Bonjour lecteurs! Planning a family ski holiday for next year? C’est une experience fantastique to enjoy altogether. But if not well préparé, it can be a bit stressful. In my new Frenchie guide, I help you plan the perfect family ski holiday in the French Alps. From preparing tips to what to pack, you’ve got it all covered for you to have the best possible time. C’est parti!
Preparing For the Trip
You want to avoid extra stress at all costs. So you need to be prepared.
First of all, make sure you have all the essential documentation ready. Check your passports are up to date and have at least six months left on them. Trust me, you don’t want to rush to get a last-minute passport…
You should also check your travel insurance to see if you’re covered for ski-related injuries and autres problèmes. If not, you’ll need to purchase some, whether it’s an add-on to your existing insurance or with another company.
I would also book all the ski passes and hire all l’équipement beforehand so that you are all set when you arrive in France.
Often, a package holiday at a reputable resort is the best way to go as they sort out accommodation, flights, and transfers, giving you less to worry about. Val d’Isere ski packages are a popular choice because they take care of every conceivable problem.
What to Pack & What to Rent
If it’s annual tradition, then you can purchase your own gear. It’s a good investment. But if you are just going once skiing, you are better off renting all the equipment.
What you need to rent will depend on your experience as a skier (or snowboarder) and what you already have.
It can actually be more cost-effective to buy equipment at home if you’re an avid skier. For children’s equipment, I would suggest you rent it especially while they’re still growing.
Make sure you pack the right clothes for everyone. Think base layers, hats, gloves, salopettes, and waterproof jackets as un minimum. I would not worry too much about helmets as you can rent there. But it’s totalement up to you.
What to Expect On Site
Different resorts offer different combinations of slopes. If it’s your first-time, try to book a location with easier slopes. I would also opt for a resort with plenty of reputable instructors and ski schools. They will have plenty of tips to teach your kids skiing, so that you can enjoy yourself stress-free on the slopes.
Expect the slopes to be busier during school holidays. Having said that, school holidays are spread out through a system of 3 zones régionales so that it is helps with travel and it reduces cost. So check the terms dates before you book.
Activities Beyond The Slopes
To make the most of your experience, I recommend you enjoy other activities while in France. There is plenty to do for non-skiers.
Personnellement, I would book a ski resort with a spa so that I can also relax. Kids would certainly dog-driven sleigh rides, toboggans, snowshoe hikes or ice skating to consider par exemple.
I think you also need to check out a good fondu and a hot chocolate at the bar while watching others work out on the slopes…
Et voilà! Juts like that, you have it all to plan the perfect family ski holiday in the French Alps.
Are you an avid skier yourself?
