Tips on planning a stress-free family skiing trip



Planning on hitting the slopes this winter? From arranging airport transfers to purchasing lift passes and hiring equipment, ski trips require a little more organisation than a standard two-week holiday in the sun.

So, we thought we’d share our top planning tips to make sure your family skiing trip is as smooth as those snow-covered slopes...

Get the timing right


The main ski season kicks off after Christmas, though travelling before the New Year could bag you a cheap deal on your trip, plus you’ll beat the crowds. That said, you don’t want to turn up to a snowless resort, so choose higher-altitude spots if you’re travelling out of season. This Iglu Skisnow history report dates back five years and shares previous monthly snowfall in popular resorts, giving you a good idea of where to head for the best chance of snow.

Get the location right


You’ve narrowed down your resort options based on the time of year you’re travelling, but there’s more to picking the perfect ski destination. The right resort for you and your family depends on a whole heap of factors, from your kids’ ages, to your skills and experience, to your après-ski plans. Here are some things to ask yourself:


  • Is there easy access to and from the airport? An important consideration if you’re travelling with younger kids and lots of luggage.
  • What are the costs of passes and equipment hire? Resorts in areas like Bulgaria are usually much cheaper than those in France and Italy, but they can be just as good.
  • Is there a big après-ski scene? If you’re skiing with kids, you probably don’t want to head to a resort notorious for its round-the-clock partying!
  • What are the ski schools like? Different resorts have different rules when it comes to age restrictions for ski schools.
  • Are there slopes to suit everyone? You might be an off-piste pro, but you want to make sure there’s something for everyone on your skiing trip.
  • Ski school/lessons. This is particularly important if you’re skiing in peak season.
  • Lift passes. Beat the queues and order your lift passes in advance.
  • Ski equipment. Most resorts rent out ski and snowboard equipment, but you should book online in advance to save disappointment.
  • Salopettes, ski jacket and goggles. These can be expensive to buy, so if it’s your first time, ask ski-loving friends and family if they can lend them to you first. The resort or hotel may rent out clothing too. You may decide to buy your own under-layers though!
  • GP skiing accessories. Kit out your ski trip with tech from GP, including mobile chargers to boost your phone on the move, head torches for taking on floodlit slopes after hours, and our beam torches to guide you home after an evening out! Check out our handy infographic on essential ski trip items for some other must-take items.
Skiing is no walk in the park, so upping your exercise regime now will boost your stamina and help to prevent injury on the slopes. Get the whole family involved a few times a week and make it a mix of cardio and strength training, focusing on the legs. For instance, you could head out on a family bike ride, finishing off with some squats and lunges. Doing this will help to ensure you wake up each morning minus any aches and pains, and raring to go for another day of snow!

Get organised


The more you book now, the less back-and-forth you’ll have to do when you’re at the resort – and the quicker you can get out on those slopes! Get organised by sorting out the following before your trip:

Get fighting fit!


Skiing is no walk in the park, so upping your exercise regime now will boost your stamina and help to prevent injury on the slopes. Get the whole family involved a few times a week and make it a mix of cardio and strength training, focusing on the legs. For instance, you could head out on a family bike ride, finishing off with some squats and lunges. Doing this will help to ensure you wake up each morning minus any aches and pains, and raring to go for another day of snow!


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