Parents will know that travelling with kids can be a tricky task – and ski holidays are no different! In this article, we’ve put together a list of tips for travelling with kids to the Alps to help you out…
Going skiing requires a fair amount of planning. Especially when going with children, as school holidays often mean busier resorts. If you’re planning on going during one of these peak seasons, you will need to plan ahead for things such as:
- Accommodation
- Ski school
- Childcare
- Packing the correct items
Read on to find out what else you need to prepare when travelling with kids to the Alps…
1. Book child-friendly accommodation
Our first tip for travelling with kids is to make sure that you book child-friendly accommodation.
Once you’ve booked your flights and a child-friendly transfer, you will need to find appropriate accommodation for you and your family. There are a few key things to look for depending on the age of your children, such as:
- Bottle warmers
- Potties
- Stair gates
- Kids cutlery/crockery
If you’re struggling to find properties that are sure to provide child/baby equipment, head over to our child-friendly properties that offer these items with no extra cost.
If your kids are older, then our Cool for Kids Extra properties ensure a great holiday for the whole family. With equipment such as trampolines, games consoles, table tennis, football tables and more, you’ll be sure that your time off the slopes is equally as fun!
Browse our Cool for Kids properties
2. Book a ski school
One tip for travelling with kids for a ski holiday is to sign them up for ski school. This is a great opportunity for children to learn whilst adults make the most of the pistes!
Kids as young as 3 can join a ski school with ESF’s Club Piou Piou. The school operates in most of the popular resorts across the French Alps. English speaking classes are also available, so don’t worry about the language barrier.
3. Organise childcare
Whether it’s for the day or night-time, there are plenty of childcare options in ski resorts. Most of the popular resorts across the French Alps offer services including:
- Creches
- Daycare nurseries
- Private nannies
- Babysitting services
If you would like to use these services, be sure to book well in advance – especially if you’re visiting at peak times, as childcare services get booked up very quickly!
To find out more about the childcare services available in your resort, we recommend visiting the Tourist Office for your area for the latest information and contact details.
4. Pack the right stuff!
Travelling with kids can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to packing. Here are just a few things to consider when preparing you and your children’s suitcases:
- Clothing: warmth, comfort and waterproofness are obviously key. For youngsters, snowsuits are a good idea to keep warm when they’re playing in the snow.
- Sunglasses: protective eyewear is also important, as the sun is very intense in the mountains!
- Sunscreen: make sure to bring a factor 50 suncreen, as the reflections of the sun off the snow can cause skin to burn very easily.
For more suggestions of things to bring with you on your next adventure holidays with kids, head over to our packing list, which will give you an initial idea of things to take with you to the Alps.
5. Know how to get around the resort
Most ski rental shops offer equipment for transporting young children around resort, such as snow strollers.
You can also rent or buy sledges from some shops, which sometimes come in handy for getting tired kids from A to B!
Lastly, most popular resorts have regular shuttle bus services too. These will be helpful to get the whole family back to your chalet after a day outside.
6. Plan child-friendly activities in the resort
Planning child-friendly activities is also a great way to ensure some family time during your holidays. When travelling to the Alps, you can be sure to find plenty of fun off the pistes as well as on them!
If you’re lacking ideas, our top apres-ski activities with kids list should help give you some inspiration. Alternatively, the activities section of our blog also has some top things to do in our resorts.
Also be sure to check out our ‘What’s On’ guides for the Aravis, Portes du Soleil and the Evasion Mont Blanc to see what’s happening near you.
7. Plan eating and drinking
Lastly, it’s important to consider plans for eating and drinking when travelling with kids to the Alps.
When booking accommodation in resort, you can either opt to stay in a catered or a self-catered property. Self-catered properties often offer a separate high tea dinner sitting for children, which is a very relaxing hands-off approach. If you choose to stay in a self-catered property, you can plan your own meals and meal times, as well as cater to individual dietary requirements yourself.
You can of course also eat out, but it’s good to ask your property manager for recommendations for kids, as some high-end restaurants may not be suitable for kids. There’s also the option to hire a chef a domicile such as EJP Chef Privé if you want to have a restaurant experience from the comfort of your chalet whilst the kids are in bed!
Travelling with kids to the French Alps?
Our Cool for Kids properties have everything you—and your children—need to make your next mountain holiday extra special.
