Planning your first family ski trip to Europe? It’s an exciting adventure, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Where do you even begin with flights, transportation, accommodation, and ski schools? We’ve been there! This guide breaks down the planning process into manageable steps, offering practical advice and insider tips to help you create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. We will focus on the Alps region and assume you already know your travel dates. And don’t worry – while we mainly refer to “skiing,” this guide applies equally to snowboarding families!
1. Budget and Flights:
Before you get swept away by images of charming alpine villages, it is essential to set a realistic budget. This will help you narrow down your options and make informed decisions throughout the planning process.
Next, assuming you need to fly, check flight schedules and prices to major airports in the Alps region:
- Austria: Innsbruck (INN)
- France: Lyon (LYS)
- Germany: Munich (MUC)
- Italy: Milan (MXP)
- Switzerland: Geneva (GVA), Zurich (ZRH), Basel (BSL)
2. Where to Go – Finding Your Perfect Mountain Playground:
With your budget and flights in mind, it is time to choose your dream ski resort. If you have plenty of lead time, you can prioritize finding accommodation within your budget at your preferred resort. However, if you are traveling during peak ski season (mid-December to early March), accommodation availability might dictate your choice of resort.
Time of Year:
For December/January trips, aim for resorts above 1800m/5900ft (ideally over 2000m/6600ft) with a good track record of snowfall. Check historical snow data on websites like snow-forecast.com to make an informed decision. Resorts in Austria, northern Italy, and certain areas in Switzerland (Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Arosa, Lenzerheide, Aletsch Glacier) are generally good bets for early season snow. Here is a list of ski resort possibilities for December to consider.
Your Group’s Interests and Priorities:
Consider what’s important to your family:
- Skiing Ability: First-time skiers don’t need a massive resort with endless runs. Focus on resorts with easily accessible beginner slopes (e.g. green in France, blue in Switzerland). If you have mixed abilities in the group, look for a resort with varied terrain or consider staying near a family-friendly resort with access to a larger ski region (e.g. France’s 3-Valleys, Portes du Soleil, and Paradiski, Italy’s Dolomiti Superski, Austria’s Ski Arlberg, Switzerland’s Arosa Lenzerheide just to name a few).
- Childcare Needs: If you need childcare, prioritize resorts and accommodations with nurseries, kids’ clubs, or flexible childcare options.
- Budget: Remember to factor in accommodation, rentals, ski passes, and lessons when budgeting. Each resort has a unique vibe and price point, so choose one that aligns with your financial comfort zone.
- Resort Size and Atmosphere: Do you prefer a bustling resort with lively après-ski or a smaller, more relaxed village?
- Non-Skiing Activities: Consider resorts with off-slope activities like ice skating (most are outdoor ice rinks as FYI), sledding, swimming, and indoor play areas if these are important to your family.
- Access to the Accommodations and Ski Resort: Factor in flight options, airport transfers, and ease of getting to the lodgings and ski slopes when choosing your destination.
3. Transportation
- Airport Transfers: Pre-booking transfers can save time and hassle. Consider private transfers by booking with a private driver or shared shuttle off Viator*, private driver with Welcome Pickups**, or train journeys. Taxis are also an option, but be prepared for potential queues at the airport and limited availability of larger vehicles (so you may need to wait longer).
- Car Rental: Weigh the pros and cons of renting a car. Car-free resorts like Zermatt, Wengen, and Saas-Fee offer a relaxed atmosphere and convenient transportation options, while others might require a car for exploring the surrounding area.
- Trains: Public transportation is a great way to get around. Many of the popular ski resorts are well-connected by public transportation.
- Use Google Maps and Rome2Rio: These tools can help you understand distances and transportation options between the airport and your chosen destination.
4. Accommodations:
Location is key: consider proximity to the slopes, town center, and amenities when choosing your accommodation location.
Ski-in/Ski-out: staying directly on the slopes is ideal, but ensure the slopes outside your door are beginner-friendly if you’re new to skiing! If ski-in/ski-out isn’t feasible, prioritize reliable shuttle services or consider renting a car. The image above from Val Thorens is also a view of the slopes just outside one of the ski-in/out places we stayed.
And for the lodging itself, consider the desired type of room (it’s good to reflect on whether having a separate bedroom is a must-have or nice-to-have because that narrows down the choices quickly), amenities like spa or swimming pool (with or without water slides as example), and of course, budget. There are several types, including:
- All-Inclusive Family Hotels: Three notable chains are Kinderhotels, Familotel, Familux, and they offer hassle-free packages with kids’ clubs, activities, half-board or full-board options, and much more. Some may also take the children to or from ski school. (It’s best to confirm with the hotel as each hotel operates differently.) These are particularly popular with European families and offer a truly family-centric experience.
- Apartments: Enjoy independence and self-catering with an apartment. Prioritize locations near the slopes or with convenient shuttle access. If you’re planning on skiing in Switzerland with enough lead time, there are some well-located options if you want to travel like a local and try out the Reka apartments from the Swiss Travel Fund cooperative. Read our tips and overview of Reka apartments from our stays on those properties.
- Hotels: Choose a hotel with family-friendly amenities and a convenient location close to the ski lifts and village center.
5. Ski School and Childcare:
- Ski School: Enroll your children in ski school for professional instruction and a fun learning experience. Ask your accommodation for recommendations or check Google Maps for options.
- Childcare: Check childcare options with your accommodation, ski school, or consider hiring a local babysitter.
6. Beyond Skiing:
If you have non-skiers in your group, choose a resort and accommodation with access to alternative activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, spas, and museums depending on the interests.
7. Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip:
- Pack Smart: The base layer (something that wicks away sweat like merino wool, SmartWool, etc – just try to avoid cotton!), middle layer on top (sweater, flannel top), and waterproof outerwear, accessories (gloves, scarf), and helmets are essential. For the base layers, you can check out REI (you can filter for “base layer”), Uniqlo (their HeatTech line is great), H&M, Odlo, and others. There are different levels of warmth. These are great investments for general wintertime clothing when you need to be outside all day. We usually have a lightweight thin layer for general purposes and regular ski days. The kids get warmed up pretty quickly when skiing. And if the sun comes out, it gets really toasty. And I like to have a warmer base layer for the kids (I do the Uniqlo ultra HeatTech) when it is about 0C/32F degrees and below.
- Rent Equipment: Rent skis and boots at the ski resort for convenience and proper sizing. Consider renting through your ski school or a local rental shop (ask your ski school or accommodations for recommendations).
- If you need to carry your equipment around everyday, consider renting a ski locker so you can leave your equipment overnight closer to the slopes. Oftentimes, the ski rental may have an offer for this or the accommodations may have a partnership with a provider as well.
- Pre-book Lift Passes: Save time and money by purchasing lift passes online in advance.
- Be Prepared for Altitude: Altitude sickness can affect anyone, especially young children. It could have an effect at 2500m/8200ft and above, though for some it could be even at 1500m/4900ft. Here are some tips on easing altitude sickness. Take it easy on the first day, stay hydrated, and consider consulting your doctor about altitude sickness medication if necessary. You know yourself best!
- Embrace the Unexpected: Have backup plans for indoor activities in case of bad weather.
Relax and Have Fun: Enjoy the adventure and create lasting memories with your family!
Ready to embark on your family ski adventure?
We wish you the best of luck in planning your unforgettable getaway! And remember, if you’d like expert assistance in crafting your European ski trip for your family, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Your Travel Story. We’re always happy to help you create magical memories on the slopes.
*Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which may generate a small amount of commission to me, but it will add no additional cost to you.
**Welcome Pickups allows cancellations but please note the conditions (which supersedes what is noted here): full amount back in the form of credit usable for up to 1 year by you or it can be transferred to someone else; 80% of the payment is refunded if credit is not desired
Boy on horse photo credit: Swiss Holiday Park