Got children? Worried about bringing them on a family ski holiday? Have a read of this article which will hopefully put your mind at ease and answer a few of your questions!
We’ll give you a few ideas about what you can do before you book as well as some tips on which resort to choose. You’ll have to see which options are available depending on the ages of your children and you can always get in touch with us if you’re stuck and need help booking. Skiing is a fantastic choice for family fun with children usually loving to opportunity to try something new, get active and make new friends!
Have a go before you book
If you’re really undecided about whether to come on your first family ski holiday then you could have a go at a UK indoor ski slope so you can see if your children take to the snow. There are several “real snow” centres around the UK and we were lucky enough to try out Chill Factore in Manchester where they don’t just have a ski slope they also have winter activities such as tubing, luge and Magical SnowPlay catering for children from 2-10 years. Whether you just go once to see if your kids get excited about it, or whether you do a series of lessons to build up to your holiday it’s a really fun activity to entertain both you and your children!
Pick a family-friendly resort
Personally we’d suggest either Soldeu in Grandvalira or Arinsal in Vallnord if you’re travelling with children. The reason for this is they both have hotels with very easy access to the slopes, they both have creche facilities so can look after children as young as two years, and they both have fantastic ski schools with British and Irish instructors so communicating with your children is much easier.
To help you find out more about the options depending on ages in these resorts we’ve created dedicated pages on our websites:
Book into ski school
Whilst you’ll want to spend time together as a family on your ski holiday by booking your children (and maybe yourself) into group lessons they’ll learn to ski with fully qualified instructors in a fun environment, plus with group lessons they’ll meet other children and make friends. Whilst it may be difficult on the first day it’s well worth the effort and both you and your children will progress better if you’re in separate lessons, then after lessons have finished you can all ski together as a family and play in the snow.
Keep your children entertained
A ski holiday isn’t just about the skiing! After you’ve finished on the mountain look out for all the activities on offer. If you’re coming at Christmas then Santa normally pays a visit around the resorts, or on January 6th you might see the Three Kings, then at half term in February there’s a carnival week with lots of fancy dress to keep children entertained. Each week you’ll find organised activities like sledging and bum boarding, and for older children or teenagers you can take them on snowmobiles although only as passengers.
Most bars are family-friendly too with many having pool tables, table football or video games, as well as lots with free wifi if they insist on taking their games consoles!
Take the plunge!
Children pick up winter sports much quicker when they are younger often with no fear so take the plunge and book a family ski holiday to Andorra! You’ll find loads more information within our websites with links to start planning and booking your trip on our holidays page.