Making Memories On A Family Ski Holiday

The first time we skied down a mountain as a family – my wife and I, and two daughters, aged six and eight – it was a moment of pure utopian joy. With me leading them from the front and my wife bringing up the rear, in case they needed help getting back to their feet, we snaked down the pistes like our own family ski school, and I don’t mind admitting, the emotional experience brought a lump to my throat.

We had already skied a few times with our eldest daughter who had started ski lessons a couple of years before her younger sister, but that first time skiing together as a complete family was fabulously exhilarating, and it is still one of our favourite things to do together almost 30 years on.

Letting the Kids Decide

Some mums and dads, who are keen skiers and snowboarders, like to get their offspring onto the slopes as soon as possible, but as I am in the snow sports business, and my wife was a sports teacher, we didn’t want to be pushy parents, making them do sports and activities just because we loved them.

Therefore, on our early trips to the mountains together, we gave them the choice. Did they want to go to ski school? Or did they want to stay in the childcare facilities with nannies when they could enjoy playing in the snow?

Interestingly, both preferred to play with other children until they started mainstream education at home which seemed to make them more prepared to accept the discipline of a ski school set up.

Of course, all kids are different and there are some ski schools, particularly in Austria, which will start instruction while your children are still in nappies! But for most couples, going on a ski holiday while their children are still babies or toddlers, and too young to take to the pistes, can seem like a daunting challenge.

Fortunately, some of the large tour operators and several specialist companies have recognised this and now employ qualified childcare staff to cater for your children’s needs.

Ski Famille: A Family Specialist

To give you an idea about what they can provide let’s look at the facilities and services offered by Ski Famille, one of the specialist ski companies that works with Ski Line.

Ski Famille has a range of 16 chalets of varying sizes located in the five family-friendly French resorts Les Gets, Les Bruyeres and Reberty 2000 (in Les Menuires in The Three Valleys), and La Plagne (Paradiski).

Chalet Hotel Cocon des Neiges

The choice of accommodation includes the latest addition, Chalet Hotel Cocon des Neiges in Les Bruyeres, which opened last winter and has a separate playroom for children a nursery and a sleep room for infants and toddlers. The chalet hotel offers packages that include childcare from 8.45am to 10pm, six days of the week.

Flexible Childcare Options

Ski Famille claims it is unique because it provides an a la carte menu of childcare options enabling parents to pick and choose the best and most affordable way to enjoy their ski and snowboard holiday with young family members.

Comprehensive Services for Families

Children can be taken to ski school, collected and brought back to the chalet for lunch and then taken out for the afternoon to take part in activities such as ice skating or sledging.

Younger children and infants are cared for by qualified nannies, taken out for walks, and also be encouraged to take part in sensory play and activities.

Chalet Features and Amenities

All Ski Famille’s chalets feature in-chalet childcare; free child places on selected dates; six nights adult catering and seven evenings child catering; ski lift or slopes within five minutes’ walk; hot tubs, bathrobes, slippers and toiletries; heated boot racks; TV/DVD Bluetooth; free Wi-Fi.

Highchairs, changing mats, baby baths, sterilisers, microwaves, baby monitors and night lights are also available.

Dedicated Playrooms and Babysitting

All of the chalets and the chalet hotel have dedicated playrooms, and childcare is provided by Ski Famille’s own qualified and reference-checked staff, plus, they will be entertained by Monty the Marmot (see below). Babysitting is available six nights a week in all the accommodation.

Mini Marmots

‘Mini Marmots’ (four months to four years old) can be looked after in and around the chalet from 9am- 5pm six days a week.

Mountain Marmots

‘Mountain Marmots’(children aged from three to 12 years old) are prepared for lessons by Ski Famille’s qualified staff who will also deliver and pick them up from ski school meeting points.

Monty’s Afternoon Club

‘Monty’s Afternoon Club’ includes supervised outdoor play and snow activities, including a hunt for Monty the Marmot, tobogganing, and other activities. This option includes a supervised lunch.

Supervised Lunch Options

As part of the in-chalet childcare options, Ski Famille offers a supervised lunch in your chalet. This option is included in the Mini Marmots and Monty’s Afternoon Club packages. Supervised lunch is a popular option for families booking Mountain Marmots in the morning but keen to spend time with the children in the afternoon.

Baby Pack for Travelling Parents

To make it as simple as possible for parents travelling with infants of up to 24 months Ski Famille provides a complimentary baby pack of nappies and wipes; a travel cot with luxury foam mattress and cot linen; buggies; homemade purées and a range of Hipp Organic baby jars at mealtimes; bed guards, and other safety equipment.

Meet Monty the Marmot

Monty is Ski Famille’s fun and friendly mascot who helps keep children entertained and who can also be seen skiing on the slopes.

Monty takes part in the activities and is happy to pose with guests for photos that can be put onto social media as a memory of your stay with Ski Famille.

Making Memories On A Family Ski Holiday: A Summary

Skiing as a family is a joyful and cherished experience, as one parent recalls their first descent together, guided by a commitment to let their children decide when they are ready to embrace the slopes. Initially preferring childcare and play over ski school, the children transitioned naturally to lessons as they grew older. For families navigating ski holidays with young children, companies like Ski Famille offer comprehensive services, including in-chalet childcare, supervised activities, and baby-friendly amenities across family-friendly French resorts. With flexible packages, dedicated playrooms, and the cheerful mascot Monty the Marmot, Ski Famille ensures a seamless and memorable ski holiday for parents and children alike.