That's La Plagne
The 10 Best European Family Ski Holiday Providers
Nearly 20 years ago, I arrived in the French Alps to do “just one ski season.” Now, I live here year-round with my snow-mad family, and you’ll find us skiing most days this winter! But I’ve also worked in the snow sports industry for nearly 2 decades. And working and living in a French ski resort has made me the go-to for family ski advice! And today, I’m looking at some of the top European family ski holiday providers for you. The ones that are offering either childcare included in their ski packages or amazing facilities and accommodations for ski families and young children.
Join me on this ride as we explore the top family ski holiday providers for an epic winter experience.
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Embarking on your first family ski holiday
If you're planning your first family ski adventure, you're in for a treat! But I'm sure you have millions of questions! Well, this post is focused on the early stages of family ski holiday planning and looking for the best tour operator or ski holiday provider for you.
This is probably one of the biggest and first decisions that you’ll make. But relax! I'm here to guide you through choosing the right family ski holiday provider for an unforgettable winter break.
Picking the right provider
Before we dive into the top 10 family ski holiday providers in Europe, let's set the stage. You can start asking yourself some questions to help narrow down your decision-making process. Start thinking about things like:
- Ski holiday budget
- Location – how to close to airports / which country etc.
- Catered or self-catered? Or perhaps all-inclusive? If you need help deciding then read this popular blog on how to choose the perfect family ski holiday accommodation.
- Ski hotel, ski chalet, or apartment? Does it matter to you and your family?
By asking yourself the above questions, you’ll start to figure out what’s important to you and what just doesn’t matter. You’ll be able to look at ski holiday providers more efficiently to narrow down the list to those that tick all your main family ski tip boxes.
The Top 10 European Family Ski Holiday Providers
Ok, here we go: this is the list of the 10 best and most respected family ski holiday providers across the European ski resorts. I’ve pulled together those that are offering excellent childcare options, either included in your ski holiday packages or as an optional extra. These companies have often built their reparations on providing excellent childcare in ski resorts for many years.
1 UCPA
UCPA (Union des Centres Sportifs de Plein Air) is a non-profit organisation that provides affordable and all-inclusive ski holiday packages. With a focus on sports and outdoor activities, UCPA caters to families by offering various winter sports programs suitable for all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious families seeking an active holiday experience. In recent years, UCPA has opened up its doors from providing holidays to just children to offering family holidays in several of their hotels, and friends that have skied as a family with UCPA found it an excellent budget family ski holiday option.
UCPA focuses on school-aged children. If you have pre-school-aged kids, have a look at some of these other family ski holiday operators.
Ski Famille specialises in creating tailored family ski holidays, providing catered chalet accommodations in top European ski resorts: La Plagne, 3 Valleys, and Portes du Soleil. They have a large hotel opening up in Les Menuires in the 3 Valleys for this winter, which looks fantastic. With a family-friendly approach, Ski Famille offers childcare services, ski lessons for children, and comfortable lodging, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience for families on the slopes. They are also excellently set up for babies and toddlers pre-skiing age.
3 Family Ski
Family Ski is a ski holiday provider dedicated exclusively to the family vacations of the 3 Valleys and Portes du Soleil. Known for its focus on child-friendly resorts and high-quality childcare services, Family Ski offers a range of accommodation options and ski programs designed to meet the unique needs of families, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a family-oriented ski experience.
Mark Warner is a well-established holiday company that includes family ski holidays with childcare for babies to 12-year-olds. Post-Covid, their holiday locations have reduced, now only present with a ski hotel in Tignes. Mark Warner provides comprehensive packages that include childcare services, ski lessons, and comfortable accommodations, making it an appealing choice for families looking for a blend of adventure and relaxation.
5 Neilson
Neilson offers a diverse range of ski holiday options, including family-oriented packages. With a focus on active holidays, Neilson provides ski lessons for all levels, family-friendly accommodations, and various winter activities. Their commitment to creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for families sets them apart as a reliable choice.
Nielsen has family ski holiday packages in France, Italy, and Andorra, with childcare options from 4 months to 12 years.
6 VIP Ski
VIP Ski caters to families seeking luxury ski experiences in top European destinations. Known for its premium chalet accommodations, personalised services, and high-end amenities, VIP Ski offers a combination of comfort and adventure. The company's attention to detail and commitment to quality make it an excellent choice for families seeking a more upscale ski holiday.
The VIP Ski Bear Hotel in Les Arcs has a dedicated childcare service and room, and several of the VIP Ski chalets have nannies and childcare in Val d’Isere, Les Gets, Morzine and Avoriaz.
Crystal Ski is a well-known ski holiday provider, often providing some of the most reasonably priced family ski holidays. Offering diverse resorts and accommodations, Crystal Ski provides family-friendly packages that include ski lessons, childcare services, and a variety of entertainment options. With a broad range of options for families, you do need to confirm with each accommodation that childcare is available because it is not in all of their hotels.
The Crystal Ski reputation for reliability and comprehensive services makes them popular among families.
8 Club Med
Often overlooked by the UK ski market, Club Med is a global holiday brand offering all-inclusive ski vacations. With a focus on creating hassle-free experiences, Club Med provides family-friendly ski resorts, childcare services, and a range of activities for all ages. The all-inclusive nature of their packages simplifies the planning process for families seeking a stress-free holiday. Club Med is a great option for those looking for a more luxurious stay, or a hassle-free booking process!
Scott Dunn is a luxury travel company that extends its services to family ski vacations. Known for its high-end chalets, personalised services, and exceptional experiences, Scott Dunn caters to families seeking a combination of luxury and adventure on the slopes. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence make them a top choice for families looking for a more indulgent ski holiday.
The Scott Dunn ski holidays offer childcare from the age of 4 months to 12 years.
10 Belambra
Belambra is a holiday company that offers a variety of family-friendly ski holiday options, usually ski hotels. Often overlooked by the UK ski market as it’s a European company, but they do have children's clubs in many of their family ski hotels. With a focus on comfortable accommodations, in excellent locations and family-oriented services, Belambra provides ski packages that cater to different skill levels.
6. Pack Smart
It’s easy to say, but you need to both a) pack efficiently, and b) don't forget the essentials! One of the biggest tips I give to my friends and family is to look at what you are planning on packing and then put ½ of it back! Trust me, you will spend 80% of your time in either your ski gear or thermals and base layers – so treat yourself to some awesome layers, like the rainbow ones from OOSC!
Then, the essentials: this includes passports, travel insurance, and any necessary documents. Throw in some snacks for the journey and entertainment for the little ones. It's also a good idea to pack a small first aid kit for those minor bumps and bruises that come with learning to ski.
And to really help you out with this, check out my ski packing checklist, it has EVERYTHING you need to remember to pack, plus how many of each item you need for a week's ski trip. YOU’RE WELCOME!
That’s La Plagne & the top European family ski holiday providers
As we wrap up, I hope this guide inspires you to embark on the ultimate family ski holiday. With the right provider and a sprinkle of winter magic, you will create memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to hit the slopes and make this winter the most memorable one yet!
See you on the slopes!
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