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How to entertain your ski kids on long journeys
Long car or plane journeys with kids can feel like a marathon — constant cries of “Are we there yet?” and endless attempts to keep boredom at bay. I’ve been there, and as a mum living in La Plagne, I get how tough it can be to keep the little ones happy and entertained on the way to your dream family ski holiday.
I’m Jen, a seasoned skier and mum, raising my kids right here in the heart of the French Alps. I’ve navigated plenty of family ski trips and learnt first-hand what works (and what doesn’t!) to make long journeys smoother. Trust me, I know the relief of reaching your snowy destination with kids who’ve had a good time along the way — because everyone deserves to start their holiday feeling relaxed and ready for the slopes.
In this post, I’ll be sharing my tried-and-tested tips to keep your kids entertained during those long travel days, so you can focus on enjoying every part of your trip. From road trips to flights, I’ve got you covered with practical ideas that will keep boredom at bay, leaving you stress-free and your kids smiling.
Ready to make your journey just as enjoyable as your time on the mountain? Let’s jump in and turn those long travel hours into part of the adventure!
Should you hire a car or book an airport transfer?
Hiring a car isn't always the best option for a ski holiday. In this video, I compare driving yourself with private and shared airport transfers, helping you decide which will make your journey easier.
The best kids’ travel snacks
The journey is the perfect time for a snack feast! Load up on a variety of treats to keep everyone happy. What works for us to get the kids to buy in on the travel snacks is to ask them what they want or take them shopping with me. If they can pick and pack their own snack boxes, I find they are more likely to enjoy them.
For travel snack success, choose self-contained snacks that are not liquid or going to melt— basically, things that aren’t going to make a terrible mess!
- Fruit Slices: Pack pre-cut fruit slices like apples, pears, or watermelon. They're healthy, hydrating, and easy to eat in the car. We usually opt for berries or grapes, so there is less prep for me! Just be sure to bring some wet wipes for sticky fingers!
- Mini Sandwiches: Prepare small, kid-friendly sandwiches with fillings your child enjoys, such as peanut butter, ham and cheese, or cream cheese. Our kids' favourite sandwich fillings are tuna mayo and egg mayonnaise! So we don't actually bring these because they would stink out the plane!
- String Cheese: String cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. Kids love peeling it apart, making it an entertaining and nutritious snack. It's also relatively mess-free.
- Trail Mix: Create a custom trail mix with dried fruits, nuts, and a few chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness. Avoid nuts if you have allergies, and keep the portion size small to prevent overeating.
- Yogurt or Compote Pouches: Yogurt or compote pouches are convenient and mess-free. In France, fruit compote pouches are super popular and are relatively mess-free. Choose low-sugar, high-protein options for a healthy and filling snack. They come in various flavours, making it easy to find one your child enjoys.
We always bring a small cold bag to keep things fresh and don't forget to pack a refillable water bottle to keep your child hydrated during the journey.
I also love these squeezy-bottle-baby-feeders for easier and mess-free feeding of little babies who are still on purees.
How to entertain kids of all ages on long journeys
Infants and Toddlers
Travelling with toddlers can be an adventure in itself, and when you're headed for a snowy family holiday, the journey can seem longer than ever. Toddlers are known for their boundless energy and curiosity, which means you need a few tricks up your sleeve to keep them entertained and content during those long car or plane rides.
Toddlers are the masters of unpredictability. They might be perfectly content one moment and then decide it's time for a meltdown the next. The challenge lies in maintaining their comfort and happiness throughout the journey.
Tips to Keep Toddlers Happy
The first thing I'll say is think about whether you are goign to bring your buggy. For me, I find it's easier to move through busy airports with a baby or toddler in a baby carrier. But I still bring a lightweight baby buggy to load up with baby paraphanalia through the airport – especially as they are allowed as free extra luggage on most airlines for babies.
Having a buggy is also super helpful once on holiday for sleeping children, but makign sure your buggy is set up for snow is a good idea. Check out this guide on baby buggies in ski resorts. And remember, you can always rent kids equipment when you arrivie into resort rather than lugging everytihng with you. Check out AlleyOops La Plagne for this in La Plagne.
Now, let's move on to my top tips for travelling with babies and toddlers!
- Pack Their Favorites: Be sure to bring along their beloved toys, blankets, or stuffed animals. Familiar items can provide a sense of security and keep them content during the journey.
- The Novelty of New: Alongside their favourite toys, you can't also beat the excitement of ‘new stuff'. But this doesn't have to be store-bought new – it could be secondhand, passed on from friends, etc. It simply has to be new to your children.
- Snack Attack: Pack an assortment of their favourite snacks. The above is a list of our favourites. Also pack their favourites for the holiday, whilst you can get some bits in the local supermarkets, if you have any dietary requirements you might not be able to get speciality items in resort.
- Engaging Activities: Keep them occupied with engaging activities like picture books, colouring books, or small puzzles. These not only entertain but also stimulate their minds.
- Regular Play Breaks: Toddlers need a chance to stretch their legs and release some energy. Plan regular stops for playtime, even if it's just a short romp around a rest area. It'll help them (and you!) stay sane.
I also want to point you to this post about ski holidays with babies. It's great for answering any lingering questions you might have about taking babies up a mountain and skiing at altitude with small children and babies.
Skiing-themed toddler entertainment
While toddlers might be a bit too young to hit the slopes themselves, you can start building their enthusiasm for skiing right from the journey. Share stories about the upcoming ski adventure, show them snow pictures, and use simple language to explain the excitement that awaits. You could even incorporate skiing-themed colouring books or storybooks to get them in the wintry spirit. The more they associate the journey with the upcoming ski holiday, the smoother and more enjoyable the ride will be.
These are some of our favourite kid's books for ski trips because they are snow and ski-themed.
With these tricks up your sleeve, you're well on your way to ensuring that your toddler is not only content during the journey but is also ready to embrace the snowy escapades that lie ahead.
Keeping school-aged kids happy
School-age kids bring a whole new level of enthusiasm and curiosity to the family ski holiday. They're at an age where the magic of snow and skiing can truly come to life, and keeping them entertained during the journey is all part of the snowy adventure.
Interests of School-Age Kids During a Ski Holiday
School-age kids are often fascinated by the idea of skiing. They might be excited to hit the slopes, make snow angels, and experience the thrill of winter sports. Their curiosity can be your best ally in keeping them engaged during the journey.
1 Electronic Devices with Time Limits
Electronic devices can be a saviour, offering entertainment in the form of games, movies, or music. However, set clear time limits to ensure a healthy balance between screen time and real-world interaction. The journey is an excellent opportunity to engage with your kids and strengthen the family bond.
We are fans of:
- Pinna for podcasts and audiobooks
- Audible for E-books
- Amazon Kids+ for books, games and video
- Kindle Unlimited for reading books and magazines
We do also make sure we have several favourite shows downloaded on Netflix, Prime and Disney+. We try to limit screentime – but we are also realistic about how valuable they are on long journeys!
2 Engaging Conversations
Encourage engaging conversations about the upcoming ski adventure. Ask your school-age kids about their expectations, favourite ski activities, and what they're looking forward to the most. Their excitement will be infectious, and it's a great way to pass the time during the journey.
3 Travel-Friendly Games
Pack travel-friendly board games or card games for some old-fashioned family fun. Classics like Uno, Travel Scrabble, Pass the Pigs, or card games like Go Fish can pass hours of fun, and they take up very little space in your precious ski bags. Some non-classic games that have gone down well with our family are SkyJo, SkipBo and any trading card game!
I've saved all our family's favourite travel games here for you to check out.
4 The Journey as Part of the Adventure
Turn the journey itself into an adventure. Play “I Spy” games related to winter and snow. Ask your kids to spot snow-covered landscapes, pine trees, or even fellow travellers wearing ski gear. Make it a game by giving points for each find.
Skiing-Oriented Suggestions
Build anticipation for the ski holiday by discussing skiing-related topics. Talk about ski lessons they might be taking or the various slopes they'll conquer. Encourage them to look out for snowflakes on the journey and explain how each snowflake is unique, just like their upcoming adventure.
With these strategies in your arsenal, you'll not only keep school-age kids entertained on your journey but also heighten their excitement for the ski holiday that awaits.
How to engage teenagers on long ski journeys
Entertaining teenagers during family travel can be a challenge of its own. They are at an age where their interests and desire for independence begin to shine, but with the right approach, you can ensure they have a blast on your family ski holiday.
1 Addressing the Unique Challenges
Teenagers bring a ‘unique’ set of challenges when it comes to family travel. They often desire more independence and personal space. Finding the right balance between giving them room to explore and creating family bonding moments is key.
2 Independence and Family Time
Acknowledge their need for independence but also highlight the importance of family time. Plan activities where they can participate in decision-making, whether it's choosing snacks, lunch stops or playlists. If you have a teen that needs independence, a ski journal might also be a great idea for them on the run up to the trip and then to use over your ski holiday.
3 Personal Entertainment
Teenagers often have their own tastes in entertainment. Suggest movie downloads or creating music playlists for personal entertainment during the journey. Let them curate their travel experience, from the soundtrack to their in-flight or in-car movie selections.
4 Involvement in Itinerary Planning
Get your teenagers involved in planning the itinerary. Ask for their input on the skiing activities they enjoy the most. Whether it's snowboarding, freestyle skiing, or exploring the resort, involving them in the planning process ensures they have a say in the upcoming family ski adventure.
5 Benefits of Skiing for Teenagers
Highlight the numerous benefits of skiing for teenagers. Beyond the physical benefits of improved strength and coordination, skiing offers a chance for them to socialise with other teens at the resort. They can make new friends, share experiences, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
By respecting their independence, allowing personal entertainment choices, and involving them in the planning process, you can ensure that teenagers not only have a great time on the journey but also fully embrace the exciting experiences that a family ski holiday can offer.
How to bring skiing into the journey
The journey to your family ski holiday isn't just about reaching your destination; it's a chance to build excitement and anticipation for the snowy adventures that await. Here are some creative ways to incorporate skiing into your travel experience, making the journey part of the adventure.
Ski-themed travel games for kids
Ski-Themed Games: Make the car ride fun by sharing skiing-themed games. You can create skiing quizzes, where family members take turns asking questions about ski facts and the resort you're headed to. For instance, “What's the maximum speed you can reach while skiing?” or “How many slopes does the resort have?” Check out The Piste X Code for a free quiz about ski safety that kids of all ages will enjoy.
Word Games: Engage in word games related to skiing. Try “ski resort word associations” where one person says a word related to skiing or winter, and the next person has to come up with a word associated with it, like “ski boots” leading to “warmth.” This post about ski holiday slang might also be good fun to use in your travel games.
Trivia Challenges: Challenge your kids (and yourself) with skiing trivia. Ask questions about famous ski athletes, the history of skiing, or the origins of specific skiing techniques. There's also a post here with some key ski phrases in English and French. A great way to learn another language in a fun way.
Ski Skill Practice: Highlight the excitement of practising skiing skills even before hitting the slopes. Share skiing techniques or exercises that can be done right in the car, like pretending to do ski jumps or discussing the fundamentals of carving.
JENS TOP TIP: To keep this simple, you can grab a ski themed activity book that will have a selection of different activities and challenged for your child to enjoy.
Kid-friendly skiing videos
Skiing Tutorials: I recommend watching kid-friendly skiing tutorials or resort videos during the journey. This not only provides entertainment but also familiarises your children with the ski environment, helping to alleviate any first-time skiing anxiety.
What to Expect: Explain to your kids that watching these videos can give them insights into what to expect on the slopes. Share information about ski lifts, different types of skiing trails, and the overall skiing experience. Knowing what lies ahead can help build excitement and confidence.
Incorporating skiing into the journey is a fantastic way to ignite your family's enthusiasm for the snowy adventure. Whether it's through games or informative videos, you can make every moment of your travel count towards the excitement of your upcoming family ski holiday.
That's La Plagne and the Best Kid's Ski-Themed Entertainment
Phew! If you've made it this far, then you're well on your way to getting organised. Remember,
- Pack Smart: Ensure you have all the essentials, from their favourite toys to yummy ski snacks.
- Planning ahead: once you’re in the car, it’s too late! So, take some time before the journey to figure out what will work for your family.
- Engaging Activities: Tailor your entertainment to your children's age, and use the journey itself to build excitement for the snowy wonderland that awaits.
If you want some help getting more organised, then check out my ski holiday planner, which is packed with top tips for getting your family organised. It's got everything from packing checklists to 80+ questions for your ski insurance company, ski school, accommodation providers, restaurants and more.
So, as we say farewell, I encourage you to put these tips into action and make your family ski adventure an unforgettable experience. Embrace the thrill, enjoy the bonding moments, and, most importantly, have fun. “Family travel” is about making memories, and this winter vacation will be a treasure trove of them.
See you on the slopes!
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