How to book the right family ski holiday
Booking a family ski holiday has never been so easy but at the same time so complicated. So, we're being a bit Macron with this "at the same time" but it's still pretty true. We'll start by explaining why it's easy to go skiing as a family and at the end we'll take a very brief look at the complicated side of snow holidays... but I can't resist giving you a hint... global warming.
Which Massif for your family ski holiday?
With Familytrip you have a huge catalogue of hand-picked ski destinations, perfectly suited to a family ski break. Whatever your preferences, you'll find the destination that's just right for you and your children. We've scoured the length and breadth of France to help you book the ski holiday of your dreams in the massif of your choice: Savoie, Pyrenees, Jura, Vosges, Massif Central.
The choice of a massif is not trivial. So yes snow is snow and unless you're a professional skier you won't know the difference between powder in the Pyrenees and powder in the Alps. But that's not the point.
Firstly, depending on the massif you choose, the probability of snow cover is not the same. The probability of snow decreases as follows: Alps, Pyrenees, Jura, Massif Central and finally Vosges. This is only a probability, but it is a reality.
Secondly, the clientele is not exactly the same depending on the massif chosen. Skiers in the Alps are more interested in performance and snow at any price. Families who go to the other massifs are more looking for relaxation and nature at the risk of not skiing if there is a lack of snow, "drink or drive you have to choose".
Thirdly, prices... Here too, France's massifs are not all in the same boat. In the Alps everything is more expensive, it's higher, there are more customers so there's more demand... it's mathematical... it's the economy. In the other massifs the prices are lower: lift passes, ski equipment, food, ski lessons, baby care, activities, clubs...
And finally, transport... not all the massifs are equally well served. The Alps are at the top with stations and shuttles everywhere. The Massif Central, Vosges and Jura lag a little behind in terms of accessibility.
What type of accommodation for your family ski holiday?
Here again you have a considerable choice. We're going to say that all types of ski accommodation are feasible except camping... in the mountains, in winter, it gets a bit chilly. Whether you're looking for accommodation in a residence, hotel, hotel club or holiday club, you'll find what you're looking for at Familytrip.
If we can give you one piece of advice when choosing accommodation it's to calculate all the "extras" carefully. Indeed, all-inclusive club hotel stays can sometimes command frightening prices. But you need to think when you select a flat about everything you're going to have to add on afterwards: packages, equipment, races, childcare, club...
What services should you think about for a snow holiday?
Skiing as a family isn't as simple as going away in the summer. Nor is it sending a man to the moon! But at Familytrip we often have families going on their first snow holiday and there are lots of questions.
Without going into detail here, you need to think about the classic when booking. The altitude of the resort to make sure there's snow, choose accommodation not too far from the slopes because with children it's harder to get around with all the ski equipment. It's important to think about ski equipment when you book your accommodation, as prices in the resorts are very high. Finally, it may be worth buying ski passes in advance. There are two reasons for this: the price may be lower and you'll avoid long queues at the foot of the slopes! It's the holidays after all!
Then you can think about little extras: a good spa, a swimming pool for the kids... if it's in the residence it's better but be aware that many resorts offer activities of this type because they're also open in the summer.
Why has it become complicated to book a family ski holiday?
So far everything seems simple to ensure a great family ski holiday. You just need to be well organised and think carefully about all the necessary expenses. That's not where the complexity lies... the complexity lies in finding the snow. Trends in this area are not very good. So you need to aim for resorts with high altitudes and rather large resorts... in fact, it's in these resorts that the resources are greatest for making artificial snow in the event of a problem.
Another strategy might be to book at the last minute, but availability is very limited at the last minute in the mountains. It's up to you, you've got the keys to a successful family ski holiday!