Family ski trip guide: Everything you need to know before you go

Ready to swap sandcastles for snow forts? A family ski holiday is an unforgettable experience, with a perfect mix of adventure, fresh air, and plenty of bonding time on (and off) the slopes.

Here’s how to plan a family ski trip—from the best destinations to choosing the right resort, what to pack, and more.

What are the best destinations for a family ski holiday?

Picking the right destination can make or break your trip (no pressure). Luckily, there are plenty of ski resorts around the world designed with families in mind.

Keystone, USA

Colorado’s Keystone Resort is a family favourite thanks to its Kidtopia program, a free daily line-up of fun activities like fireworks, scavenger hunts, and parades. Beginners will love the gentle slopes on Dercum Mountain, and there’s even night skiing for extra adventure.

There’s also Camp Keystone, a full-day ski program tailored to little learners, plus the Adventure Point tubing hill. And don’t miss out on the world’s largest mountaintop snow fort—ice caves, slides, tunnels, and ice sculptures included.

Whistler, Canada

Whistler Blackcomb is one of the biggest ski areas in North America, and also one of the best for families—offering dedicated beginner zones, magic carpets, and some of the best ski schools around. 

Off the slopes, families can enjoy tubing, ice skating, and indoor climbing walls. The pedestrian-only Whistler Village makes it easy to explore with kids, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and après-ski activities catering to all ages.

La Plagne, France

Part of the massive Paradiski ski area, La Plagne is tailor-made for families. The resort is made up of several car-free villages, which makes it safe and stress-free for walking around with kids. Gentle slopes, ski-in/ski-out accommodation, and excellent ski schools mean everyone can find their rhythm on the snow. Need a break from skiing? La Plagne offers fun options like sledding, ice climbing, and zip-lining, plus dedicated children’s clubs for younger ones.

San Cassiano, Italy

Tucked away in the Dolomites, San Cassiano is a smaller, quieter option, ideal if you want to avoid crowded slopes. Its child-friendly ski schools and gentle terrain are perfect for beginners, and families can enjoy traditional Italian and Ladin cuisine (we’re talking creamy risotto, warm polenta, and rich alpine cheeses), horse-drawn sleigh rides, and breathtaking alpine scenery. With a slower pace and family-oriented vibe, it’s a resort where parents can truly relax.

Niseko, Japan

Famous for its incredible powder snow, Niseko is surprisingly family-friendly. There are beginner zones and English-speaking ski schools, making it easy for kids (and parents!) to learn. Off the slopes, you can relax in traditional onsen hot springs, go snowshoeing, or take a cultural day trip.

How to choose a family-friendly resort

The right resort can make your family holiday run smoothly—think safety, convenience, and fun for all ages. Here’s what you should look for:

• ‍Beginner-friendly skiing areas. Skiing for the first time can be intimidating, no matter your age. Before you book your resort stay, check that there are green runs (aka beginner slopes) or easy blue ones (for intermediates).‍
• A reputable ski school. Having a good (read: certified) instructor won’t just make learning more fun for your kids—it will give you peace of mind knowing a professional is looking after them. You might even find separate classes by age and ability, so everyone can learn at their own pace.‍
• Childcare or kids’ clubs. Look, this is your vacation too, and you deserve some me-time. Leaving younger kids to ski by themselves isn’t the safest option, but at an on-site creche or nursery, you know they’ll be well cared for, with plenty of activities to keep them entertained.‍
• Non-skiing activities. Whether you don’t feel like skiing one day or the weather just won’t play nice, it’s good to have options for what to do—including off-slope activities. We have a whole section dedicated to fun extras in a bit, but in a nutshell, look for cultural attractions, restaurants and bars, and indoor entertainment like pools or cinemas.‍
• Good accessibility and shorter transfer times. Long travel + long transfers = cranky kids. Not what a family trip calls for. To avoid meltdowns, check the transfer time from the airport to the resort, whether lodging is ski-in/ski-out or near lifts, and if shuttle services are available.‍
• Family-friendly dining options. Many resorts cater to families, but it’s still worth cross-checking the menus with your kids’ dietary needs and open hours with their usual eating times.

What to pack for a family ski trip

Packing for the snow is a little different than your usual beach getaway. The secret? Layering. Lots of layering.

Checked bags

• Ski clothing: thermal tops and bottoms, fleece or lightweight sweaters, ski jackets, pants and socks, gloves, beanies, scarves, and goggles and/or sunglasses.
• Casual clothing: Comfortable clothes and boots for off-slope activities and walking around the village.
• Toiletries: High SPF (the snow is deceptively strong, even on cloudy days), lip balm, moisturiser, and first-aid kit.
• Off-slope items: Swimsuits if your resort has a pool or spa, and a small backpack for daily use (this could be your carry-on).

Carry-on

• Passports, tickets, boarding passes - the usual docs.
• Snacks and drinks for kids (and adults!).
• Entertainment—think tablets, books, colouring supplies, and headphones.
• A change of clothes for kids in case of an accident.
• Any medications you might need in-flight.

Should you pack skiing gear?

Look, you can. But the reality is, on-snow gear is pretty bulky, and it can make a family flight a lot more complicated. And if you’re flying with kids, that’s the last thing you need.

Just think about it: you’ll have to check the airline’s policy on sports equipment, pack it all safely, drop it at the oversized baggage desk, then collect it at the oversized luggage area when you arrive. Plus, you may have to pay extra fees if your bag is too long or heavy.

Instead, you could simply rent the equipment at the resort. This way, you travel lighter, avoid airline hassles, and have access to well-maintained, up-to-date gear.

Pro tip: Rent your equipment in advance, especially if you’re going in peak season when demand is high.

Things to do when you’re not skiing

Not every day has to be about skiing. Between tired legs, little ones who need a break, or just wanting to mix things up, most resorts have alternatives to keep the whole family entertained.

Pro tip: Check the resort’s events calendar before you go. Some activities only run on certain days, so you can plan accordingly and make sure the family doesn’t miss out on anything fun.

• Other on-slope activities: snow tubing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowmobile rides, building snowmen or igloos, night sledging 
• Off-slope activities: ice skating, sleigh rides, hot springs, local villages and cultural experiences, scenic gondola or cable car rides, family-friendly après-ski events
• Indoor activities: kids’ clubs, swimming pools, indoor climbing walls, bowling alleys, cinema, family-friendly restaurants and cafés, spa and wellness centres

Practical tips for planning a family ski trip

A little planning goes a long way when traveling with kids. Keep these tips in mind to make your holiday smoother:

• Book early to secure the best family deals. Resorts fill up fast—because who doesn’t love a snowy family holiday? To get a good deal at a good resort, try to book early. With PayLater Travel, you can book your flight now, lock in the best rates, and spread the cost over weekly or bi-weekly installments. We help you secure the best flight deals before they’re gone and enjoy flexible payment plans that suit your circumstances. Book now and enjoy budget family travel with flights that work for your plans—and your wallet.
• Allow for rest time. Skiing is tiring, especially for little ones. Schedule downtime between runs, naps, or indoor activities so they (and you!) can recharge batteries.
• Consider travel insurance that covers skiing. Skiing is considered a winter sport, and accidents can happen. Best to err on the side of caution and get travel insurance that specifically covers ski activities. 

Look into family ski passes or lift ticket bundles. Many resorts offer discounted family passes or multi-day bundles, which can save money and make planning your days on the slopes easier.