Family-friendly Skiing Destinations
Our Favourite Family-Friendly Skiing Destinations
Courchevel
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Awarded as the Famille Plus label in April 2010, Courchevel is a great destination for a family skiing holiday. All Courchevel villages are suitable for babies and toddlers and each one offers shops, skiing rentals, and ski schools. Fun activities include paragliding, mountain biking, baby skiing, dog-sledge rides, canoeing, snowmobiles, snowshoeing, swimming lessons, and more!
Courmayeur
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Courmayeur Mont Blanc is great with kids and you can rest assured that you will not regret it! All villages are located in the middle of nature and greenery, the perfect spot for a family holiday. Activities include the winter fun park, swimming pools, cable cars, ice rank and sports centre, and a variety of walks in parks and playgrounds for all the family.
Saas-Fee/Saastal
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Saas-Fee is a mountain village in the Swiss Alps. Families feel particularly at home in the Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region! Skiing, snowboarding, sledging and night sledging are all winter activities you can take up when visiting Saas-Fee/Saastal with kids. For Christmas, you’ll find a Christmas Market, a winter wonderland, ice-skating, Christmas concerts, nativity exhibitions and so much more.
Lapland
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Lapland Rovaniemi is such a dream. Lapland is the official hometown of Santa Claus and a winter wonderland for babies, toddlers, and adults alike. Some of the must-see places include the Santa Claus Village, Santapark, the Museum and Science Centre of Arkikum, the Snowman World, and the Ounasvaara walking trail which is open all year round.
Grenoble
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Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Grenoble is amazing! Known as the “Capital of the Alps,” Grenoble offers stunning mountain scenery, and family-friendly activities that make it a winter wonderland for all ages.Families can enjoy a variety of snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the nearby resorts, or explore the charming old town with its Christmas markets.
Looking for ski destinations with a baby or toddler? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll help you create your winter-wonderland holiday!
Let’s face it – nothing beats a family ski holiday. However, we all know that this might be easily dreamt than done! Skiing with a baby or a toddler is not always sunshine and rainbows. We’ve been there…we know! If you’re looking for family-friendly skiing destinations, then this guide is for you.
Baby Ski-Holiday Travel Essentials
The thought of packing for a winter holiday with a baby might be nerve-wracking. However, it’s definitely not an impossible task. We’re here to give you some insider information that will make your skiing holiday much easier. A little logistical planning and preparation can go a long way toward making memorable snow memories for everyone.
So, what changes when you have a baby on board? First off, keep a spare change of clothes for everyone, but especially your baby, on the flight. Whether you have a long flight ahead or simply a few hours, accidents can happen in a second so it’s best to be prepared. Other essentials include a baby monitor, and of course, nappies and formula. The former is great for when your baby goes to sleep early and you can sit down, relax and have a well-deserved glass of wine on your holiday. The latter two are a given and although you will find supermarkets at any given destination, you might not find your favoured brand.
Packing a baby snowsuit is essential. Your baby wants to have fun too and playing in the snow will be a great experience for both him/her and you! Bear in mind that inside places at your chosen destination tend to be extremely warm so layering is always best. Dress your baby up in thin layers under a snowsuit and you should be good to go! Other clothing items include gloves/mittens, baby sunglasses (for that snow glare), snow boots, suncream & lip balm, and a swimming kit for an indoor pool swim.
Planning a Family Ski Holiday with a Baby
When travelling with a baby, we would recommend staying in a family-friendly ski resort or a chalet. That way, you will be equipped with some of the baby essentials that you need such as high chairs. In most resorts, you might also be able to book family activities and group events like ski lessons while also hiring your equipment like ski boots and gear. The location of your resort is key. Ideally, you will want to minimise as much travel time as possible with a baby.
Having a baby might have put you in a rigid routine but, be prepared, to step out of this during your skiing holiday. Stepping out of your routine and absorbing new surroundings might also unsettle your little one at first. Don’t let this get you down – simply allocate more time before getting out for your activities and pack extras of everything, just in case!
The ski air and snow activities might tire your babies out, which means, grumpy babies! Make sure that your baby still gets his/her required number of naps but keep in mind that these might be a little shorter than usual. If you miss a nap, try and make up for this with an early bedtime.
However, our best tip is for you and your baby to have fun! Plan snow activities and sledge rides and make memories! As long as they have the right snow gear, let them roll in the snow and experience the magic!
A Family Ski Holiday with a Toddler
Going to a family-friendly skiing destination with a toddler is not much different than going with a baby. Choosing a family-friendly resort should still be at the top of your list and it is crucial to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute stressful occasions/tantrums.
For any snow activities, make sure that you rent all the appropriate gear. In some countries, wearing a snow helmet is not obligatory. However, we believe that safety should always come first when you and your toddler are snowboarding and/or skiing.
Your toddler is bound to have the best time, especially if you slot in some time for him/her to go skiing lessons during your winter holiday. These lessons will take place by qualified instructors and under supervision so you can rest assured that your child is having the best time while always being in safe hands. Make sure that you include other fun activities for your toddler such as horse-drawn sledge rides, snowshoeing, going to petting zoos, and going to indoor swimming pools. You will have a tired-out toddler in no time!
FAQs
What are the best skiing destinations for a family-friendly winter holiday?
There are many destinations to choose from. Whichever destination you choose, make sure that you plan ahead and look out for specific activities like sledge rides and skiing lessons that you know your babies and/or toddlers will love. Our top recommended destinations are Lapland, Courmayeur Mont Blanc, and Courchevel.
What should be taken into consideration when skiing with a baby/toddler?
Travelling with kids is not an easy task, especially with all the clothes and gear that you need to pack for a winter destination holiday. However, with the right planning and logistics, this is not impossible. Make a packing list and plan your trip including the activities that you want to visit. Choose your location carefully and make sure that your family-friendly resort is equipped with everything you need.
At what age can kids start skiing?
The basic rule is that if your toddler is able to walk steadily, then they can start skiing and learning the basics. All children develop differently but, don’t worry. If your baby is too young to ski, there are other activities to choose from at skiing destinations such as going on walking trails, sledge rides, and others.
Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
