For many parents, the idea of whisking your family off to the mountains and learning to ski is a potent daydream. But it’s also fraught with potential pitfalls, actual physical falls, and eye-watering costs. However, there's a good reason why millions love it and return to the slopes year after year: one good day, skiing together in the sunshine, can light up a whole winter. Here’s how to improve your chances of a successful first trip.
When to Start Skiing
Don’t rush into it. The mountains may be brimming with people whose skiing careers began when they were two, but that’s usually because they had ski instructors for parents or lived in the Alps and spent every winter on snow. To them, it was as natural as boarding a bus is to an urban child. Everyone else should wait until their kids are in Reception or Year One. They’ll be more excited about the white stuff and better adapted to learning with strangers, so less easily freaked out by ski school. You can, of course, leave it later - but ideally, children should be skiing by the time they’re eight. Book them at the same time as your holiday, as in busy weeks they sell out.
Ski schools are dab hands at teaching younger children. The resort’s gentlest slope is usually set aside for them, equipped with easy-to-use ‘magic carpet’ lifts and staffed with their more patient instructors. By the end of the week, most kids aged five and up will have progressed beyond these ski playgrounds to the next level of nursery slope and maybe even their first blue-rated, early-intermediate piste. Everyone else should consider a ski school, too.
When to Go
Avoid February half term and the week of New Year’s Eve, the busiest and most expensive ski weeks in Europe. Ski school classes are packed, lift queues are commonplace and package holiday prices can be double what you’ll pay for a week in low season.
Despite being a popular choice, Christmas week is a surprisingly reasonable time of year to go on a family ski trip to Europe. Christmas week is a cannier time to go - not only is it cheaper than the peak dates, until 26 December resorts remain blissfully quiet. The same applies in the Easter holidays, though in both cases you’ll need to aim for higher-altitude ski resorts to be sure of snow cover.
Even so, it’s no wonder some parents risk the wrath of head teachers - as well as rapidly escalating fines - by taking their families away in January, when prices are low and the snow is cold and soft.
Where to Go
Forget the famous names: Val d’Isère, Courchevel, Verbier and the like. Unless you’re joining a more experienced group who are insisting on somewhere vast, target one of the minnows instead. Somewhere small, quiet and unhurried with plenty of beginner-friendly slopes, such as Galtür in Austria, Puy-St-Vincent or La Rosière in France, Gausta in Norway and Passo Tonale in Italy.
And if you’re already a good skier and roll your eyes at the thought - too bad. Parenting duties will cut your skiing time by half, so you won’t need as much terrain. To find the feistiest bits quickly, you should hire a guide or join an advanced ski class.
Where to Stay
Anyone on a budget should book a self-catering apartment. Extended or multi-family groups will enjoy a chalet - either catered or self-catered - so they can share parenting duties and turn their ski holiday into a house party. And grown-ups who crave a bit of pampering should aim for a hotel - but not a conventional four- or five-star.
On a ski holiday, the luxury that counts comes from all-inclusive catering, a swimming pool, an on-site spa and a kids’ club to keep your brood busy once ski school is over. In Austria, look out for Kinderhotels. In France, Club Med is the gold standard, while Belambra Clubs offer many of the same services at lower prices. UK tour operators Neilson, Ski Famille, the Family Ski Company, Mark Warner, Powder Byrne and Crystal also offer ski holidays with childcare.
Wherever you stay, make sure it’s close to the nursery slopes or a ski lift that will whisk you there. It’s tough enough getting everyone suited and booted for the skiing day; having to walk or piggy-back them to their lessons afterwards - or squish into a crowded shuttle bus - is a drag.
How to buy skis that you will actually enjoy . . .
What to Pack
You’ll hire skis, boots, poles and helmets once you get to the resort. Book ahead, direct from a rental centre close to your digs, and you’ll get an early bird discount, too. But you’ll need to pack base layers, ski jackets and ski trousers, fleeces, ski gloves and ski goggles. You may be able to borrow some items from family or friends, but you can also rent them from the likes of Ecoski and Ski Togs. TK Maxx is also a good place to buy cheap ski jackets, which are good for cold and wet winter days back home, too.
Other must-packs include high-factor sunscreen; a first-aid kit, plus a thermometer and any other medications used at home; bobble hats and hiking or snow boots for walks and snowball fights; and everyone’s swimmers, in case there’s a pool.
You will, however, need fewer ordinary clothes as everyone will be in their ski gear for at least half of every day. One more essential: a power bank for your phones. You will, after all, be taking lots of photos.
Three of the Best Family-Friendly Resorts
- Galtür, Austria: Though the village is a three-minute bus ride from its ski area, most parents are happy to overlook this for the chance to ski this spectacular end-of-the-line resort. A mix of mini-obstacle courses, timed descents and terrain parks add variety for all levels of junior skiers, and ski lessons run both morning and afternoon, with lift passes free for under-eights.
- Aussois, France: For a low-cost break in February half term, try this Maurienne Valley resort. It has spacious nursery slopes at the mountain base and an École du Ski Français (ESF) English-speaking ski school, where lessons are more than 60% cheaper than those in nearby Val d’Isère. Book one of the no-frills Les Flocons d’Argent apartments next to the slopes.
- Gausta, Norway: A canny spot for an Easter trip, this resort may be small but its mix of easy slopes, reliable snow and low-key Scandi vibes have made it a hit with British families - its four-star Fjellresort hotel is comfy, stylish and sits right by the nursery slopes. Ski school lasts only 90 minutes but is reasonably priced, and under-eights get free use of the lifts.
Choosing Your Ski Resort
One of the most common questions asked is, 'Which ski resort generates the best rental yields?'. Because of the premium nature of the resorts we market, there is little difference between the rental yields. Instead of focusing on yields, consider the type of ski resort that best suits you.
Slopes and Ambience
The atmosphere of a resort plays a pivotal role in matching your needs. If you thrive in lively environments, you will need a resort offering plenty of bars, clubs, and entertainment options. If your priority is peace, you will need a low-key resort with a serene atmosphere. For families, it’s crucial to choose a resort that caters to children. Ensuring the resort aligns with your specific needs will make your ski chalet purchase truly satisfying.
- For Families: Look out for the Famille Plus label, this means the resort provides exceptional facilities for families. This includes dedicated childcare, activities for all age groups, and special accommodation for young children.
- Low-Key, Relaxed Environment: Ideal for unwinding after a day on the slopes.
- Vibrant Après-Ski: Resorts and ski domains renowned for their energetic nightlife, with a multitude of bars, clubs, and entertainment options.
Morzine is a prime example of a mixed atmosphere location. This resort balances its appeal to both families and those seeking a more vibrant scene. With excellent ski schools and plenty of family-friendly activities, it remains a top destination for parents and children. Simultaneously, it boasts a lively nightlife with bars and clubs for older teenagers and young adults.
Alpe d'Huez is also home to the Tomorrowland Winter music festival.
Distance from the Airport
We recommend buying a ski chalet close to the airport if you do weekend trips as well as longer breaks.
Geneva Airport to Chamonix Mont Blanc: Geneva International Airport is the closest major airport to Chamonix Mont Blanc, located approximately 100 kilometres (63 miles) away. The typical journey time by car is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, although this can extend depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Grenoble Airport to Alpe d'Huez: Grenoble Airport is the nearest major airport to Alpe d'Huez, situated 106 km (66 miles) away.
Ski-In/Ski-Out Chalets: Maximize Your Time on the Slopes
Are you the type of skier who can’t wait to get out on the slopes each morning? If so, ski-in ski-out chalets are the perfect choice for your ski holiday. You can ski directly from your doorstep onto the slopes and back to your doorstep in the evening. Above all, there’s no walking through the streets carrying your skis after a few afternoon drinks.
Ski-in ski-out means the accommodation is located within 50m of the slopes and lift stations. Having a chalet near the slopes maximises time on the pistes. This also cuts out time walking through towns with your ski kit or having to revise the bus timetables. Being able to ski back to the accommodation also means it’s quicker to head to the spa or have some downtime after the lifts close.
Top Ski-In/Ski-Out Chalets
- Chalet Marie, Avoriaz: Has a fantastic ski-in ski-out location on the piste in Avoriaz ski resort and is just two minutes from the village centre.
- Chalet Iris Bleu, Paradiski: Is the ultimate ski-in ski-out chalet apartment in the Paradiski ski area with direct access to 425km of slopes.
- Lodge Des Nants, Morzine: Has the perfect combination of a ski-in ski-out location and unbelievable facilities.
- Chalet No. 3 Club Bellevarde, Val d’Isère: Is a spectacular 24-person chalet located in Val d’Isère.
- Suite Zozi, Les Arcs: Located directly on the slopes of Les Arcs, Suite Zozi is the perfect ski-in ski-out accommodation.
- Chalet Norel, Chamonix Valley: Nestled on the famous Kandahar World Cup Slope, this chalet offers ski-in ski-out access.
- Chalet Kuma, Chamonix: Stands out with its clean and modern décor combined with that rustic alpine feel.
- Chalet Merveilles, Tignes: One of the best chalets in Europe, Chalet Merveilles has a fantastic location in Tignes.
- Chalet High 7 Penthouse, Zermatt: Situated in a tranquil corner of Zermatt, the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn can’t be beaten.
Elevate Your Skiing Experience with a Mountain Guide
If you’re a skier and you’ve not skied the Alps, it’s a whole new world. There are big differences between skiing in Europe - where skiing was invented - and skiing in the States. First, interlinked resorts in Europe are huge (the 3 Valleys in France encompasses over 400 miles of connected groomers), and you’re free to explore the whole mountain. Austria’s Arlberg connects 9 villages with 97 ski lifts, its overwhelming.
The entire alpine experience is different, no trail names, rarely ropes or signage marking cliffs, confusing trail maps. On the flip side, the cuisine served in chalets is next level, delicious homemade local fare at 6,000 feet), and there’s so much alpine history in the pretty chalet-lined ski village.
If you just want a ski companion and knowledgeable expert to tour you around the ski resort’s prepared slopes, hire a ski instructor guide for a great ski day. Ask for someone particularly knowledgeable about the terrain and the local history. You’ll find a ski instructor guide will maximize your time, take you to hidden gems, and circumnavigate any crowds or terrain not worth skiing. And they likely know the best on-mountain chalets.
Essential Considerations for Your Ski Chalet
You’ve stuffed all of your equipment into those weird roof luggage contraptions on your car, chained the wheels on to deal with the snow, and you’re heading up to the mountains. Actually, back up a little - you forgot to book your home. So, let’s make sure we get this right, as you prepare for an unforgettable holiday on the slopes.
- A location that makes your life easy: Check each listing you consider for the distance to the nearest ski lift or slopes. Is there a bus service that drops passengers off at the lifts? Can you drive there? Or, for the laziest among you, there’s the ski-in ski-out option. You can almost ski right to your bed.
- Enough rooms to squeeze the whole family in: Skiing holidays are ideal for large families or groups of friends. You’ll find yourselves competing as you race down the slopes, later regaling one another with tales of your heroics on the snow at dinner and in the après-ski bars. Pick one of our large chalets with multiple bedrooms to make sure everyone has maximum comfort.
- Space for all your equipment: One aspect that is often overlooked is the amount of space your equipment takes up. You’ll want a home with a little extra space in the hall to hang your skis, boots, helmets, goggles and more.
- A thriving après-ski ambiance: For many of us, the après-ski ambiance is as big a part of a skiing holiday as the rush we get from zooming down the side of a mountain. Each resort is tailored to different needs.
- Access to spa facilities: All of that skiing can be tough on the joints. That’s why skiing and spas go together so well: there’s nothing quite like getting a massage, or relaxing in the sauna after a day on the mountains. When looking at what you need in your ski chalet, consider a place in close proximity to spa treatment.
- Unforgettable vistas beside the pistes: When spending time in your home, you’ll want to be greeted with the best views in the world (if only to snap photos and make the folks back home miserable with envy).
Family Friendly Resorts
For families, we recommend resorts with a variety of gentle slopes, excellent ski schools, and plenty of activities.
- Alpe d'Huez
- Megève
- Les Gets
- Morzine
- Praz de Lys
- La Plagne
Low-Key, Relaxed Environment Resorts
For those preferring a low-key, relaxed environment, ideal for unwinding after a day on the slopes.
- Les Houches
- Saint-Gervais
- Les Carroz
- Samoëns
- Chapelle d'Abondance
- St-Martin-de-Belleville
- Mercantour
- Auron
Vibrant Après-Ski Resorts
For vibrant après-ski, resorts and ski domains renowned for their energetic nightlife, with a multitude of bars, clubs, and entertainment options.
- Chamonix Mont Blanc
- Espace Killy
- Val d'Isère
- Tignes
- Three Valleys
- Courchevel
- Méribel
- Val Thorens
- Châtel
- Megève
- Paradiski