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Mixed Ability Ski Group Holidays: 10 Things to Think About

As someone who calls the French Alps home, navigating the world of family ski adventures has become my expertise. I’m often heading out on the mountain with a crew of skiers and snowboarders with different experience levels and ages, from my kids when they were 3 to grandparents skiing for the first time.

If you're gearing up for a mixed-ability ski trip with your squad, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the essential tips to ensure everyone in your group, from beginners to seasoned shredders, has an epic winter ski trip.

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1. Accommodation Considerations: Slope-Side Bliss

Finding the right ski resort accommodation is key. Look for spots near the slopes, ensuring convenience for all skill levels. Opt for family-friendly apartments or ski chalets with easy access to rentals and ski schools.

JEN'S TOP TIP: It’s not just about being on the ski slopes, but look at how close you are to the ski lifts, specifically the beginner ski lifts or kids ski school area. Walking in ski boots is not fun, especially for beginners and little kids.

2. Ski Lessons: To Book or Not to Book?

Should your crew enroll in ski lessons? Yes! Simple, next question… Ok, but to expand on this point, the key is to evaluate everyone's skill level. If you have beginner skiers in your group, absolutely book them into ski lessons and don’t let someone in the group teach them – that way, arguments and frayed tempers lie! Let the beginner skiers head to their lessons in the morning, meet up for lunch, enjoy skiing together in the afternoons, and practice what was learnt in the ski lessons. Basically, focus on having fun together!

If you have a large group of kids, 3 or 4 families will often be travelling and taking family ski holidays together. But this can often mean a real mix of ages: I’ve had clients with 12 children ranging in age from 3 up to 17. The question is always, should I book a private instructor for all the kids to ski together? My response is always the same – no!

I have yet to meet teenagers who will enjoy learning at the same pace and in the same style as 5, 6, and 7-year-olds. I always recommend booking the kids into group ski lessons where they will be paired up with children of the same age and similar abilities. This way, all the kids will have a great time and learn at their own pace. Then again, you can all come back together for lunch, share stories and head out to ski together in the afternoons.

Read this for my top tips on picking the best ski school for your family.

3. Non-Skiing Activities: Elevate the Off-Piste Experience

It's not all about the slopes! It’s a great idea to plan non-skiing activities for a well-rounded holiday. From spa days to scenic walks, there's something for everyone. Keep both adrenaline junkies and relaxation enthusiasts happy.

4. Food & Restaurants: A Culinary Expedition

Fuel your ski squad with the best bites. Seek family-friendly restaurants with diverse menus to accommodate various tastes. Whether you're craving alpine classics or international flavours, plan your culinary adventure in advance.

Also, think about accessible restaurants for all the abilities in your group. If the restaurant of choice is at the peak of a red run, it might not be suitable for non-skiers or beginners. However, if you can get there on a pedestrian lift and then head back into town on the pedestrian lift, then that’s perfect for little skiers.

5. Safety On/Off the Mountain: Gear Up for Peace of Mind

Safety first, my snow-loving friends! Check everyone's gear, invest in quality helmets, and educate the team on mountain safety. Ensuring everyone feels secure on and off the slopes is paramount for mixed-ability groups. Making those beginner or first-time skiers feel comfortable and in control will make all the difference to their first ski experience.

If you’re nervous about ski safety, check out my popular blog about how to keep kids safe on the mountain.

6. Pack Smart: The Essentials for Every Skier

Don't let anyone be caught off guard. Create a comprehensive packing list that covers everything from ski gear to cosy après-ski attire. Remember, layers are your best friend for unpredictable mountain weather.

If you need packing help, check out my comprehensive ski holiday packing guide. Everything you need for all ages and abilities.

7. Group Dynamics: Setting Expectations

Staying in touch on the ski slopes can be challenging, but remember that open communication is key for a successful mixed-ability ski adventure. Discuss expectations, create a loose itinerary, and ensure everyone feels heard. This way, each member of your ski squad can enjoy the trip at their own pace.

This can be as simple as having a meeting point for lunch each day or taking turns to pick up the kids from the ski school meeting points. Whatever works for your group. For me and my family, when I take the kids skiing, having a goal for the ski session makes everything go much more smoothly, e.g., the kids know we have a hot chocolate stop or even a treasure hunt with something like Ski Quest.

8. Plan for Downtime: Embrace Rest Days

Even ski enthusiasts need a break! Factor in rest time to avoid burnout. Whether it's a cosy afternoon by the fireplace or exploring the local town, balance high-energy days with moments of relaxation.

9. Capture the Memories: Document the Journey

Make memories that last a lifetime by documenting your ski holiday. Encourage everyone to capture the moments – both epic wipeouts and triumphant victories. It's not just about the destination but the journey together. And remember, because you’re all skiing at different levels, you’ll see and experience different things each day. You can try a couple of things:

Create a shared album on your iPhones that everyone can add photos to throughout the ski holiday
Set up a ski holiday WhatsApp group to share moments
Daily challenges to get the best photos, e.g., a photo with your instructor/a snowman, etc.
Create a unique ski holiday hashtag so that all the social media posts get pulled together in 1 place.

10. Reflect and Reconnect: Post-Trip Bonding

The best part of every party is the next morning, discussing all the highlights – and laughing over the lowlights! As your ski adventure ends, take time to reflect on the highs and lows. Share stories and laughs, and then get planning your next winter ski trip! After all, it's not just a ski holiday; it's a shared experience that strengthens the bonds of your mixed-ability ski group.

That’s La Plagne and 10 things to think about with mixed-ability ski groups

There you have it – 10 tips to make your mixed-ability ski group holiday one for the books. From accommodations to safety, embrace the diverse skill levels within your squad. So, gear up, hit the pistes, and let the snowy adventure begin!

See you on the slopes!