Ski Vacations With Kids: What To Know

There’s no shortage of great domains that cater extremely well for kids. Most domains offer nursery slopes and some have snow gardens, while still having a decent spread of trickier slopes for the adults or older children.

Look for domains with snow gardens and nursery slopes. Snow gardens are areas specially designed to help little ones (from around three years old) to learn the basics in a safe environment and get used to wearing boots and skis. They’re equipped with ski tows and magic carpets for children under the age of six and games are used to make learning to ski even more fun.

If your kids are fairly able skiers already, be sure to pick a resort that has a good selection of blue and green slopes, so that your children get some variety in their skiing. It’s also a good idea to look at resorts that you can ski in and out of via blue or green slopes. It’s much easier for the kids to ski to the resort door rather than lug equipment around or wait for a shuttle bus. La Plagne (France) has a phenomenal range of wide, gentle slopes that are ideal for more experienced beginners. La Rosiere is known for its exceptional 180° panoramic south-facing view. Les Arcs Panorama has a gorgeous forest view it is also a perfect resort for families.

While it is important to choose a resort offering the right level of skiing for the whole family, it is also vital to find a resort offering the right kind of entertainment for the family away from the slopes, whether that is fun restaurants that cater for the kids, or water parks, cinemas and bowling alleys, in case they want a day away from the slopes. Avoriaz in France is renowned for having an embarrassment of riches when it comes to activities, while Italian domains are always a great shout when it comes to feeding the troops. Who doesn’t want pizza and pasta after a day of skiing?

When it comes to ski equipment for kids, renting is usually the best option since they quickly outgrow their gear. Be sure to choose a rental shop close to your hotel or along the route to the slopes to avoid the hassle of carrying equipment back and forth each day. If you’re renting through Club Med, your equipment will be safely stored in secure lockers at the resort’s ski service room for added convenience. For a full list of essentials, check out our comprehensive packing guide for a list of all essential items to take with you on your skiing holiday.

Tips for the Journey
Getting to your ski resort can take time, often requiring additional travel after your flight. Plan ahead to keep kids comfortable and entertained during the journey. Pack simple games (avoid ones with small pieces), snacks, and tablets to help pass the time. A small first aid kit with antiseptic wipes, plasters, and antihistamines is also a smart addition for any minor mishaps along the way.

Starting a family does not mean you need to miss out on your skiing holiday. When you travel to a Club Med resort you will find professionals who can take good care of your very young children while you catch some time on the snow. We can also make mealtimes a pleasure by providing everything you need to to prepare dinners and lunches for your little ones as well as facilities that will make feeding time that much easier. This includes a baby-corner in our restaurants where you will find an assorted buffet, sweet and savory baby food, bottle warmers and a microwave. We even have dedicated Baby Restaurants offering balanced meals. Our “Biberonneries” will find all that is needed to prepare your baby’s meals. Steriliser, bottle warmer, microwave, mineral water, savory and sweet baby food are all available 24/7.

Many ski schools will start teaching children at the age of 3 and this is also the case at Club Med where all our resorts have ski-ing lessons for children. Toddlers can enjoy their first baby friendly ski holiday with Baby Club Med® where we have the equipment, meals and babysitters to deal with everything. We can also start introducing them to the pleasures of the sport. Our course for toddlers is run by our professional G.O.s who will use their expertise and guidance to start your little ones with their journey to becoming exceptional skiers. The introductory ski course is run in parallel to our Petit Club Med. You kids will thank you when they are hitting the black slopes in a few years’ time.

Junior Club Med is focused on teenagers and the activities they love to do on holiday, including personalised ski lessons. And who says snowboard thrills are just for adults? At Club Med, children can also learn how to snowboard with classes ranging from 8 years and up. Lessons are run in groups for beginners, intermediate and advanced snowboarders.

Why not give your older kids the freedom to enjoy their holiday away from parents for a little while and make new friends? Teens can enjoy a bespoke Club Med Ski experience programme tailored for 11 to 17 year olds. They will acquire new Alpine skiing techniques such as Freestyle (Snowpark), skiing on the edge of the piste and through the forest, slalom, ski-cross and ski jumping taught by our ESF ski instructors. Get together in the evening for some fun and everyone will fully enjoy their ski holiday.