Skiing with Kids – A Guide
Ski holidays with children may feel like a lot of work from the outset. And, there’s no denying that there’s a few things to consider but it doesn’t have to be stressful. We can also almost say for certain that the memories made on family ski holidays with children will outshine any of the effort it takes to get you there or to make it to ski lessons on time each morning! Plus, we’re here to help. To help things run without a hitch, here we have put together a complete guide for skiing with kids. So read on for all you need to know and get ready for a holiday to remember.
Booking a kid friendly ski holiday
When to go on a family ski holiday
The main ski season in most resorts is from December to April. The best time to go skiing with kids for your family will likely depend on the age of your children. If your children are below school age, then you of course have increased flexibility to ski outside of the school holidays.
Here you have the luxury of choosing the best month for you but the magic of December is always popular for skiing with children or equally the later, spring month such as February – April as the weather begins to get a little warmer. For a full rundown of what you can expect each month in Meribel, head over to our guide.
In terms of skiing during the school holidays, February half term is often the most popular time for skiing with kids, with many families making the most of the warmer weather. However, this does mean the slopes can get a little busier during this time.
The Christmas holidays are undoubtedly a magical time to hit the slopes and there really is few things better than a real white Christmas with the family. If you have the luxury of hitting the slopes before the school holidays, early December is a great time to make the most of the early season snowfall and quieter slopes.
The Easter holidays are the final chance to make the most of the winter season in most ski resorts and during this time you will enjoy long bluebird days on the mountain, perfect for making the most of every minute on the snow.
Choosing a ski resort
When skiing with children it’s always recommended to choose a resort with a range of slopes suitable for all abilities, high quality ski schools and child care plus some extra activities for the kids to enjoy when they’re not on their skis.
Meribel is a great option in this regard with 51 green pistes, 132 blues, 106 reds and 32 black pistes. Plus, here you’ll find a whole host of fun activities and ski areas dedicated to our little ones including:
Inuits Piste
Located in Meribel and accessible via the Rhodos Gondola or Altiport Chairlift. The piste is free to enter and the ski level is green: Very easy.
The Animal Path
Located in Meribel and accessible via Altiport Chairlift or Saulire Express 1 Gondola. The path is free to enjoy and the ski level is green: Very easy.
Yeti Park
Located in Mottaret and accessible via the Combes Chairlift. The Yeti Park is free to enter and the ski level is Green: Very easy.
Elements Park
The elements snow park is located in Meribel and is accessed via the Legends Chairlift. The park is home to a mini zone, a border cross and the ‘whoops’ and the ski level ranges from Green: Very easy to Blue: Easy.
The Dragon Hunters Piste
The piste is located in Meribel and accessible via the Loze Chairlift. The ski level is rated Blue: Easy.
Families with kids who are learning to ski can also make the most of the two designated beginner ski areas with eight free lifts allowing you to learn and progress in a comfortable beginner environment. These are located in the centre of Méribel Mottaret and at the Altiport area of Méribel. Plus, many of the local ski schools have their own private beginner slopes to ensure learning in a relaxed environment.
Best accommodation for a family ski holiday
The accommodation is undoubtedly an important part of any family holiday. When going on a family ski holiday having your own personal space where you can relax and enjoy your time together and after a long busy day is invaluable and makes a private chalet the ideal accommodation for any family ski holiday.
The luxury of your own space means both adults and kids can relax in the evenings knowing you have the place to yourselves and allows adults to truly unwind and enjoy the evenings knowing the kids are safely tucked up in bed upstairs. Plus, depending which chalet company you stay with, you will have the option of self-catered or catered service meaning you can choose the option to best suit you and your family.
At Ski Basics, we understand how important it is that you, as parents, feel comfortable in our chalets and know that the children are in a safe environment. We therefore provide, at no extra cost, stair gates, cots, high chairs and baby monitors upon request. We can also organise the rental of push chairs for the week and all our transport vehicles have booster seats and child car seats.
There will also be a selection of books and games in your chalet and sledges for you all to enjoy on sunny afternoons.
If you’re looking to have a little child-free time, we also work closely with the most highly reputed nannies in Meribel and would be pleased to provide recommendations.
To learn more about local childcare services and staying with us with your children, head to our childrens page.
Book kids ski lessons in advance
No matter what time of the season you’re skiing, it’s always recommended to book kids ski lessons in advance. As you can imagine, this is particularly important during the school holiday weeks. There are a whole host of high-class ski schools to choose from here in Meribel, head over to our ski school page to learn more.
Consider going with another family
If you have friends or family who also ski, would like to learn or who also have kids of a similar age, why not book up in a catered chalet together? Many chalets will sleep at least 8 people making them the ideal choice for larger groups looking to enjoy the luxury of their own space.
Kids enrolling in ski school will also always be pleased to be heading there with another familiar face and the adults can also spend the day exploring the mountain together.
Hire kids ski equipment and clothing in advance
As with ski lessons, it’s always recommended to pre-book the kids ski hire, especially during the school holidays.
Ski hire can often be easily booked online and in some cases, you may receive a better price for doing so.
If you’re joining us here in Meribel, you will also enjoy exclusive discounts at some of the most highly regarded ski hire shops in resort when staying with Ski Basics.
To learn more about our recommended ski hire suppliers, head over to our Ski Hire Page.
When it comes to kids ski clothing, look no further than Ecoski where you can buy or borrow high-quality, sustainably made ski gear. With their incredible rental offering you can forget investing in a new ski outfit for the kids as they grow each year, which not only helps your bank balance but the planet too! Ecoski source only the highest quality and sustainably produced clothing meaning you can rest assured the kids will remain warm and dry whilst out on the slopes. Plus, with an abundance of super cool prints and patterns to choose from, you can count on the kids loving it too.
Packing List for a Ski Holiday with Kids – Lots of layers
Packing for ski holidays with children can often feel like a mammoth task but fear not! Our top tip is to always keep it simple. You will spend the vast majority of the holiday in your ski gear and when you’re not, you’ll likely be kicking back relaxing in some comfortable clothing.
Another top tip when it comes to skiing with kids is to think warmth! It’s worth investing in some quality thermals that will not only keep the little ones warm but also wick away any sweat and dry quickly.
At Ski Basics we’re on hand to provide a selection of toys, books and games to ensure maximum space in your luggage. However, it can also be useful to bring a few of your children’s favourite things. Whether it be that irreplaceable teddy for the evenings or perhaps their favourite snack for any tired and hungry moments whilst out on the mountain.
Here’s a list of all the essentials you’ll need, both on and off the mountain:
Ski / Snowboarding Clothing
- Waterproof and breathable ski coat and trousers
- Thermals – 2 or 3 thermal tops and 1 or 2 thermal trousers
- Mid layer – We recommend wearing a thermal mid layer such as a fleece or jumper. One with a zip will be most practical, as this is an easy way to cool yourself down without removing layers
- Additional layers – During the colder months you may decide to wear an additional layer between your thermals and mid layer, such as a t-shirt
- Ski socks – 3 or 4 pairs
- Helmet – A ski or snowboard helmet is essential. You can rent these in resort if you don’t have your own
- Snood – When staying with Ski Basics, each guest will be given a complimentary snood upon arrival
- Ski gloves – Good quality, waterproof gloves are the best way to keep your hands warm and dry whilst out on the slopes
- Glove liners – For the colder months
- Goggles – These cannot be rented in resort and are essential all year round. Changeable lenses for varied lighting are also recommended
- Hat – We recommend taking a hat out on the slopes with you, to ensure you stay warm during any breaks when you remove your helmet
- Sunglasses – Sunglasses are also very useful for protecting your eyes from the sun reflecting on the snow during breaks when you have removed your goggles
Other ski holiday mountain essentials
- Sun cream – The sun is strong in the mountains so we recommend applying SPF all year round whilst out on the slopes
- Lip balm – Ski Basics will also provide all guests with a complementary lip balm upon arrival
- Reusable water bottle or Camelbak
- Small rucksack – Whilst a rucksack may not be absolutely essential, they can be very useful for carrying water, snacks or if you’re too warm and need to remove a layer of clothing
Evenings in the chalet and around resort
If you’ve ever asked yourself ‘what to wear in a ski chalet?’, you are not alone! It’s a very common question. Evenings in the chalet are often very casual and you’ll love nothing more than relaxing by the fire after a long day on the slopes.
- Comfy clothing
- Indoor shoes – In the chalets, we ask that guests remove their outdoor shoes so we recommend bringing slippers or something similar for when inside
- Something to wear on chalet staff night off – If you are heading out for the evening
- Swimming costume – If you have spa facilities at your chalet or plan to visit the public swimming pool or one of the many spas in resort during your stay
- Snow boots – Warm and waterproof footwear with a good grip is a must for walking around in resort
Other important things
- Passport
- Euros
- Insurance details
- Small first aid kit – Mainly containing deep heat or similar and painkillers to sooth those achey legs. You can buy such items in resort however, they are likely to be more expensive than at home
- Camera – Don’t forget to bring something to capture all your holiday memories and to all of our guests, remember to share your pictures with us, by tagging us on Instagram and Facebook or using #myskibasics
For a full rundown on packing for a ski holiday and to make use of our handy downloadable PDF guide, check out our blog.
How to prepare your child for a ski holiday
Take them to an indoor ski centre
If it’s the first time you’re taking the kids on a family ski holiday, taking them to an indoor ski slope is a great way to get them feeling both confident and excited. Not only will it help them have an idea of what to expect on the ski holiday but it will also help them get used to the feeling of being on skis as well as wearing ski boots.
Try on some ski equipment
Whether you make it to an indoor ski centre or not, getting the kids to try on some ski equipment before you arrive at the resort can be helpful in getting them used to their new gear and all the layers. It’s also a sure way to get the excitement building at home!
Talk about the holiday
Telling the kids about their upcoming family ski holiday and building excitement around elements such as ski school is a great way to help them understand what to expect to get everyone looking forward to the adventures ahead.
Travelling with Kids
Bring entertainment & snacks
Travelling with kids can always feel a little daunting but it doesn’t have to be! Arming yourself with a small selection of their favourite toys or a tablet with their favourite shows pre downloaded is always recommended. Some tasty snacks are also an absolute must. Whether it be a reward for good behaviour on the flight or emergency supplies for any unexpected hunger meltdowns.
Book your transfers
Booking your transfers in advance is also strongly recommended for ski holidays with children. Using a reliable transfer company who is able to track your flight will mean you avoid any unnecessary waiting around and can get on your way as soon as possible once you land, without any unexpected surprises along that way.
The good news is, if you’re joining us in Meribel, the transfers to all major nearby airports are quick and simple, meaning you don’t need to worry about another long stint of the journey after you land.
To learn more about transfer times to Meribel, visit our Guide on Travelling to Meribel. For information on the transfer companies we would recommend and how much they cost, visit our transfer page.
Bring spare clothing, nappies and wipes
It’s always best to bring back up supplies when travelling with kids. Packing a small amount of spare clothing, nappies and wipes is a great way to prepare for the unexpected and can help keep things calm and stress-free in the event of any slips and spillages.
What to consider at the Ski resort with kids
Non-Ski activities with kids
When you’re looking for the perfect ski resort for your family holiday, it’s always useful to explore the off-piste activities available. Whether you’ll be leaving the kids in the capable hands of a nanny or simply spending some time together off of the slopes during the day, it’s good to know what else you can get up to aside from enjoying the pistes.
Here in Meribel, there’s a whole host of family friendly activities to enjoy. From sledding through the Mission Black Forest to going for a swim and catching a film at the cinema. To find out more about Meribel’s wide range of activities to be enjoyed both on and off the slopes for all ages, head over to our things to do in Meribel page.
Family friendly apres-ski
Enjoying some relaxed and family friendly apres ski with kids is another family ski holiday must! It’s always useful to check out the apres ski offering when choosing your resort and more often than not, most resorts will have something for everyone.
In Meribel, why not head to Jack’s in Meribel Centre for a relaxed vibe and some great live music. Similarly, over in Meribel Village, The Lodge Du Village hosts apres on their heated terrace each afternoon with infamous local artists, playing out much loved apres ski classics for everyone to enjoy and dance to together.
Back at the chalet, your host will be on hand to make hot chocolates and vin chaud. Is there any better way to round off an action packed day on the slopes?
Food and catering for kids on a ski holiday
It’s always worth double checking the kids catering options when organising your family ski holiday.
If you’re staying with us at Ski Basics with our fully-catered experience, your host will prepare fresh and healthy food that the kids will like, as well as putting on an earlier dinner sitting at 6.30pm if you prefer. Although they are of course welcome to eat at the same time as the adults. Visit our food page to learn more.
Other things to consider
Don’t start children too young
Whilst there’s few things sweeter than seeing the little ones all layered up and ready to hit the slopes, starting kids skiing too young or before they’re ready can be dangerous and may in fact put them off in the long run.
If (understandably) you’re keen to hit the slopes and head on a family ski holiday but your children are still just a little too young to learn to ski, why not make use of the local child care services. Researching the recommended services or speaking to your travel operator is the perfect way to find the best solution for your family.
Here in Meribel, we work closely with the highest quality local childcare services to ensure everyone is well looked after and has a holiday to remember. Learn more here.
Skiing is tiring
If you’re used to skiing regularly, it’s easy to forget how tiring it can be for those who aren’t. Particularly those with little legs! Organising morning ski lessons and taking it easier in the afternoon can help to ensure the kids get too worn out each day.
Concluding thoughts – Skiing with kids
There’s few better ways to create lifelong memories than a family ski holiday with extended family and friends. Although it may seem like a lot to organise (and pack!), the experiences you have whilst out on the slopes will undoubtedly overshadow any preholiday panic or stress. And, with the help of our ultimate guide to family ski holiday, we hope you’re ready to hit the ground running without fear of missing a thing.
Why not take a look at our chalets and remaining availability for the coming winter season. If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to get in contact and a member of the Ski Basics team would be pleased to hear from you.
Skiing with children – FAQs
What is the best age for a kid to learn to ski?
As a parent, you will no doubt know best when your child is ready to begin learning to ski. However, generally speaking children can begin to learn from 3 years old onwards.
How long does it take kids to learn the basics of skiing?
The speed at which children pick up the basics of skiing largely depends on the child and their age. However, when enrolled at ski school many children will pick up the basics pretty quickly with many kids finding their feet by the end of the first week.
As with us adults, it can sometimes take a few days to refine your rhythm when you next hit the slopes and it’s always recommended to invest in a professional ski school for kids for their first 3-4 weeks as a minimum.
What if my child doesn’t like skiing?
For someone who loves to ski, your child not sharing the same passion can feel pretty disappointing. In this case, why not head to a resort where there are other fun activities on offer so that your child isn’t pressured to ski the whole time. Spending time in a ski resort enjoying themselves doing other things can relieve any pressure and more often than not, will relax them and make them more open to the idea of skiing later on.
Is skiing safe for children?
Skiing is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy time outdoors with your kids but it’s important to ensure they remain safe whilst out on the mountain. Children should always wear helmets and warm, waterproof ski wear and sun protection.
They should also be supervised at all times, whether within ski school, childcare or with their parents and should never be taken on ski lifts or slopes beyond their ability.
Family ski holidays need not be dangerous and following these simple safety precautions will ensure family ski holidays are your fondest family memories for years to come.