Thanks to the enhanced infrastructure and a plethora of sympathetic service providers in place these days, planning a ski trip to the mountains with families has become a piece of cake. As more and more resort owners are getting adept at meeting the never ending demands of the young brood, the challenge of introducing the little ones to the powdery slopes is no longer the nightmare it used to be. On your part, you just need to ensure the transfer time, child friendly ski areas, childcare options and activities when you are off the slopes.
While some resorts may outdo others with regards to facilities like adequate training slopes and ski schools, others attract clients with free bees like ski equipment and complimentary accommodation for children below a certain age. In other words, the guest is always the winner. In order to decide on a hassle free holiday, we have selected seven of the best ski destinations for you to choose from. The resorts here, go the extra mile to make your trip very special. While their budget may differ, be assured that they will meet the demands of not only the kids, but the parents too.
Quick Jump
Laax, Switzerland
If your kids are in their teens, then Laax is the best place to take them. The credentials of this destination with regards to offering optimum fun on the slopes is well known. The proactive Rider’s Palace Hotel in Laax has set the ball rolling by operating as many as five terrain parks on the slopes.Their popularity can be gauged by the fact that this venue has played host to many international freestyle snowboard events and musical concerts. The jewel in the crown at Laax is without any doubt the massive indoor ‘Freestyle Academy’ complete with facilities like skating ramps, trampolines and big air jumps with cushioned landings, which are sure to have a great impression on dad as well. To learn about some of the best resorts around the world check out Ski Addict
Avoriaz, France
This traffic-free village is accessible only by snowcat or horse drawn sleighs, making it an instant hit with first timers and families. Since cars are banned here, the safety and convenience of the kids gets automatically enhanced, a fact which many families are attracted by. The centrally located Village des Enfants goes to great lengths to provide childcare, while Aquariaz, the world’s highest water park, has enough on offer to appeal to young and old alike, with activities like spas, waterslides and paddling to keep the clan occupied. Then the Stash attracts teens like a magnet with the tree lined obstacle courses. Lastly, the slopes get some of the best snow, which allows for great cruising on the well maintained pistes. Check out Alpine Elements for best deals in French alps.
Obergurgl, Austria
This is one glacier resort in Tirol, Austria, where reliable snow is almost guaranteed. Add to it a traffic less zone, traditional accommodation and easy slopes, and you won’t die wondering why families make a beeline for Obergurgl year after year. Here the parent’s job is to just unwind and relax, while the kids themselves in the mountain environs. Almost every hotel here caters to some activity or the other for children, while the Bibi Skiclub takes in children as young as three for indoor fun. Slopes are gentle and well-groomed, ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers. After the lifts close, the Nederhutte bar is the place to head for for some music and dancing with the family.
Tremblant, Canada
This is another village, devoid of traffic, situated in Quebec, which is the major French speaking part of the country. Excellent facilities are available in the ski school not only for childcare, but for skiing lessons as well. The village itself presents a vibrant and colorful picture with pretty buildings and cobbled paths and forest runs having sculptures of animals on either side. The terrain is such, that it caters to all types of skiers, especially first timers who can practice in the huge beginner’s area. The schools provide armbands with GPS to the kids which allow them to track time with friends and even keep the parents informed about their whereabouts. Finally, access to Tremblant is easy which makes it an extremely popular destination.
Beaver Creek, Colorado, USA
If you are not on a tight budget, the exclusive Beaver Creek resort makes for a great family holiday base. The village is small and is home to a select few luxury hotels and apartments. Vacationers can also find incredible Airbnbs in Colorado, which can give your family a unique experience in Beaver Creek.
The place boasts of a quality resort having an unhurried feel of an alpine village. While the main ski areas suit all abilities, the slopes are crowd-free at most times. The skiing is world-class and the views of the Rocky Mountains are gorgeous. The ski school admits children all day long and the playschool attends to kids who don’t want to ski from ages two months to six years. An escalator is in place to take the guests to the slopes in this Vail Valley town, known to be a serene getaway. They say that visitors to Beaver Creek leave life behind when they enter the gates.
Pila, Italy
Though very little is known about Pila outside the country, what is evident is that this impeccable resort makes for a great outing for families who have young children. Newcomers will be pleasantly surprised to witness a car-free region, abundant snow on the slopes(including a nursery slope) suited to all and in a purposeful resort. What is even more appealing here is charm which emits from the blend of apartment accommodation and chalets, each offering direct access to the slopes. Then there is a Miniclub, which is exclusively for children up to twelve years, and has it’s fair share of members.
Sun Peaks, Canada
In order to have an appealing ski family vacation, what one aspires for is friendliness, safety, terrain and kid friendly activities among others. This is exactly the policy Sun Peaks has adhered to, since its inception way back in the nineties. The village is small, attractive, traffic-less with ski-in and ski-out type of accommodation. The principal avenue is a sight to behold, with lodgings, shops and art galleries lined up on either side, along with a chocolate shop and few bars. Children who do not wish to ski can enroll themselves in the Sundance Kid Centre, providing they are between 18 months and five years. In addition, comprehensive child care is on offer for kids from three to twelve years at the Sun Tots academy. Sun Peaks happens to be the second biggest ski region in B.C. Canada, after Whistler, but still remains pretty quiet with hardly any queue on the normal days of the week.
Choosing the ultimate ski destination for the family goes a long way in ensuring a good trip. Ski destinations around the world have now realized the importance of being more and more family oriented by assisting the young ones to hone their skills and enjoy quality time in the mountains at the same time. Higher instructor to child ratios and providing nighttime activities to keep the teens engaged add to the family fun and minimizes hassle. The end result- rested parents and a bunch of happy memories from an exceptional outing to take back home.
