The Joy of Skiing: From Toddlers to Teenagers and Trips with your Besties
There is nothing quite like a ski trip with family and friends. The combination of exhilarating slopes, breathtaking mountain scenery, and shared adventures creates memories that last a lifetime. Having experienced ski holidays across various stages of family life, I've discovered each phase brings its own unique delights and challenges.
Skiing with Young Children: Magical Moments
Skiing with the kids when they are younger is a pure joy - whilst you can still keep up with them! Those early days of watching little ones find their balance, make their first turns, and beam with pride at their accomplishments are truly priceless. Many resorts understand that family skiing requires a delicate balance: keeping children entertained while ensuring parents can enjoy their time on the slopes too. Destinations like Val d'Isère, my personal favorite and where I first learned to ski, offer excellent ski schools and childcare facilities. The French ESF (École du Ski Français) instructors have a special knack for turning skiing into a magical adventure for children. The key to successful family skiing with younger children is choosing resorts with:
Gentle, accessible nursery slopes
High-quality ski schools with English-speaking instructors
Convenient accommodations close to the slopes
Family-friendly dining options
Alternative activities for when little legs get tired
Teenage Terrain: Keeping Up Becomes the Challenge
Skiing with teenagers is another level of hardcore, and keeping up with them on the slopes is one thing - keeping pace with their après ski energy is another level altogether! Those adorable children who once cautiously snowplowed down gentle green runs transform seemingly overnight into fearless speed demons tackling black runs and terrain parks.
As teenagers develop their skills and confidence, they crave more challenging terrain. Tignes, my close second favorite resort, connects with Val d'Isère to form the expansive Espace Killy ski area, offering endless opportunities for teenage adventure seekers. The variety of slopes means families can occasionally split up for different difficulty levels before reuniting for lunch or end-of-day runs.
The European Alps: A Playground of Possibilities
From France to Italy, Austria and Switzerland, the options for alpine adventures are endless. Each country brings its own flavor to the ski experience:
France: Home to some of the highest and most extensive ski areas in Europe. Val d'Isère-Tignes offers reliable snow and varied terrain for all abilities. The French approach to après ski tends to be sophisticated yet lively.
Italy: Generally more affordable than its Alpine neighbors with excellent food (mountain rifugios serving authentic Italian cuisine are an experience in themselves). Resorts like Cervinia offer spectacular views of the Matterhorn.
Austria: Famous for its charming villages, efficient lift systems, and legendary après ski scene. Resorts like St. Anton combine challenging skiing with unparalleled nightlife.
Switzerland: Known for polished service, pristine conditions, and picture-postcard villages. Zermatt and Verbier offer some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the world.
Finding Your Perfect Alpine Match
Whatever type of ski holiday you are looking for, I have probably done it! Whether you prioritise:
Maximum slope time with ski-in/ski-out accommodations
Luxury chalets with private chefs and hot tubs
Budget-friendly self-catering apartments
Vibrant après ski and nightlife
Authentic mountain town atmosphere
Family-focused activities beyond skiing
The perfect resort exists for every preference and budget. The key is matching your family's skiing ability, interests, and energy levels with the right destination.
coming full circle
My heart will always belong to Val d'Isère, where I first experienced the thrill of sliding down snowy slopes. There's something special about returning to where your skiing journey began, watching new generations discover the same joy, and rediscovering the resort through their eyes.
Whether you're planning your first family ski trip or your twentieth, the mountains have a way of bringing people together, challenging us, thrilling us, and creating a shared passion that spans generations.