How to Plan Your First Ski Holiday with Kids

Planning your first ski holiday with kids? It’s exciting, but also a bit nerve-racking. There’s packing, lessons, lift passes… and trying to make sure no one loses a glove before you even reach the slopes.

Still, it’s worth it. Seeing your kids wobble through their first turns or laugh their way down a beginner slope is the kind of memory that sticks. This guide keeps things simple with practical tips and ideas to help you plan a trip that actually feels like a holiday—not just another to-do list.

Finding the Best Resorts for Families and Beginners

Choosing the right resort makes a big difference on a family ski holiday. You’ll want somewhere with gentle slopes, good instructors, and enough to do when everyone needs a break from skiing.

It’s also worth checking what the après-ski scene is like. Some resorts keep things lively late into the night, but others have a softer side that works well for families. Think hot chocolate stops, sledging runs, or a bit of live music before dinner. The best resorts have something for everyone, whether you’re ending the day with a snowball fight or a quiet drink by the fire.

Family-Friendly Resorts in the Aosta Valley

If you’re looking for a great spot for beginners, the Aosta Valley is one of your best options. Resorts like La Thuile have wide, gentle slopes and reliable snow all season. The village feels welcoming and easy to get around, with cosy restaurants, friendly locals, and ski schools that keep lessons fun for kids. Everything’s close together too, so you won’t spend your mornings rushing from one place to another.

Pila is another brilliant choice, offering accommodation both beside the ski area and in the town or Aosta itself (the regional capital), adding a little variety to your holiday.

Family Ski Areas in Andorra

Andorra’s a solid choice for families as well. Pal Arinsal and Grandvalira both have great beginner areas, English-speaking instructors, and accommodation right near the lifts. It’s the kind of place where you can get everyone out the door without too much chaos. When you’re done skiing, there are pools, playgrounds, and plenty of cafés where you can warm up with a hot chocolate.

Other Family-Friendly Resorts to Consider

If your family fancies a change of scenery, Laax in Switzerland and Les Gets in France are both great picks. They’re known for their friendly ski schools, easy beginner areas, and welcoming atmosphere. Both offer something a little different from the usual European favourites while still ticking all the boxes for families.

Choosing the Right Accommodation for Kids

Finding the right place to stay makes a big difference on a family ski holiday. It helps when everything feels easy—somewhere safe, comfortable, and close to the lifts so you’re not dragging tired kids and ski gear too far.

In the Aosta Valley, La Thuile’s Le Miramonti Hotel is just a short walk from the ski area (and they even run a shuttle service if you’d rather not walk). The hotel also has a small wellness centre with a pool that kids will love. The Hotel Planibel sits right across a pedestrianised road from the slopes—its location couldn’t be better—and includes free access to on-site childcare.

Pila also has plenty of great places for families to stay. The Hotel Lion Noir is a favourite for its slopeside location and swimming pool, while the TH Pila also offers ski-in/ski-out access and a pool. If you’d prefer to stay in Aosta, the Hotel Omama is a stylish pick with interconnecting and family rooms—perfect for parents travelling with children of all ages.

In Andorra, both Pal Arinsal and Grandvalira have a wide range of family-friendly hotels. For the ultimate family ski holiday, the Font d’Argent in the Canillo sector is a top pick—it even has themed family rooms younger kids will love, plus a wellness area with a pool. In Pal Arinsal, the Hotel Magic Massana is just a short walk from the main ski lift and always popular with families.

Many hotels also include childcare, flexible meal times, and ski schools within walking distance. It’s worth picking somewhere that gives you a bit of breathing room—a lounge where the kids can play, or a cosy spot where you can unwind after a day on the slopes.

What Parents Should Know About Ski Schools and Childcare

Ski schools and childcare can make a big difference on a family ski holiday. They give kids a safe, fun place to learn while parents get a few hours to ski—everyone’s happy.

Most resorts in Europe have English-speaking instructors and small, friendly classes that help children build confidence from day one. Little ones usually start in play-based snow gardens, while older kids join beginner or junior groups. If your child’s shy or nervous, a private lesson can be a good way to start.

In Andorra, Pal Arinsal and Grandvalira both make things easy for families. They’ve got nurseries for little ones from around two years old and quiet snow gardens where younger kids can learn at their own pace. Older kids can join full-day programmes that mix ski lessons with games, igloo building, and other outdoor fun.

In the Aosta Valley, Courmayeur, La Thuile, and Pila all have excellent childcare options too. Courmayeur’s Lo Tata Playroom and Miniclub Bianca Neve are both close to the lifts, while La Thuile’s Baby, Mini, and Junior Clubs look after children of different ages. In Pila, the Kinderheim Miniclub even takes babies from nine months old.

Every family’s needs are different, so it’s worth checking what each resort offers before you book. A good mix of ski lessons and childcare means the kids stay happy and you get time to enjoy the slopes yourself.

Essential Packing Tips for Children

Packing for a ski holiday with kids can be a bit of a mission, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The goal is to keep them warm, dry, and comfortable. You don’t need to buy everything new either. Kids grow fast and most ski clothes only get worn for a week, so borrowing or picking things up second-hand works just as well.

Clothing basics

Pack a couple of sets of thermal tops and leggings, a few warm fleeces or hoodies, and a waterproof jacket and trousers. Bring thick socks, proper gloves or mittens, and a neck warmer to keep out the chill. Having a spare pair of everything is always a good idea!

Safety and comfort

A helmet is essential for all young skiers. Most ski hire shops include one with their gear, so it’s worth checking before you buy. Goggles are better than sunglasses on the slopes and a small bottle of best sunscreen for skiing and lip balm will go a long way in the mountain sun.

Extras worth adding

Hand warmers can save the day when the weather turns cold. Blister plasters, tissues, and a small backpack for snacks and water always come in handy. For evenings, keep it simple with comfy clothes like jumpers, leggings, and pyjamas. Ski villages are laid back, so there’s no need to pack anything fancy.

The simpler you keep it, the easier it is to get everyone ready in the morning and enjoy the holiday without over packing.

How to Keep Kids Happy on the Slopes

A family ski holiday isn’t just about learning turns. It’s about keeping everyone smiling through the cold, the tiredness, and the occasional wobble. Kids love skiing when it feels fun, so the little things matter.

On the slopes

Take regular breaks. A hot chocolate stop often works better than another run. Let them play in the snow, build something, or have a mini race. Mixing a bit of fun into practice helps them learn without even noticing. Keep sessions short, especially for younger kids. Two or three hours a day is usually plenty before they start to fade.

Beyond skiing

Most resorts have plenty to do off the snow. Look for sledging hills, pools, or ice rinks to fill quiet afternoons. Après-ski with kids can be as simple as board games in the chalet, watching a movie, or joining a torchlight walk in the village. Even a little routine like hot chocolate after lessons gives them something to look forward to.

Rest time matters

Skiing takes a lot of energy, especially for small legs. A bit of downtime in the afternoon helps everyone reset before the next day. Sometimes the best family moments happen when you slow down—a quiet meal, a warm fire, and tired but happy faces.

Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Family Ski Trip

Even with good planning, it’s easy to overlook a few things when you’re skiing with kids. Here are some common mistakes parents make and how to avoid them.

1. Over packing gear
   You don’t need to buy everything new. Look out for rental ski clothing and equipment can be rented or borrowed. It’s better to wait until you know skiing will become a regular thing before investing.
2. Skipping lessons
   Teaching your own kids might sound fun, but it usually ends in frustration. Ski schools know how to keep lessons light and positive, which makes it much easier for kids to learn
3. Choosing the wrong resort
   Not every ski area is made for beginners. Stick with family-friendly resorts that have gentle slopes, good ski schools, and things to do off the snow.
4. Ignoring tiredness
   Kids don’t last as long on the slopes as adults. Plan short ski sessions and relaxed afternoons so everyone stays happy.
5. Forgetting the small things
   Spare gloves, sunscreen, lip balm, and snacks can make a huge difference. The little comforts often matter more than the big plans.

Making the Most of Your First Ski Holiday with Kids

Your first family ski holiday is all about finding that balance between fun and ease. Once you’ve picked the right resort, sorted the lessons, and packed the essentials, the rest falls into place. The goal isn’t to have a perfect week—it’s to enjoy the moments that make it special.

With Interski Holidays, you don’t have to worry about juggling bookings or guessing what to organise next. Our team is based in resort, we have our own ski hire, and the biggest British-run ski school in the Alps, exclusively for our guests. From lift passes to equipment and somewhere to stay, everything’s taken care of.

We also offer childcare in selected resorts, so parents can enjoy the slopes knowing the kids are in safe hands.

Just send us a message today and we’ll help you plan everything to make your ski holiday stress-free and easy.