree view. Best of all, the gondola unloads right at the lodge's deck.

Copper is also continuing to make improvements to its Western Territory Expansion. This area is on the far west side of the mountain and is designed to inspire beginner skiers, kids and families to connect with Copper's history and heritage. With new trails that have debuted over the past few years (including kid-friendly tree trails), guests will be able to experience 2,538 acres of skiable terrain.

Where to stay at Copper Mountain

Winter rates start at $161 per night. You can also use your Choice Privileges points to book a stay, though award pricing hasn't yet been set for the 2024-2025 season; however, this past winter cost 35,000 Choice Privileges points per night.

Deer Valley Resort, Utah

Why deer valley is a good ski resort for families.

When kids are getting their bearings and making big side-to-side turns on a slope, it can be easier to start on runs where you won't find any snowboarders.

At the ski-only Deer Valley Resort, there's a children's adventure area on the mountain with 14 pint-size trails allowing tots to practice new techniques. However, their favorite part will probably be the tiny cabin hidden in the woods. The mountain limits its ticket sales each day, which keeps crowds (and lift line waits) at a minimum.

If you are looking for a ski resort that can also entertain a non-skiing child, the Deer Valley Children's Center offers licensed full-day child care with many activities, as well as outdoor and indoor playgrounds. Children between 2 months and 12 years old can enjoy this facility.

Deer Valley has a fun approach to ski school that includes the Teen Escape for teens ages 13 to 17, the Adventure Club for kids ages 7 to 12, the Reindeer Club for 5- and 6-year-olds and the Bambi Club for 4-year-olds. For the younger kids, the class sizes are incredibly small, with just two to four kids in a class — depending on age.

Because Deer Valley participates in the Ikon Pass ski program, the more economical way to lock in lift tickets might be to opt for a pass instead of paying the window rates.

Where to stay at Deer Valley

Winter rates start at $1,175 or 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Winter rates start at $1,500 per night.

Winter rates start at $900 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Northstar California Resort, California

Why northstar is a good ski resort for families.

California's Northstar Resort, along the California-Nevada border by Lake Tahoe, is excellent for families — especially due to the average 350 inches of annual snowfall. Here, families can ski together in the Kids Adventure Zone, where two mountain areas have blue trails safely tucked away from bigger, faster skiers and snowboarders.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can kick up your feet and unwind midday while enjoying a glass of apple cider (or a glass of bubbly for the adults) with the mountain's one-of-a-kind Tost tradition. Additionally, families can enjoy the apres-ski scene by cozying up around the fire pit or zipping around on ice skates while listening to live music. At other times, you can enjoy fireside s'mores and hot cocoa.

If cross-country skiing is your activity of choice, the Nordic Center offers nearly 22 miles of scenic trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking.

Where to stay at Northstar

Winter rates start at $685 or 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Winter rates start at $210 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Smugglers' Notch Resort, Vermont

Why smugglers' notch is a good ski resort for families.

An uber kid-friendly ski resort, Smugglers' Notch focuses on the entire family experience. This is why it's known as "America's Family Resort."

Smuggs, as it's called by those who know and love it, offers an award-winning Snow Sport University. It starts lessons with little ones as young as 3 years old. Sir Henry's Learning and Fun Park has two "magic carpet rides" that gently guide new skiers to the top.

For those who already know how to ski and board, the mountain has everything they could want: 78 trails, eight lifts, the highest vertical drop in northern Vermont at 2,610 feet and more than 300 inches of natural snow each year. Multiple terrain parks and 1,000 acres for skiing and riding are also available.

For those staying at the resort, everything is a few steps away, and an on-demand shuttle will take you wherever you need to go.

Off the mountain, you'll also find a plethora of activities — both during the day and night. Activities include snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing, swimming, ice skating, bingo and magic shows. You can also experience the updated Fun Zone 2.0 complex, which features a "Ninja Warrior" course, laser tag, miniature golf, an arcade, large inflatable slides and more spread across 26,000 square feet of indoor space.

Where to stay at Smugglers' Notch

Winter rates start at $289 per night.

Stowe, Vermont

Why stowe is a good ski resort for families.

Stowe has a world-class ski school and plenty of long, beautiful blue trails to keep your not-yet-expert skiers and snowboarders engaged. The relatively new Adventure Zone has continued to be a big hit; these low-angle, gladed areas are appropriate for anyone in the family looking for a fun experience skiing or boarding through the trees on Mount Mansfield.

After a great family day on the slopes, enjoy a free pre-dinner skate at the Spruce Peak outdoor ice rink , embark on a guided twilight snowshoe tour through the woods or enjoy indoor rock climbing at Stowe Rocks. If you're looking for a resort with a village atmosphere, this is one of the best you'll find in the Northeast.

The main issue with Stowe Mountain is its ticket prices compared to many other East Coast resorts. Luckily, the Epic Pass can save your family over the walk-up lift ticket rates. You could even look at Epic's Northeast Value Pass if you expect to only ski at East Coast mountains this winter.

Where to stay at Stowe

Winter rates start at $400 or 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Winter rates start at $265 per night.

Jay Peak, Vermont

Why jay peak is a good ski resort for families.

People love Jay Peak thanks to its indoor water park , which is ideal for families who want to take a day off from skiing or have something to do after morning ski school. The Jay Peak Pump House features slides, a FlowRider surf simulator and an entire kids play area. Many lodging packages include water park access, or you can purchase a daypass. (We recommend purchasing in advance.)

Aside from the water park, there are two arcades , a climbing gym , an ice skating rink and a slopeside movie theater . Not all activities are available every day, so double-check ahead of time. Aim to make advance bookings where available.

Best of all, there's a surplus of ski-in, ski-out condo and hotel options, giving families the perfect opportunity to stay in accommodations that work best for their needs. For those with little ones — or even big ones — Jay Peak offers child care for children as young as 6 weeks old both during the day and in the evenings.

Where to stay at Jay Peak

Winter rates start at $300 per night.

TPG tip : You can also check to see if you like any of the on-mountain condo options that take Wyndham points through Vacasa .

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Why bretton woods is a good ski resort for families.

Just across the Vermont border is New Hampshire's answer to family-oriented skiing: Bretton Woods.

Home to the family-friendly Omni Mount Washington Resort , Bretton Woods features fat-tire snow biking trails, a 62-mile trail network for cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, snow tubing, canopy tours and an indoor-outdoor heated swimming pool (just for guests). The recently built Rosewood Lodge at the top of the mountain also gives skiers and riders that top-of-the-mountain lodge and luxury dining experience that you won't find at many other nearby mountains.

Unfortunately, unlike what you'll find at many other mountains, Bretton Woods only offers ski school on the weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays). If ski school is a must-have, just ensure the mountain has an option that fits your needs. However, we did find ski school was much more affordable here than those at many other resorts.

From the hotel's architecture to the incredible views of Mount Washington, it's no surprise that the resort is a top destination for families. With many fun activities for the entire family and more than 464 acres to ski , there should be no shortage of on-mountain family fun.

Where to stay at Bretton Woods

Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort, Quebec

Why mont-tremblant is a good ski resort for families.

In case you haven't found the perfect family ski resort for you this far into the list, we are cheating a little and including two near-to-the-U.S. family ski resort options in Canada.

At Mont-Tremblant, your family can experience the international skiing vibe without crossing the pond. This French-influenced getaway is just a couple of hours outside Montreal. Featuring 102 slopes and usually great snow conditions, Mont-Tremblant is one of the best ski experiences in North America, with the highest peak in the Laurentians region.

While older family members explore the high peaks of Mont-Tremblant, kids as young as 3 years old can enjoy practicing their turns at ski school . Or, if you happen to be visiting during spring break, Tremblant's Ski Week program will give you four full days with the same instructor.

Guests can explore a unique European-style pedestrian village directly at the mountain's base. The pedestrian village allows easy access from the front step of your hotel door to the bottom of the slopes. With its colorful buildings — including more than 75 shops, restaurants, bars and boutiques — there is plenty to do in any weather.

On a non-skiing day, grab the kids and hit the snow-covered trails ripe for fat biking, dune buggy rides, snowshoeing, ice fishing, sleigh rides and even ice climbing. Families will not want to miss the Brind'O Aquaclub water park, which offers four slides, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, 35 interactive water games and a revamped fitness room. There is also laser tag and a virtual reality arcade.

If Mont-Tremblant is on your radar, you can save money with the Ikon Base Pass.

Where to stay at Mont-Tremblant

Winter rates start at $350 per night.

Winter rates start at $360 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Winter rates start at $272 or 59,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Why whistler is a good ski resort for families.

British Columbia's Whistler is another Canadian winter ski hot spot with a family-friendly focus. Your kids will love the pint-size ski experience at the resort's Enchanted Woods, which is usually clear of more experienced and faster skiers. Or, embark on the thrilling Bubly Tube Park .

In addition to Magic Castle and Tree Fort outdoor playlands at both Whistler and its sister mountain, Blackcomb, families will be entertained with the mountain's free Fire & Ice performances every Sunday night (a display of ski and snowboard skills). Families can also exchange their ski boots for ice skates and skate for free in Whistler Village; the area is chock-full of shops, restaurants and things to do in the after-ski hours.

Where to stay at Whistler

Winter rates start at $840 per night.

Winter rates start at $685 or 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Winter rates start at $297 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Bottom line

Though you may have to shell out a little more for a vacation on the slopes, planning a family ski trip is more than worth the effort (and added expense). Whether you're dreaming of a powder-filled getaway in Colorado or a winter sports adventure in Vermont, there's a destination and slope-adjacent resort made for you and your crew.

Ready to plan a family ski trip? Check out the following stories for more tips on how to book your ski trip with points and miles and make the most of your family ski vacation:

• Everything you need to know about packing for a ski trip
• 17 of the best ski towns in the US
• The right — and wrong — age for kids to start skiing
• 7 ways to make your next ski trip better than the last
• Best credit cards to use on ski trips

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Planning a ski trip with your family takes time, research, and of course – cash or credit card. There are so many ski resorts to choose from, so many destinations to consider, and finding the best ski resort for your family depends upon many factors.

1. How far do you want to travel? Can you find great resorts within a drive? Are your kids mature enough to fly?

3. Avoid winter school vacation weeks and holidays , or Carnival in Europe. These peak periods are busier, and more expensive at ski resorts. Midweek ski vacations can save you serious money and you will find fewer people on the slopes and better availability at ski school and restaurants during your ski stay. Look for all inclusive family ski packages that include lodging, lift tickets, ski camps for the kids, rentals equipment and even a lesson or a dining coupon for mom and dad during their ski stay. Waterville Valley in New Hampshire offers an attractive Family Ski Week Unlimited for example with daily events après ski for families in addition to a great family ski and stay packages with kids ski lessons and daycare.

5. Look online ! Ski Resort websites offer a wealth of information including lodging, a ski trail map that shows you the terrain (green, blue and black trail designations) and on mountain services, and a ski resort Calendar of Events to help with your ski trip planning. You may not want to be at Aspen during the Winter X Games in January or Killington during a Grateful Dead tribute weekend with your young family, but Sunday River’s Children’s Fest in January is a great deal with lots of fun family events during the midweek ski week.

7. Have a non skier in your family? Many ski resorts now offer fun things for the non-skier, ski resorts with spas and cross country or snowshoe tours are a great option. Some of the best ski towns, like Stowe, Steamboat, Vail and Telluride , have great downtowns with shopping, spas, historic districts, art galleries and museums to explore while the rest of the family is skiing. Then the family can meet up for après ski, a heated outdoor swimming pool, family movie night, dining and shopping in town, or a dog sled ride, sleigh ride or moonlight snowshoe to a yurt in the evening.

Ski area mascots are a bonus , as they make kids smile and reduce anxiety about going to ski camp. Some of the best family-oriented ski resorts have taken a page from the Disney playbook, Sugarloaf’s Amos the Moose and Blueberry Bear are a big hit with kids at ski camp. Smugglers North in Vermont has a cast of characters, mascots from Mogul Mouse to Frosty the Snowmaker. Ski area mascot help make lasting mountain memories for your kids, and great family ski photo op. Kids love seeing Mogul Mouse at the bonfire at the end of the ski day, roasting s’mores is the icing on the perfect ski camp day and will have them wanting to go back to ski camp the next day!

An on mountain hotel is another option for ski families that don’t want to cook on ski vacation, but the rooms can be more traditional with two queen beds or possibly a family suite with two interconnected hotel style rooms. The nice thing about a ski hotel is you usually have a ski valet that checks your skis at night, and daily maid service. The best ski hotels are typically ski in ski out, and many ski hotels have indoor or outdoor heated pools, game rooms for the kids, spa and fitness facilities, and a restaurant and bar on site. A ski hotel vacation is full service; where a ski condo is self service with more of a home atmosphere. Staying at Inns or Bed and Breakfasts in ski country with your family can be charming, but also can be tight quarters for a family. While a home cooked breakfast at your ski inn may be included, separate sleeping away from the kids may not.

Elevation Warning : Western ski resorts are higher in elevation – so staying hydrated to prevent altitude sickness is important. Some children are more susceptible to skiing altitude effects than others – despite physical fitness levels. Drinking water, regular sleep and healthy eating, plus time to acclimate, are keys to a successful ski trip at big western ski resorts. Once your kids are skiing blue and black diamond terrain, and are excited about going on a big family ski trip – a week out west skiing the Rockies is the family ski trip of a lifetime. Same goes for a family ski trip to Europe , make sure the kids are expert skiers and good healthy travelers before you spend big bucks on a ski week at St Anton .

See more of our Family Ski Tips and Family Ski Resort Reviews

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Hacks to Pack for Family Ski Trip

In: Blog , Travel Tips by Nicole Last Updated: October 13, 2020

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Are you planning on taking a family ski trip this winter?

Sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what to pack for family ski trip , how to pack a ski bag and make sure you don’t forget anything.

So as we get ready for our first family ski trip of the year we pulled this information together and a few ski hacks we use when packing for ski trip.  Including a family ski bag and a family ski trip packing list!

9 Ski Trip Hacks: How and What to Pack for Ski Trip Family

1. family ski bag – hockey bag.

Yep, we use an inexpensive smaller hockey bag to hold most of our gear and it works great as the best kids ski bag . Seems a little odd, I know, but hockey bags usually have wheels, lots of pockets and sections to keep your family organized.

We put everything in, aside from our skis, snowboards, and poles, in one bag! We use the side of the hockey bag as our family ski boot bag , as it fits all our boots on either side. This also keeps the rest of the gear clean with having the boots in a separate area.

If you need to fly with your gear, you will have an oversize bag charge but keeping this all together keeps us organized and useful for storage in the off-season.

2. K eep Each Person Items Together

Inside the hockey bag, keep each person items together . For example, in each person’s helmet, we pack their goggles, mitts, baklava and neck warmer. We have found this to work the best on how to pack ski helmet and keep everything organized.

This way you can easily grab it and know it is all together and you aren’t forgetting anything.  This is by far one of our best ski packing hacks ! 

3. Label ALL your Kids Gear

We label ALL our kid’s gear before you go, this will keep you organized before you get to the ski hill. Put a label on their skis, boots, and helmets.

How to label ski equipment? The best way to label skis is to use duct tape or hockey tape with their names on it. Write their names on all their clothing in case anything goes missing and dropped off in the lost and found. 

4. Attach Kids Mitts to their Jackets

Have you ever heard of the term “yard sale” on the ski hill?

It will happen and attaching their mitts to their jackets will save you time, your kid’s time and their ski instructor will thank you! Our ski hack is to use hair elastic bands to attach the mitts. There are other options with clips that can be attached to jackets .

This is really helpful on the chairlifts because then the kids won’t lose their mitts if they take them off!

5. Ski Backpacks for the Kids

If the kids are going to a lesson or all day daycare we send small kids ski pack or backpack to help keep them organized. This then becomes routine for them like school and it will help keep everything together. A great option if you are packing their lunch to save some money.

6. One Family Ski Backpack

Aka our Big family Backpack! We have one large backpack (50L) that we take to the ski hill to keep our entire family stuff in; lunches, extra mitts, extra clothing, camera, etc.

We use one large backpack because it is easy to put on our back and keep our hands free for carrying gear and sometimes even the kids! Ours is very similar to this Saloman snow gear backpack .

7. Packing List Family Ski Trip

What to pack on a family ski trip doesn’t need to be overcomplicated. Keep it easy with our simple ski packing list for each family member:

• Mitts (2 pairs)
• Toque & Neck Warmer or Baklava
• Ski socks (2 pairs)
• Ski Boots, ski poles & Skis OR
• Snowboard & Snowboard boots

This really should be all the basics on what to pack for a family ski trip , besides what you would regularly pack for a on vacation.

8. Rent Gear vs. Buying Gear

• This really depends on how much you plan on skiing or snowboarding in one year. Kids grow fast and usually you will  only get one season   out of the boots/skis/board. Be realistic about how often you plan ongoing. Check into the ski hill you are going to and price out what is the best value for your family.
• If it is your first time, generally there are really great deals on first time ski/boarders and included rentals.
• We ski/board about 10 days out of the season, so we purchase our gear and then sell it after the kids have outgrown.

9. Where should you rent ski gear from?

There are a lot of options:

• Rent from the ski hill for the days you need them; try renting them for multiple days so you don’t have to wait in line for sizing every time.
• Or rent from home ski shop for the duration of your trip.
• Or some ski shops have a kid program where you pay for the season a certain amount and then just return it at the end of the year.

Family Ski Safety Tips:

• Before you head out on the slopes with your family, be sure to check some safety tips that are good to review with the kids.
• I always like to remind the kids of the responsible skiing and boarding tips that are listed too!
• Always have a meeting spot on the hill with your family.
• Don’t rely on your cell phones to work everywhere on the hill due to limited cell phone coverage so decided on meeting times and places.
• Dress for the weather at the TOP of the mountain, all resorts will have this information on their websites with weather updates.
• Don’t forget to have travel insurance for when you are visiting from out of the country. We use World Nomads for our insurance and would highly recommend it since it covers skiing and snowboarding. Really easy to find out a quote! You can read our entire review of World Nomads for travel insurance here .

Taking your family on a kids ski trip can be overwhelming, but once you see your kids gliding down the hill trying to catch snowflakes it will all be worth it! We started taking our kids on ski trips since they were infants and both kids have been on ski since they with 2 years old toddlers – it’s part of our life!

Hopefully, you have found some useful tips and tricks to packing for family ski trip ! 

What hacks do you have to make packing for family ski trips easier?

Did we miss anything in what to pack for ski vacation? If so, comment below.

More Ski Trips with Kids Information:

• Best Ski Resorts Around the World for Families
• Big White Ski Resort – British Columbia, Canada
• Things to do in Big White Ski Resort (other than skiing)
• A Day in the Life of Whitefish Ski Kid
• Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort – Montana, USA
• 7 Minutes of Self-Reflection
• Sunshine Village – Alberta, Canada

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Juliane Brugh says

March 23, 2020 at 4:16 pm

This website is one of the best we have found and the Hacks to Pack for Family Ski Trip article is very well written and useful! Thanks :)

The Passport Kids says

March 23, 2020 at 11:31 pm

Glad you found the information for family ski packing useful!

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8 Tips to Plan a Ski Trip with Friends (That’s Fun)

At first sight, organizing a ski trip for a group of friends appears simple. However, when you factor in requirements for travel, accommodation, eating, drinking, ski kit, lessons, and lift passes, it’s easy to see why planning is a must. But where do you start? Where can you go for help?

Planning a ski trip with a group of friends is quite practical but does require plenty of planning to make sure everything runs smoothly. Find someone who is happy to be the organizer and ask them to research all the different factors which make up a ski trip. The accommodation, resort, and facilities all must be weighed up. Similarly, all members of the group need to meet beforehand to check for personality clashes.

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1. Strength in Numbers

If you have decided, you want to be or have been nominated to be the leader of the group, ask someone else in the group that you trust to help you with the organization. Make it clear to your helper from the outset that you are the overall leader in charge of decision-making to stop confusion.

It might seem like booking is going to be a breeze, but you will discover there are numerous, often small, things that need sorting out. Having someone to help you will halve the work and lessen the stress.

2. The Early Bird

It might sound like overkill but planning a year ahead for your trip can really pay. Booking soon after the last season finishes enables you to take advantage of early-bird booking discounts and you also have the pick of the rooms in the accommodation.

In Europe, chalets that take larger groups often get snapped up quickly during January.

3. How many are in the Group? Which Dates?

The total number in the group will be determined to some degree by the chosen dates and the overall cost per person. Smaller groups of four or five are much easier to manage but you will get little cost saving from a small group.

Conversely, a large group of 10 will get a better discount on accommodation and possibly a free lift ticket. However, on the downside when you’re out skiing with 10 people, you can waste a lot of time standing by the run waiting for the others to catch up.

Use your booking agent as a source of information. They should have a good overview of the resort and facilities, as well as tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

Offer a few possible dates to the group and gauge the reaction of who is available.

Choose whether you need to go during school vacation or not. Some European resorts have little snow before Christmas , so travel later or choose a higher resort.

4. Which resort?

To some degree, your chosen resort will be determined by the availability of accommodation. Provide your group members with three accommodation possibilities and see which one is the most popular.

Don’t try and offer too much choice, as you will most likely just get caught up in endless discussions. The members of the group must understand it’s a group enterprise, which requires some degree of compromise.

If you are traveling to your resort by plane, factor in the transfer time from the airport to the resort. In European resorts, the transfer is usually by coach and with some transfers taking more than three hours, it’s well worth checking out the possibilities for a closer resort.

5. Resort Experiences and Nightlife

People have very different expectations of what makes a successful ski trip. Ski enthusiasts will want to ski from dawn till dusk and then collapse in bed at midnight after a few beers. While, at the other extreme, some skiers leave the runs after lunch to take a nap before heading out to the clubs at midnight.

So always point your group members towards the website, which details all the resort experiences (eg. night skiing , bobsleigh) and nightlife that is available.

6. Everyone’s Ability

Establish early on the general ability level of the members of the group. It can quickly get very frustrating for someone whose ability is lower than the group, so they can’t keep up. While equally frustrating for more experienced members who feel they are waiting around all the time.

Quite a few resorts have a mixed selection of runs, which can satisfy most abilities but always check with your booking agent to make sure your chosen resort matches the abilities of the members of your group.

7. See how the Land Lies

If your group includes members that are new to the rest of the group, then make sure you all meet socially before the final booking payments are made. Everyone is making a financial commitment in the hope of enjoying the vacation.

So, if any personality clashes, for example, are going to arise it’s best to check them out before paying and when there is still the chance to switch to plan B.

Once the overall cost of accommodation and food, if included, ski hire, and lift pass are established, ask for a nominal deposit from each member of the group. This demonstrates their commitment to the trip and weeds out those who might find an alternative trip to go on.

Use an old or separate bank account to hold all the monies as they are paid in. It will get hopelessly complicated if you try to juggle these payments with your personal expenditure. When it comes to paying the final bill using a credit card, you will get insurance cover in the event of a problem.

Consider setting up a simple disclaimer, which excludes you from any blame if any part of the skiing trip goes wrong. Situations can change suddenly and unexpectedly, and you shouldn’t be personally held responsible.

Similarly, always get a written acknowledgment from each member of the group that they have taken out adequate travel and ski insurance .

Lives can change unexpectedly, maybe someone loses their job or splits from their partner, so money is suddenly a problem. If a member of your group drops out for whatever reason you need to find someone to fill the place.

Revert to your original list of ‘possibles’ and see if anyone fits the bill. If not ask the group to put out feelers for possible replacements. If you can’t find anyone or this happens at the very last minute the vacation company may refund the cost and if that’s not possible the cost of the spare place is shared across the remaining members.

And most importantly, have fun doing it. If you don't enjoy organizing, give the task to someone who does. If you're planning a ski trip for your family, we've written a guide for that: 8 Tips for Planning Your First Family Ski Trip

Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.

About The Founder

Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing.

NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing.

Be sure to join thousands of clever skiers who read my emails for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.

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5 First-Time Skiing Tips for Families

Jan 6, 2015

See recent posts by Morgan Agesen

You’ve booked your first family ski trip… now what? So much preparation goes into the ski experience that it can seem downright intimidating, especially for beginners. That’s why we’ve rounded up several tips, with advice from start ( what to pack for a ski vacation) to finish (actually getting out on the slopes).

What To Pack For A Ski Vacation

• Skin-tight, thermal underwear/layers, such as Under Armor shirts and pants
• Ankle socks and thick knee socks, also known as ski socks
• Toe warmers
• Turtlenecks
• Waterproof ski pants (preferably with suspenders)
• Gloves and mittens
• Ski goggles
• Face mask that covers your entire face except for your eyes (which will be covered by ski goggles)
• Head warmer to wear under helmet—covers your entire head, as well as cheeks, ears and neck
• Walkie Talkies to communicate with family members on the mountain (cell reception can be scarce on the slopes)

SHOP OUR COMPLETE SKI PACKING LIST

Related: 8 Essential Items for First-Time Kid Skiers

What to Rent at the Resort

• Skis  – A staff member will fit you according to your height and your skill level.
• Snowboards – Again, a staff member will match you up with a snowboard that is best for your size.
• Boots – Be sure to try them on with both your ankle socks and ski socks on to ensure they fit.
• Poles – Beginners don’t need ski poles right away—it’s easier to navigate the powder without them (and when you’re ready, you can go back and rent a pair later in the day or the trip).
• Helmets  – Your teens will say they’re not the most fashionable ski wear, but you really can’t hit the slopes without helmets.

What to Do Before Hitting the Slopes

1. Go to the locker room. Locate the locker room to store belongings while on the mountain. You can also store your gear in the locker overnight if you plan to stay at a resort lodge (it’s much easier than lugging everything back and forth). Lockers are typically coin-operated and a change machine should be located nearby.

2. Head to the ticket booth. Find the nearest lift ticket booth to pick up your already purchased passes (you can pre-purchase lift tickets online before your arrival, which will save time and avoid lines at the resort). Then head to the rental shop to pick up your equipment (equipment can also be rented in advance at a shop offsite). Ask a staff member to adjust skis so they’ll easily pop off in case of a fall, and make sure they’re as short as possible. The shorter the skis, the easier they are for learning.

3. Find a map. Pick up maps of the mountain so nobody gets lost. Green dots signify beginner trails, blue squares signify intermediate trails, and black diamonds signify expert trails. There is usually a key located on one of the bottom corners of the map to further help you read it. It also might be good to designate a meeting point and time in which to reconvene.

4. Hit the slopes! Head to your designated area, whether it be the ski school meeting place or the nearest chairlift, and prepare for a day of fun. Don’t forget to take a break over some yummy hot chocolate! If carrying poles, be sure to hold them in one hand when gearing up to sit on the chairlift—that way you can use your other hand to grab onto the chairlift.

5. Remember to take a break. If you get tired and want to take a break from the slopes, ski resorts often have other activities like snow tubing, ice skating and snowshoeing. If you are new to skiing, take it easy for the first few days, and don’t overdo it.

Related: 9 States Where Your Kids Can Ski Free This Winter 

How to Dress for Skiing: 5 Steps

Step 1: Put on your turtle neck first, then your tight-fitting pants and shirt , and then your thermals or long johns .

Step 2: Put on your ankle socks , then your ski socks (wearing both pairs of socks is best—ski boots don’t keep your feet very warm!). Roll them over your thermal pants so that when you buckle into your ski boots, they don’t bunch up and feel uncomfortable.

Step 3: Tuck your toe warmers in your boots and your hand warmers in your gloves or mittens before placing your hands and feet inside. If you plan to use ski poles, put on mittens; otherwise, gloves are best.

Step 4: Next, put on your ski pants and adjust suspenders.

Step 5: Slip on your head warmer and buckle up your helmet before putting your goggles on.

Related: 11 Best Winter Coats for Kids

You’ll want to take a lesson before braving your first trail. We recommend booking lessons ahead of time, as they tend to fill up quickly. This will also give you one less thing to worry about upon arriving to the mountain. Most ski resorts offer lessons for all ages, usually in these variations:

Private Lessons Enjoy a one-on-one lesson from a highly skilled skier without the added pressure of other beginners surrounding you. Lessons range in time depending on the mountain you’re visiting, but are typically either one, two, three or six hours long. These lessons are great for parents, though kids might want to learn in the company of others who are their age.

Kids’ Lessons These lessons are usually offered to big groups (separated by age) and usually take place in half- or full-day (six hours) sessions. Lift tickets are typically included in the price of these lessons.

Teen Programs

Programs vary by resort, but teens between age 13 and 16 usually learn together in all-day (six hours) programs that might include a group lesson, lift tickets, lunch, and snacks.

Childcare is available at many resorts, and it’s typically recommended that you pass your youngsters off with a full change of clothes , diapers , food, indoor footwear , their favorite blankets or stuffed animals , and clothes for the chilly outdoors. Some resorts pair childcare with beginner lessons.

Day’s End

Store your skis in the locker you snagged at the start of the day, and head to the base lodge for some sugary waffles, refreshing cocktails and relaxation. Many ski lodges offer activities, such as pool tables, along with live entertainment.

Related: 11 Best U.S. Ski Resorts for Kids

What To Pack For Your Next Trip

Women’s/mom’s ski outfit for the slopes, shop the look.

Skylab Goggles

Shadow Insulated Jacket

Ribbon Cozy Chunky Beanie

A-CAD FUTURELIGHT Bibs

Pure Elite 90 Ski Boot

Girl’s ski outfit for the slopes.

Bugaboo II Interchange Parka

Waterproof Snow Pants

Girls' Novelty Faux Fur Pom Hat

Chica Jr. Kids Skis with vMotion 7.0 Bindings

Hawx Girl 2 Girls Ski Boots 2020

Men’s/dad’s ski outfit for the slopes.

Chunky Rib Beanie

Firebird Bib Pant

Roswell Insulated Jacket

Grade-A Cashmere Crew

Allspeed Pro 120 Ski Boot

Boy’s ski outfit for the slopes.

Adventure Seeker 3-in-1 Parka

Snowshot Insulated Pant

Ski Goggles

Bantam Kids Skis 2020

Speedmachine J 2 Ski Boot - Kids'

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