Ski holidays with kids are magical. From fun days on the slopes to cosy evenings by the fire. Keeping your kids entertained isn’t hard whilst in the mountains, particularly if they love skiing.
However, despite the idyllic and magical setting, tiredness or low-visibility days can happen to us all. Therefore, it’s always helpful to have a few other après-ski activities up your sleeve. Here are our top recommendations for things to do with kids away from the ski slopes.
Snowball Fight
One of the most-loved winter activities for kids is simply having fun in the snow. Making snow angels, having an epic snowball fight, or building your very own snowman. The great thing about holidays in the snow is that you are in the perfect place to let their imaginations run wild! Then warm up back inside with a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
Ice Skating
Enjoy some good old-fashioned ice-skating as a family. A large number of French ski resorts have access to a skating rink, ranging from open air to covered rinks. Some resorts, such as La Clusaz, even offer figure skating courses. So whether it’s dancing-on-ice, racing around the rink or having a go at playing ice hockey, there are lots of memories to be made on the ice during your family ski holiday.
Check out our favourite ice rinks in the French Alps.
Swimming Pool
From tots to teens everyone will love a splash around in the pool. Swimming pool complexes in the Alps offer great fun for the kids to burn off any leftover energy. As well as providing adults with the chance to unwind and take the weight off aching muscles, after a hard day on the mountain. A couple of our favourite swimming complexes are the Parc des Dérêches in Morzine and the Espace Aquatique in La Clusaz.
Make it easy on yourself and win some extra parent points by booking a chalet with a private pool!
Discover Cool for Kids Chalets
Chocolate Making Workshop
Let the kids indulge in their love of chocolate with a fun filled, chocolate-making workshop. Chalet du Chocolat in Les Gets offers hour-long chocolate making workshops between 10 am and 6 pm every day, so get a ski in early and then spend the afternoon rewarding yourself with a delicious chocolate treat. After all, who doesn’t love chocolate?
Family Photoshoot
Ski holidays go by so quickly, therefore a great way to capture the fun of a family ski holiday is with a snow-filled family photoshoot on the slopes. Choose a photographer to join you and your little ones on the slopes and capture amazing memories of you all having fun in the snow. The perfect memento from your family ski trip!
You might also be interested in:
- Top 12 tips for the perfect family holiday
- Skiing with kids for the first time? Top 10 tips for a trouble-free ski holiday!
Ceramics Workshop
Let your kids get creative at a ceramics workshop. During the workshop, they will be shown a number of techniques to help them create their very own pottery masterpiece. From making animals, monsters and funny faces to mugs and jugs, the choice is theirs, the only limit is their imagination.
For an OVO Network favourite, check out Atelier Polkadot in Manigod village. Owned by the very talented Laurence, you’ll find courses either at her workshop or at Lo Garajo, a cool concept cafe. Laurence speaks perfect English, making her courses accessible to holidaymakers as well as French visitors.
Horse-drawn Carriage Ride
Nothing says ‘winter wonderland’ quite like a horse-drawn carriage ride through a snowy ski resort. Warm blankets, crisp winter air and the gentle jingle of bells tinkling to the rhythmic stride of the horses. Exciting for the kids and romantic for the adults.
Local ‘Animations’
An easy way to get ideas for things to do on your ski holiday is to check out what’s going on locally during your stay. Ski resorts pride themselves on their ability to put on events and activities (known as ‘animations’ in French) for holidaymakers of all ages. From the possibility of free hot chocolate and fireworks, night skiing and cultural events to music or sporting displays – you will be spoiled for choice. Before you head to resort take a look at our OVO Network What’s on guides for the Aravis region and Portes du Soleil resorts of Morzine and Les Gets. And once in resort be sure to pop into the local tourist office to see what’s on.
Need more ideas? Here at OVO Network our dedicated range of Cool for Kids chalets has got everything you and your family need. Let the little ones get creative with paper, crayons and toys all tailored for different age groups. Watch a family movie together in front of the fire or play a board game.
Travelling with teens? Have no fear, many of our chalets have games consoles, table football or a swimming pool! Make sure to check out the equipment lists on our chalet pages to see what’s included at the property, as you’ll probably discover you don’t need to bring as many toys or games as you think!
