This post is sponsored by Family Travel Forum and Taking the Kids
As many of you know I am a sun loving Aussie. I grew up in sunny Perth, Western Australia which meant I never got to see snow. As a result I have never ventured to the snow for a holiday due to my lack of experience on how to ski.
However last year when Lewis returned to school from the festive holiday break I discovered that many families had chosen to visit the snow instead of staying at home in the summer warmth.
Now fun family snow holidays are not restricted to those living in the Northern hemisphere. People are becoming more willing to travel greater distances to experience fun in the snow.
But what if you are like me, ill experienced in the world of snow holidays – where can you start with planning your family snow holiday?
Well I’ve learnt quite a bit about family snow holidays from talking to my friends and reading Taking the Kids guide to family snow holidays.
5 Tips for Family Snow Holidays
1. Be Located on the Snow
I have several friends who been on snow holidays and they all say book accommodation on the slopes.
The last thing you want to do is board a half hour shuttle in the morning that takes you up to the slopes, and then every time you want to go back to your accommodation you are back and forth in the shuttle bus. I can just hear the kids whining already.
2. Find a Resort that Teaches Beginners to Ski
Some resorts are set up for those that are experienced skiers, whilst others have invested in sculptured trails to help the beginner grow in confidence before they set out onto the big slopes.
Remember this Taking the Kids travel tip: Don’t teach your children or significant other to ski, let the professionals do their job – like the ones at terrain based learning centres.
3. Hire don’t Buy
Purchasing ski clothes can be quite expensive. So find a package that includes ski and snow clothing hire.
Friends of mine who have skied suggest that you just only purchase thermal undergarments and gloves. To find these visit one of the adventure outdoor specialist stores.
4. Look for Additional Activities
If you’re unsure that the family is going to love spending the entire time on the snow, look for resorts that have additional activities like: bungee trampolines, rock climbing walls, zip-line courses, snow sports, and water parks.
5. Include an Add On
If you are having to travel through a major city to get to your family snow holiday destination then why not include a city stay vacation as well.
A little culture and sightseeing is great for the whole family and also takes the pressure off the snow holiday being the total focus of the trip.
Where to Start Looking for a Snow Holiday
Now where to start with finding the right family snow holiday destination for you?
Why not visit Taking the Kids guide to family vacations on the ski slopes and beyond – they have a huge range of family friendly snow holiday destinations throughout the USA, Canada and Europe. Plus there are links to help you customise your family snow holiday.
Have you been on a Snow Holiday?
What are your tips?
Linking Up With:
- Essentially Jess #IBOT
- Bumble Bee Mum #TravelTuesday
- Lauren on Location #TravelTuesday
- Families Go #WkendTravelInspiration
I have no desire to learn how to ski but my husband loves it. I’m looking forward to our boys being old enough for ski lessons – then we can take a family trip to the snow while I sip mulled wine and read a book in front of a log fire 😉 #TeamIBOT
Sounds like you have the perfect plan Bec, I’ll join you for that wine:)
Great tips! I totally agree with staying on the slopes. When my hubby took the older boy for his ski lesson, I was so happy to be able to go back to the room and sleep with the little one!
That’s it exactly Lin, simple things like the kids need nap time – you don’t want to add shuttle transfers in with grumpy kids.
And have to carry the kids around with all their winter clothing on if they fall asleep in the middle of it all!
Ugh it all just sounds too hard – definitely best to be close.
My sister’s family visits the snow every winter. I would love to take our kids too one day. There are some great places in Australia to visit. 🙂
Yes there are Jess, I have friends who visit Thredbo and Perisher each year.
Thanks for the great tips for a first time ski holiday with the family Sally. It’s been a long time since we’ve ventured to the snow – maybe 2016 is the year? 🙂
I wish all the lick to add a ski holiday into your 2016 travel plans Lyndall.
Sally, We love snow, snow everything! I hope everyone gets enough of it this winter!
Snow does look like the best way to enjoy winter Corinne.
Here in the US you can buy decent thermals for kids in Target. and then on top on that I always layer my daughter. it’s cold on the lift but you build up heat skiing to being able to move a zipper up and down to regulate your body heat helps. I agree good ski gloves are essentiall as we warm, water wicking socks. And we pay for good ones. Once your hands or feet get wet you’re done for the day.
We always book a hotel with a pool. The ski day ends by 3:00 or so unless you are die-hards. It is a good way to warm up, unwind your ski muscles and fill in the time before dinner.
Thank you for your snow tips Eileen, love the tip about going for a swim in the afternoon to help ease tired muscles.