Why Parents Needn’t Worry About Hitting the Slopes With Kids

For many families, the idea of a ski holiday conjures dreams of snowy mountain adventures, cocoa-fuelled smiles, and worn-out but giddy kids collapsing into chalet beds. But for a surprising number of parents, those dreams stay parked on the runway – grounded by worries that are, in truth, easily resolved.

What’s Holding Parents Back From a Family Ski Trip?

According to new YouGov research commissioned by VIP SKI, a whopping 80% of UK parents have concerns about taking their children skiing. And topping the list? Whether the resort is truly child-friendly.

Here’s what parents are most worried about:

• Child-friendliness of the ski area – 34%

• Unexpected costs for ski schools, lift passes, kit and insurance – 31%

• Safety on the slopes, including magic carpets and fencing – 30%

• Suitability of ski lessons for their child’s age and level – 27%

• What to do if skiing doesn’t stick – 26% worry about non-ski entertainment

• The stress of packing ski gear – 25% (snowsuits, sledges and the rest)

• Language barriers with instructors – 21%

• Whether the chalet or hotel is genuinely family-friendly – 21%

• Transporting ski equipment on top of everything else – 21%

• Balancing adult skiing time with family time – 14%

The Good News? Most Concerns Are a Breeze to Solve

“It’s disappointing how many families are put off by these common concerns,” says Andy Sturt, Managing Director of VIP SKI. “The truth is, with a little planning, almost all of these issues are easily managed.”

And he’s absolutely right. Take cost, for example – many packages now bundle lift passes, rental, and even childcare into the price. Book early, and you can bag discounts on everything from ski lessons to helmets. Resorts like La Plagne and La Rosière are particularly strong on value for families, with top-notch ski schools, beginner-friendly terrain, and accommodation right on the slopes.

The Resort Really Does Make All the Difference

Child-friendly resorts like La Plagne come equipped with gentle blue runs, dedicated beginner zones, magic carpets (those conveyor-belt-like lifts for tiny legs), and ski-in, ski-out convenience to cut down on faff. Plus, many chalets and hotels are designed with families in mind – think kid-friendly meals, spacious bedrooms, and secure outdoor spaces for sledging or snowball fights.

Ski schools such as Oxygène, New Generation, and the local ESF offer English-speaking instructors, small group sizes, and lesson plans tailored to age and ability. For toddlers, some providers start lessons from age three, with crèches and snow gardens available for even younger children.

Worried About Kids Not Liking Skiing? Don’t Be.

One in four parents worry their children might not enjoy skiing. But here’s the thing – most do! And if they don’t, resorts like La Plagne and Sainte Foy offer non-ski activities galore: tubing, tobogganing, swimming pools, indoor climbing, and even dog sledding. You can still have a magical family week in the mountains, skis or no skis.

Pack Smart, Not Stressfully

The packing list for a ski holiday can look intimidating, but it’s not as scary as it seems. We’ve even made a handy Beginner Skier’s Shopping List to walk you through it. And guess what? You don’t have to buy it all. Renting is easy, affordable, and cuts down the bulk – especially for fast-growing kids.

VIP SKI’s Family-Friendly Offering

VIP SKI’s packages are designed to calm those parental nerves, offering flexible childcare, age-appropriate lessons, and accommodation set up for family life – covering children as young as 12 weeks right through to confident pre-teens. And crucially, they help organise everything in advance, from transfers to ski hire to lesson bookings.

So instead of dreading your first family ski holiday, imagine this: the kids learning to ski while you enjoy a few hours on the mountain, followed by hot chocolate and snowball fights. Not a bad way to make memories.

Ready to swap your ski fears for family cheers? With the right resort and a bit of prep, your first family ski trip could be the start of a snowy love affair.