Half Term Ski Deals
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Travelling over the half-term holidays can be chaotic – especially when you’ve got the logistics of holidaying with little ones to think about. But with a carefully planned itinerary, you can avoid getting sucked into the busyness of the airport on changeover day and will instead enjoy an easy, stress-free trip. With heaps of experience in ski holiday packages (over 90 years to be exact!), we know exactly how to help you make the most of your time away. From child-friendly ski resorts with wide and spacious nursery slopes to high-altitude locations that guarantee great snow, we’ll help you find the perfect resort to suit your family’s preferences.
Without trying to sound too big for our ski boots, we are experts in stress-free ski holidays. From handpicked accommodation packages in top-tier resorts to exclusive deals on lift passes and equipment hire, we’ll make sure your half-term ski holiday is as easy as cruising fresh powder.
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Half Term Ski Deals
How to plan the ultimate half-term ski trip
Planning well in advance is a no-brainer if you want to get the best out of your half-term ski holiday! With half-term holidays always in extremely high demand, getting everything sorted as early as possible is a good idea if you’re keen to have the pick of the best resorts and properties. From choosing the right resort to sorting travel and accommodation, here’s how to make sure your half-term ski trip is smooth, stress-free and ultimately a fun-filled adventure:
- Book early for the best deals
Half-term is one of the busiest weeks in the ski season, which basically means everything sells out super quick, including flights, properties in the most sought-after resorts and ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Booking early (and we mean early!) not only secures better prices and availability but also allows you to snag early-bird deals on lift passes, equipment hire, ski lessons and more. - Choose a family-friendly resort with snow surety
To make the most of your time on the slopes, pick a resort with reliable snow conditions and a good mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain. High-altitude resorts like Val d’Isère, Les Arcs and Obergurgl offer excellent ski schools, well-groomed pistes and plenty of “kids will love this” activities... basically all the ingredients that make for an unforgettable half-term experience. - Plan your travel – self-drive vs. flying
Flying may be quicker, but airports are at their peak busyness during half term. Self-drive ski holidays with Eurotunnel crossings give you more flexibility and offer an easy way to transport the entire family’s ski gear without having to worry about sticking to the luggage allowance - Pick the right accommodation
Staying in a ski-in/ski-out property essentially means you’ll have more time getting your ski fix and less time walking around in heavy ski boots to get to the chairlifts. Whether you prefer a flexible self-catered apartment, a catered chalet with all those “wow” facilities or a family-friendly ski hotel, Erna Low offers a fantastic selection of handpicked accommodation deals to suit all budgets and group sizes – even where there are multiple needs to cater for. - Pre-book lift passes, ski hire and lessons
Booking lift passes and equipment hire in advance saves time and money. Plain and simple! If you’re travelling with children or first-timers with no experience of the slopes, securing lessons early ensures they get a spot in the best ski schools. This really will make all the difference to their progression.
Best family resorts for half-term skiing in the Alps
When picking your next half-term ski holiday destination, you’ll no doubt want a resort that offers everything you’re looking for... snow-sure conditions, state-of-the-art lift systems and plenty of fun-filled family-friendly facilities. Here are some of the best resorts in the Alps for a truly unforgettable half-term ski trip.
- Val d’Isère, France
Val d’Isère is a fantastic choice for any half-term ski holiday trip. A high-altitude resort with reliable snow conditions throughout the entire season, this sparkly gem offers 300km of varied terrain that’s perfect for families with different skill levels. Most of the resort's accessible areas are pedestrian, which only adds to its charming, family-friendly vibe. The resort's fun activities and family-friendly après-ski make it a top-tier choice for half-term skiing, too. - Les Arcs, France
Part of the vast and quite frankly legendary Paradiski ski area, Les Arcs offers 425km of varied pistes and excellent links to La Plagne. The resort is known for its purpose-built ski-in/ski-out accommodation, which makes the logistics of getting to the chairlifts with the little ones in tow so much easier. With plenty of excellent English-speaking ski schools, dedicated beginner zones and a great mix of slopes to play on, Les Arcs is a more-than-ideal half-term ski holiday destination. - Obergurgl, Austria
If you’re looking for a resort that doesn’t get too busy, even in half term, then Obergurgl is a fantastic option. Appropriately known as the “Diamond of the Alps”, Obergurgl sits at 1,930m, making it one of Austria’s most snow-sure resorts. The ski area is compact but varied, so it’s great for families wanting a more relaxed and low-key atmosphere without long lift queues. Reputable ski schools, perpetually groomed pistes and a welcoming village vibe make it a top pick for half term. - La Plagne, France
One of the Alps’ most popular destinations (and for very good reason!), La Plagne is another fantastic resort in the Paradiski area. It features plenty of wide and gentle slopes that first-timers and younger skiers learning the proverbial ropes will be more than happy to explore. There’s also a great selection of more challenging terrain for intermediates and experienced skiers. In summary, La Plagne offers something for everyone in the family!
Fun off-slope activities for families during half-term
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Cheesy cliché incoming... but it’s true – there's more to the Alps than skiing. During peak season, like half-term holidays, most resorts have plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy once you’ve all had your fill of snow-time for the day. Here are just some exciting ideas for your next half-term ski holiday:
- Sledging and toboggan runs
Who doesn’t love a good race down the mountain? Sledging and tobogganing are a particularly big hit with most families! Most resorts have designated sledging areas or toboggan runs, with some offering floodlit descents in the evening once the main chairlifts shut down for the day. Resorts like Val Thorens, La Plagne and Arc 1950 have fantastic long, winding toboggan tracks that are fun for kids and adults alike. Meet you at the bottom! - Ice skating and snowparks
Many ski resorts have outdoor ice rinks for enjoying after a rewarding day on the slopes. Places like Tignes, Courchevel and Zermatt offer beautiful open-air rinks, with skate hire readily available at short notice. Some resorts even have snowparks with tubing, mini-snowmobiles and play areas for younger children. - Swimming and wellness centres
How does a dip in a heated outdoor pool surrounded by snowy mountains sound? Resorts like Avoriaz and Tignes have brilliant aquatic centres with slides, whirlpools and child-friendly swimming pools. For adults, there are luxurious spas with saunas and hot tubs perfect for unwinding after a long day on the slopes. - Husky sledding and snowshoeing
For an activity that’s a little more “niche”, why not try dog sledding? Resorts like La Rosière and Les Arcs offer family-friendly husky rides, where you can sit back and enjoy the ride or even have a go at mushing your own team. If you prefer something quieter, a snowshoe trek through the forest is a great way to explore the mountains at a slower pace.
Snow-sure resorts for half-term skiing
February usually gets awesome conditions across the Alps, so picking a high-altitude, snow-sure resort with a reliable snow record is the icing on the cake of an already brilliant experience. Here are some of the best snow-sure resorts for half-term skiing.
- Tignes, France
Tignes sits at an incredible high altitude of 2,100m and offers skiing up to 3,456m on the Grande Motte Glacier, meaning great snow conditions from early winter to late spring. The resort offers all the ingredients for the ultimate winter adventure... varied terrain, reputable ski schools, and ski-in/ski-out accommodation that maximises ski time. - Val Thorens, France
As the highest resort in the Three Valleys, Val Thorens pretty much guarantees peak snow conditions at 2,300m and above. With extensive beginner and intermediate terrain to explore, a state-of-the-art lift network that makes getting around the mountain easy and some of the best apres-ski vibes across the entire Alps, VT is a fantastic option for families and groups of all ages, levels and abilities. - Obergurgl, Austria
Sitting at an impressive 1,930m, Obergurgl is one of Austria’s most reliable snow resorts. It’s perfect for families looking for uncrowded slopes, great ski schools and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Plus, with well-groomed pistes and modern lift connections to Hochgurgl, you’re guaranteed a brilliant ski experience with top-tier snow conditions to match. - Cervinia, Italy
Cervinia at an altitude of 2,050m shares its ski area with Zermatt, offering plenty of high-altitude skiing up to a dizzying 3,899m. Known for its gentle, wide pistes that are perfect for families and intermediates, it’s a great choice for those wanting reliable snow and breathtaking scenery.
How to save money on your half-term ski holiday
Apart from being hugely popular, half-term ski holidays come with a pricey attached tag. After all, half-term equals peak season in the Alps, which inevitably means everything comes with an extra cost. However, with some carefully thought-out planning, you can cut costs without cutting corners and still enjoy an amazing week on the slopes.
- Consider a self-drive ski holiday
Flights can be even pricier during school holidays, and baggage fees for ski gear quickly add up. A self-drive ski holiday with Eurotunnel is a great alternative. You can pack everything you need, avoid chaotic airport queues and save on extortionate luggage fees. Plus, the self-drive option gives you the flexibility to shop for essentials before reaching the resort, potentially saving you money on food and other supplies. - Stay in self-catered accommodation
Hotels and catered chalets can be expensive during half-term, so opting for a self-catered apartment is a great way to control costs. If you’re travelling as a family, self-catered apartments can be a home away from home when planned enough in advance. Bring your favourite cookbook, plan simple recipes ahead of time and save a few pennies by whipping up your favourite meals in your property instead of eating out every night. - Look for smaller or lesser-known resorts
In short, big-name resorts come with big-name resort prices. If you’re looking to save some change for a few cheeky après beers or hot chocolates, consider smaller, family-friendly resorts with great skiing but cheaper costs. Resorts like La Rosière, Les Menuires or Obergurgl offer the same excellent skiing as their neighbours but without the premium price tag.
Why book your half-term ski holiday with Erna Low?
As we’ve established, half-term is one of the busiest times in the Alps, which means securing the right accommodation, lift passes and ski hire for your family can sometimes feel like a race against the clock. Well, good news... we know the Alps inside out, including the best snow-sure resorts and where to find primely located family-friendly accommodation with “straight to the slopes” access, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help you choose the perfect destination that works just right for you and your travelling group. From self-catering apartments with space for the whole family to luxury chalets and hotels with half-board options, we offer a wide selection of properties in the very best resorts. We also promise 100% transparency. You’ll find no hidden costs, competitive pricing and access to exclusive deals. With over 90 years of experience in ski holidays, we’ll take the stress out of planning, letting you focus on maximising your ski time. It really is a no-brainer!
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.