At Erna Low, we’ve been planning ski holidays for families and children for almost a century, so we know what it takes to make a ski trip that works for both grown-ups and kids. Whether it’s the children's first visit or their 200th (we wish!), we’ll help you find the resort and the overall package that fits your family just right. We work with top family-friendly destinations across Europe, designed with kids in mind, on and off the slopes. Picture snow gardens, gentle beginner slopes, short-and-sweet transfer times, and resorts full of snowy fun even when you’re not on skis.
From self-catering apartments that give you freedom, to hotels with childcare, half-board, and doorstep skiing, we’ve got flexible packages that make your holiday feel like, well, a holiday. We understand that travelling to a resort with kids means you want things to run smoothly with zero faff, zero stress, and heaps of happy memories - and that's where we come in. So if you’re dreaming of cosy ski-in, ski-out accommodation, snowball fights on the way to lunch, and family après-ski hot chocolates, we’ve got you!
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How to Plan the Perfect Children’s Ski Holiday – Step by Step
With some nifty, insider know-how, your children's ski holiday can avoid being a logistical marathon to plan. Thanks to our extensive experience, we’ve come up with a few suggestions on planning a (near) hassle-free ski holiday to the Alps with the children in tow.
- Pick the right resort
This is a big one - actually, this is THE big one. Go for ski resorts that really roll out the red carpet for families. Look out for resorts with ample beginner-friendly slopes, short transfer times between airports, plenty of off-slope fun, and a good selection of childcare. A great place to start is with resorts with a Famille Plus label - your golden ticket for family-friendly everything. - Time it well
Avoid the busiest weeks (if you can). Christmas and February half-term get booked up fast, cost a bit more, and can be as busy as a snowball fight in a playground. If you do intend to travel in peak season, no worries; just make sure you’re booking as early as possible before all the best spots are taken. If you’re flexible, aim for January or Easter when the snow’s still great but the crowds have thinned. - Book lessons in advance
Ski school spaces fill up quickly, especially for English-speaking instructors, so booking ahead puts you ahead of the queue and guarantees you a spot in the right group (and peace of mind!). The same goes for other ski extras like lift passes, ski hire, and everything else. Trust us, future-you will thank you for ticking these off early. - Choose child-friendly accommodation
Go for ski-in, ski-out accommodation if possible, because less walking with gear = fewer tantrums (and stragglers). Self-catered apartments offer a great deal of flexibility and independence, while catered stays (half-board) mean less cooking and more leisure time for you. The less time spent lugging kit, the more time for snow angels. - Pack smart
Layers, gloves, sunscreen, and snacks. If the kids are warm and comfy, they’ll enjoy every minute. And don’t forget a few secret chocolate bars for emergency morale boosts!
Travelling to the Alps with Kids – Tips for Smooth Journeys
“Are we there yet?!” Ah, the soundtrack to every family trip. Not the most fun part of the holiday, but travelling to the Alps with kids is a battle that can be won with guts, grit, and (yes, we’ve said this a few times now) smart planning. It’s a battle of the minds, so here’s our attempt to outline the winning strategy…or at the very least, lessen the damage.
- Aim for short transfers
If you’re planning to fly, look for resorts with short transfers to airports. Chambéry, Geneva or Grenoble are great options with multiple resorts within a 90-minute transfer. Our packages can also help you pair your flights with resorts that get you from baggage claim to ski boots in under two hours - or skip the airport faff altogether with our Eurotunnel-inclusive packages. The less time spent in transit, the more time for snowball-throwing. - Pack a boredom-busting bag
Tablets, colouring, audiobooks, snacks - they’re your in-transit survival kit. A couple of new surprises (little toys or puzzle books are a great one) can work wonders when the “How much longer?” chorus begins. If you’re driving, plan for breaks, pack snacks, and aim to travel outside peak times. - Dress smart (we’re NOT referring to a dress code) and don’t overpack
Layers are your friend. Planes, cars, and coaches all have different temps, so keep things flexible. Always have gloves, hats, and ski socks to hand (no one wants to dig them out of a suitcase at -5°C), but you don’t need a full wardrobe. Most resorts have shops if you forget something (plus it’s an excuse to pick up a dinky new bobble hat). - Time your meals and snacks
Avoid sugar highs mid-transfer. Pack protein-rich nibbles and drinks with lids - think less mess, more munch. It’s a tough ask for parents with little children who can be fidgety, but planning the in-transit meals smartly will save a great deal of hassle, and a well-timed flapjack can be a real game-changer.
Best Time to Take the Kids Skiing
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Timing’s everything when it comes to a family ski trip. The right (perfect) week can mean great snow, shorter queues, and happy kids who aren’t too tired or too cold to enjoy it. Here’s what to think about when you’re planning:
If you’re tied to school holidays, February half-term is the big one. It's peak season, and snow conditions are traditionally at their best. Resorts go all-out for families during the half-term break, offering extra activities, kids’ events, and childcare options. Just make sure you book as early as possible; it’s one of the busiest and priciest weeks of the season.
Christmas and New Year offer festive magic. The festivities come with a charm-heavy, cuteness overload, with the Alps transforming into postcard-worthy winter wonderlands. It's all fairy lights, sleigh rides, torchlit descents, and fireworks in the snow—perfect for making memories. But it’s also peak season, so be ready for busier slopes and higher prices. Easter is another great shout. The days are longer, the sun’s out, and the mood is relaxed. Resorts at higher altitudes still have good snow, and it’s less intense than the mid-season rush.
If your kids are younger or not in school yet, lucky you! You’ve got the pick of the calendar. January will be ideal with quieter pistes, shorter lift queues, and often better value. Also, ski schools tend to have more availability and smaller group sizes, which can make a huge difference for beginners.
Best Ski Resorts for Children
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”, George Orwell, Animal Farm, 1945. Where are we going with this? Well, when it comes to skiing with kids, not all resorts are created equal, and this is basically what France’s Famille Plus label distinguishes. Awarded to resorts that go the extra mile for families, Famille Plus recognises tourist destinations (ski resorts included) that prioritise the needs of children. So if you’re looking for the best ski schools, restaurants with child-friendly menus, and activities for all ages, it’ll be a great indicator to go by.
Also, we’d like to humbly mention that when Animal Farm was published in 1945, Erna Low had already been sending families to the Alps for over a decade.
Anyway, here are a few top picks for great resorts for children:
- Les Gets
Les Gets is a picture-perfect resort tailor-made for families visiting with children. The slopes are gentle, the lifts are easy to navigate, and a dedicated kids’ ski area, “Le Grand Cry”, complete with a timed slalom, a video park, a boarder cross and more. Off the slopes, there’s an ice rink, plenty of family-friendly cafés, and a little train that shuttles families around the village. It’s charming, easy-going, and especially ideal for first-timers. It’s basically the skiing equivalent of a warm hug. - La Rosière
Set high on the French-Italian border, in the Espace San Bernando ski area, La Rosière is a not-so-hidden gem for families. The resort is small enough to feel safe and friendly, but big enough to offer varied terrain. With excellent ski schools popular among families, La Rosière’s sunny slopes are perfect for building confidence. There’s a snow garden for the tiniest skiers, plus activities like sledging and snowkiting if they fancy something different. Away from the skiing, the resort is primed for children's needs with kids' clubs, child care options and lots of activities. It’s as if the whole place was designed by parents who know what a tired toddler looks like. - Les Menuires
Part of the vast 3 Valleys ski area, Les Menuires mixes big resort access with a family-friendly vibe. The “Piou Piou” ski clubs are brilliant for little learners, and there’s a huge choice of accommodation close to the slopes. It’s less glitzy than its neighbours (Val Thorens, we’re looking at you), but way more laid-back and affordable for families. Think big ski area, small-stress energy. - Avoriaz
A car-free, ski-in,ski-out resort with horse-drawn sleighs and a village that feels like it’s straight out of a snow globe. Avoriaz has an exceptional children’s village run by the French ski school, beginner zones, soft snow, and family-friendly après-ski. Plus, it’s easy to get around - no traffic, just toboggans and skis. It’s pure storybook stuff.
Fun Beyond the Slopes – Tobogganing, Ice Skating and More
Let’s be honest, kids don’t fancy skiing all day, every day. And that’s totally fine because most resorts are well prepared with off-slope activities to keep the whole crew happy once the skis come off.
Tobogganing is always a hit, especially with the family. It’s fast, fun and guaranteed to get everyone laughing. Most family-friendly resorts have safe, dedicated sledging zones that are fun, affordable, and require no skiing skills. It’s the kind of activity where everyone ends up giggling in a heap at the bottom.
Ice skating is a brilliant pastime for families off the slopes. Resort ice rinks are perfect for post-ski energy let-offs. Many are open-air and lit up at night, giving off full festive vibes. You’ll often find skate hire and even little frames for younger kids to hold onto. Some larger resorts offer bowling, soft play, cinemas, and climbing walls. Most places also offer kids’ clubs, craft workshops, or organised games in the afternoons and evenings. There’s never a dull moment, even when the skis are off.
Aqua centres are great indoor downtime activities for kids. Swimming pools, indoor waterslides, and splash zones will always be popular with kids. Resorts like Avoriaz, Les Arcs, and La Plagne have brilliant aquatic centres that offer a welcome reprieve from snow and sniffles to steam and warmth.
A family ski holiday isn’t just about skiing. It’s about the whole snowy adventure, and having plenty to do means less chance of tired legs turning into tired tantrums.
Why Ski Holidays Are Great for Kids (and Parents Too)
Everyone wins when the kids are happy. With a proper plan, ski holidays work great for kids and parents alike. They’re active, keep everyone engaged, and, most importantly, create long-lasting memories. Particularly for kids, it’s a chance to try something new, gain confidence, and burn energy in the best way possible; out in the fresh mountain air, surrounded by snow, smiles and more-than-occasional shrieks.
Learning to ski is a real confidence booster. Whether they’re mastering the magic carpet or finally making it down that green run without a tumble, every little win feels like a big deal. And with great ski schools and fun snow gardens across the Alps, they’ll be learning while playing - and probably making a few new friends along the way.
But it’s not just about the kids. For parents, ski holidays tick so many boxes. There’s childcare and ski school if you need some grown-up slope time. There’s family après with hot chocolate, crêpes, and (occasional) sugar rushes. There’s also the rewarding moment of watching the kids hit the milestone moment when they go from not being able to balance to cruising confidently down the mountain.
In addition, everything’s in one place: accommodation, slopes, activities, and restaurants - so there are no endless car rides or logistics headaches. You wake up, gear up, and you’re good to go. And the memories? They stick. That first lift ride, that hilarious fall, that epic snowman... Ski trips have a way of turning into family legends, and let’s be honest, those are the stories you’ll be telling for years.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.