That's La Plagne contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon affiliate program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. I never recommend anything I haven't experienced myself, and the commission helps me keep this site running at full speed! See my Disclosure Policy for extra information.
A single parent's guide to successful Ski trips
10 Tips for Single Parents on Winter Ski Getaways with Kids
I often tackle solo summer escapades with my kids while my husband works. And although I’m not solo travelling on a ski holiday with my 2 boys, I often ski on my own with them, especially as my husband has a bad knee and currently can’t ski!
And I get a lot of questions about how, as a single parent, you can take your kids skiing. So, to put this blog together, I’ve talked with my single friends to find out how they tackle travelling alone with their kids and combined this with my ski holiday expertise (I’ve worked and lived in the ski industry for 2 decades). So, let’s go!
Get all the juiciest inside secrets about La Plagne, direct to your inbox.
La Plagne lift pass sales, accommodation deals & ski school discounts before anyone else knows about them.
1. Is it a good idea for single parents to take their kids skiing?
Absolutely! Let's face it: parenting is hard wherever you are! So, if you want to go skiing and for your kids to experience skiing, do it! Being a young, single parent on the slopes might sound daunting, but it's an exhilarating journey filled with unique joys. From conquering beginner green slopes to sharing hot chocolate in a cosy mountain restaurant, the memories you'll create together are priceless.
2. Choosing the Right Ski Destination for Single Parents
European ski resorts have a fantastic range of options for single parents and child-friendly ski holidays. The European mountains are not just breathtakingly beautiful; they're also family-friendly. Look for resorts with top-notch ski facilities and entertainment options for your little snow angels.
Check out this article about the top European family-friendly ski resorts.
3. Travelling to Ski Holidays: Tips for Smooth Transitions
Travelling with kids can be a puzzle, but fear not! I've got hacks for stress-free journeys. Think about things like packing snacks, electronic games, screens and ski-themed fun, from books, colouring in and games you can play together. There’s a full guide here packed with top tips to entertain kids on long journeys.
But as well as figuring out how to entertain kids on long ski holiday journeys, it’s a great idea to pick a ski resort with easy access from major airports and ideally close to the airport to keep those ski transfer times down.
Finally, when looking at ski holiday providers, see if you can find one with ski transfers included so that you don’t have to figure it out yourself.
4. Rent everything: travel stress-free and arrive in style
One of the things I always recommend to friends and family when they head out skiing is to leave all the clutter at home and rent things if you can in resort. In most European ski resorts, you can rent everything from ski equipment (of course!) to ski clothing and childcare necessities such as buggies, baby carriers, toys, books, baby baths and more.
5. Social Elements for Parents and Kids
Ski holidays aren't just about the slopes – or about only skiing! Ski trips are about community, and you can find Facebook groups and communal spaces long before you head off on your ski holiday. If you head to Facebook and search for single parent + skiing, you can find several ski communities sharing tips and insider knowledge about how to get the most out of solo parent ski trips.
Then, to keep the community spirit going, when you arrive in resort, take advantage of group activities – it could be as simple as signing the kids up for group ski lessons with other similar-aged ski kids. But look to join some groups yourself, whether it’s group ski lessons or a social and guided group. The Ski Club of Great Britain has hosts in many European ski resorts who you can join up with to ski and explore with other skiers.
6. Entertaining Kids on and off the Slopes
As I’ve mentioned, ski schools are an excellent option for the kids to have a great time on the ski slopes. But it’s also a great option for daytime childcare! But if you are looking for childcare or babysitting once you arrive at your ski resort, I’d recommend organising this before you arrive.
Childcare is often in high demand, so book early. If your accommodation doesn’t provide childcare, jump back onto Facebook and search for your ski resort + local/seasonnaire. This will bring up the local communities where you can ask about childcare and babysitting options.
7. Accommodation Considerations Specific to Single Parents
Are you worried about finding single-parent-friendly ski accommodation? Look for family ski holiday providers with family-oriented lodging. You’re looking for things like:
- Family rooms or suites
- Childcare services provided
- Kids menus and meals (if you are in a catered hotel or ski chalet)
- Child-friendly facilities, from high chairs to play areas and sledges
8. Single-Parent Ski Companies: A Closer Look
Some great ski holiday providers specialising in family ski holidays and single-parent ski holidays are:
- Solo Skiers
- UCPA
- SingleSport
- Ski Gathering
- Soho’s Holidays
These companies cater specifically to single parents, offering tailored experiences to make your ski trip a seamless delight.
However, you don’t need specifically solo-parent ski holiday providers. You might find the perfect solution with a family ski holiday provider – it’s becoming increasingly common for these companies to run single-parent ski weeks. You can also simply book rooms in shared ski chalets and join other families on their ski holidays. This can often be a super social option, finding like-minded families with similar-aged children for your kids to spend time with.
9. Budget-Friendly Tips for Single-Parent Ski Holidays
Now, let's talk about everyone's favourite topic – saving those hard-earned pounds while still enjoying a fantastic ski holiday. First up, let's tackle dining. Eating on the mountain doesn't have to be an expensive affair. Consider packing lots of snacks and a thermos with a warm drink for a midday slope-side picnic. It's not just a money-saver; it's a cosy moment to recharge with your kiddos amidst the snowy landscape. If you indulge in a mountain meal, opt for lunch instead of dinner – prices are often more budget-friendly.
Now, about equipment rental – the secret weapon in your budget arsenal. Organise gear in advance instead of renting gear when you arrive at the resort. If you’re booking ski lessons, you might find the ski school has a bundle deal with ski equipment hire included. If not, check out Snowrental online. It’s the largest online ski rental platform and covers most (if not all!) of the European ski resorts.
The golden rule for budget success is to plan as much as possible and book ahead. From accommodation to ski passes, early planning is your money-saving superpower. Resorts often have early booking discounts, so grab those deals and revel in the satisfaction of watching your savings add up.
10. Staying Connected: Balancing Independence and Safety
Now, let's talk about something as vital as the perfect powder – staying connected with your little ones on the slopes. It's not just about safety; it's about finding that balance between letting them spread their wings and ensuring they're always within your reach.
The advice will, of course, vary depending on your children’s ages. But, In this digital age, technology can be your trusty sidekick. Invest in walkie-talkies or communication apps to keep a direct line with your young snow enthusiasts. Not only does this provide a quick and easy way to check in on each other, but it also adds an element of excitement for the kids – they'll feel like mini adventurers with their own secret communication system.
For added peace of mind, consider GPS tracking devices. Attach one to your child's ski gear, and you can locate them on the mountain. I’ve used Apple AirTags with great success. You can keep track of them on the slopes, but I’ve also found it great to see where they skied with their instructors so I can then ski safely with them in the afternoons.
Finally, communication is key, both on and off the slopes. Before hitting the mountain, chat with your young skiers about the plan for the day. Knowing where they're going and what to do in case of separation adds an extra layer of security. It's not about stifling their independence but rather empowering them with knowledge and responsibility.
If you want more help with child ski safety, check out this guide with lots of tips and advice on keeping your kids safe when skiing.
That’s La Plagne & 10 top tips for single-parent ski holidays
So, here's to conquering slopes and creating memories that'll warm your hearts. I have complete confidence in your ability to navigate and enjoy ski holidays with your kiddos. But I'm not the only expert here – share your tips and stories with our community. Let's make this winter the best one yet!
See you on the slopes!
GET YOUR LA PLAGNE RESTAURANT GUIDE HERE
Instead of searching dozens of articles, get your complete Restaurant Guide with:
- Takeaway options
- 70+ restaurants
- Family recommendations
- Resort-by-resort listings
- Local favourites
- Mountain restaurants
Great tips – I bet the kids had an incredible time with you on the slopes and exploring the ski areas. 🙂
It’s funny, the one thing that I think is different here in Canada is the rentals. It’s much easier here to rent for a whole season (rather than on the day you need to borrow gear) as it is soooo much cheaper, and also the lines for rentals are really long each morning. It sounds like that is easier/cheaper in Europe!
I need to see ski life in Canada! My sister spent the winter working in Big White and loved it.
There are season rentals here. But they aren’t advertised as much because it tends to be for those working the season here and so is organised though their workplace. Anyone who lives here ends up with their own ski gear – often too much of it!