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10 tips for family-friendly dining in ski resorts
As a mum living in the heart of a French ski resort with two little ones in tow, I get it – the excitement balanced with the anxiety of planning a family ski holiday. One of the biggest causes of stress can be navigating restaurants in ski resorts with young kids. From finding kid-friendly restaurants to pocket-friendly pricing and menus, the kids will actually enjoy.
Well, fear not! I've got your back. Join me as I share my top 10 tips for turning your family dining experience into a stress-free and memorable adventure.
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How to find kid-friendly restaurants in ski resorts
Tip 1: Choosing the right ski resort
Choosing the right ski resort is the foundation for a successful family ski holiday, and part of that success hinges on finding kid-friendly restaurants that enhance your overall experience.
Start your journey by researching ski resorts known for being family-centric. Look for destinations that actively promote themselves as family-friendly, as they are likely to offer a range of amenities catering to children of all ages.
One key indicator of a family-friendly ski resort is the availability of childcare services. Check if the resort provides professionally supervised play areas, kids' clubs, or even babysitting services. This allows parents the flexibility to enjoy a quiet meal together while knowing their children are well taken care of.
If you need more help with this, check out Top European family-friendly ski resorts.
Tip 2: Research Family-Friendly Restaurants
Explore local eateries that welcome families. Look for menus with kid-friendly options and a relaxed atmosphere that allows you to enjoy your meal without worrying about disturbing others. The best place to find recommendations like this is in local Facebook groups. Just search your ski resort name plus the year, e.g., “La Plagne + 2024,” and filter the results for groups. These groups are run by people (like me!) who are happy to share their experiences and knowledge to help you have a great time.
Tip 3: Booking in Advance
When you’ve found your kids-friendly restaurant, secure your spot and book in advance. In ski resorts, lunchtimes get incredibly busy. Reserving your space not only guarantees a table but also gives you the chance to communicate any special requests for your little ones. For example, request any high chairs, booster seats, etc., ahead of time and have them set up at the table for your arrival.
Tip 4: Timing is Everything
Plan your meals strategically. Avoid the rush and opt for earlier or later dining times to ensure a more relaxed environment for you and your children. In ski resorts, the peak lunch times are 1230 – 2 pm, basically the break between morning and afternoon ski school groups. If you can stop outside of these times, I’d recommend it. Restaurants will be much quieter, and the staff will be much more available to help you out.
It’s also a great idea to ski through this lunchtime. The ski slopes between 12 – 3 pm are the quietest hours on the mountain, and if you can ski through them, you’ll avoid the long lift lines and the crowds. I’ve often had a lazy, long breakfast with the kids and then headed out skiing at 11 am-ish and then skied through lunchtime and stopped for a late lunch around 3 pm, which then blends perfectly into après ski!
Tip 5: Pack the Entertainment
It’s a great idea to bring along small toys, colouring books, or electronic devices to keep your kids entertained while waiting for meals. A happy child makes for a happy dining experience! If you’re keen to avoid being reliant on screens, then we’ve found that having a Where’s Wally style book and then a pack of cards for a game like Uno or Dobble is great. Both things pack up small in your ski backpack and aren’t going to weigh you down. Some of our go-to travel games are here.
Tip 6: Be Flexible with the Menu
Not all kids have the same taste buds. Choose restaurants with flexible menus or those willing to accommodate special requests for picky eaters. Most ski resort restaurants now have kids' menus, but they are typically nuggets & chips or bolognese, plus a drink and ice cream for about 15€! If this seems unappealing to you – or crazy expensive! – then, my top tip would be to split a pizza with your kids. Pizzas in European ski resorts are massive, and I can happily split a pizza with my 2 ski boys, who are 5 and 7.
Tip 7: Choose Indoor Seating
It’s often tempting to opt for outdoor seating. However, unless it's Easter or spring skiing, I’d recommend heading indoors. It seems hot when you first stop, but it’s because you’ve been skiing! It’s actually pretty cold. Plus, eating outside means your food gets cold fast, and if your kids eat slowly like mine, their food will be freezing quickly.
So head indoors whilst the crowds are outside. You’ll find a more peaceful, less stressful experience indoors.
Tip 8: Connect with Other Skiing Families
Skiing is not just a sport; it's a community, and tapping into the experiences and wisdom of other skiing families can greatly enhance your family-friendly dining adventures in ski resorts.
The digital age has made it easier than ever to connect with like-minded families planning or returning from ski vacations. Join online skiing communities, forums, and social media groups where parents share their experiences, recommendations, and insider tips. These platforms are treasure troves of valuable information, offering real-time insights into the current dining scene at various ski resorts.
Once you've joined these communities, don't hesitate to ask for personal recommendations. Seek advice on the best family-friendly restaurants, the ones that offer unique experiences or hidden gems off the beaten path. Skiing parents love to share their successes, and you might uncover some delightful dining spots that aren't prominently featured in travel guides.
When you learn through experience, you can give back to the community by sharing your own dining experiences. If you stumble upon a fantastic family-friendly restaurant or have a tip for making dining with kids more enjoyable, don't keep it to yourself. Your insights may become the hidden gem someone else is looking for.
Tip 9: Teach Restaurant Etiquette
Dining out in ski resorts with your kids is not just about finding the right restaurant; it's also an opportunity to instil valuable life skills. And I hate to tell you, but it takes time and some practice – and a lot of repetition! Before you even set foot in a restaurant, lay the foundation for good behaviour at home. Teach your kids the importance of polite language, sitting still during meals, and using utensils properly. Reinforce these habits during family meals at home, creating a sense of routine and familiarity with dining etiquette.
If your kids are like mine, one of the most challenging things when you get to a restaurant is waiting for the food to arrive. This is when you can pull out those small distractions or toys. One of the things we will always do is order before taking them to the toilets to freshen up. And if they “don’t need to go,” we just tell them it's the restaurant policy that they have to go before eating.
Tip 10: Celebrate Small Victories
Dining out with young kids in a ski resort is an adventure filled with unpredictable moments and the potential for delightful surprises. As you navigate the challenges and triumphs of family-friendly dining, it's crucial to recognise and celebrate the small victories along the way. Think about it, and aim to:
- Acknowledge the Effort
- Focus on the Positive Moments
- Create a Positive Dining Atmosphere
- Capture the Memories
- Encourage Conversation
- Reward Efforts with Treats
That’s La Plagne & kid-friendly dining in ski resorts
With these 10 tips in your arsenal, you're well-equipped to navigate the world of family-friendly dining in ski resorts. Embrace the adventure, savour the meals, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
See you on the slopes and bon appétit!
