How To Plan A Family Ski Vacation

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

A ski vacation is a great way to stay active with the whole family. But, if you are planning a full family ski vacation, there are a few things you should know that can help you pick the right resort, save money, and make sure everyone has a great time. Keep reading for informative tips on how to plan a memorable and enjoyable ski vacation for both you and the kids.

1. Look For Ski and Stay Packages: A number of family-focused resorts will offer Ski and Stay packages that include free lift tickets for the kids. Many of the ski resorts that market towards families and children will also offer designated beginners' and children's areas - giving you peace of mind about safety and the availability of skill-appropriate hills.

2. Get Out of the Hotel Room: Renting a local condo or chalet lets your family spread out and gives you access to a DIY kitchen - which can save you hundreds on meals. Instead of paying for hotel breakfasts or expensive village meals, you can prepare your own and save your money for an extra day of skiing. You can save even more by opting to share with another family.

3. Consider Renting Equipment For The Kids: Children grow out of their ski and snowboard gear so fast that it may be more worthwhile to rent their equipment. If you are planning on renting, try to pick up your equipment the night before. Ski rental areas can be very busy in the morning and considering the amount of time it can take to fit kids, you'll be glad you did. If you'd rather purchase, look into second-hand equipment through local families or a second-hand sports' equipment store. Also, always make sure that your children are equipped with well-fitting helmets and that includes teen snowboarders!

4. Opt For Lessons: If your little ones (or you) are new to skiing, opt for some valuable lessons. Not only will the kids learn solid skiing technique, but enrolling them in ski school will also give you some free time to hit some more challenging slopes. For more money savings, many ski resorts offer price breaks on lift tickets when skiers enroll in lessons.

5. Go Off-Peak: Off-Peak times at ski hills include weekdays, evenings, early season and late season. Hitting the slopes during these slow periods can not only significantly reduce the cost of your lift tickets, but also insure that you and your little ones will get the luxury of a quiet hill, which can be a blessing for beginners.

The great thing about ski (and snowboarding) vacations is that it's a family activity that's enjoyable for all ages - from tots to teens to parents and accessible, with lessons, to all skill levels. To save money and have fun this year, remember to book during off-peak times, opt for lessons, try renting, and go on the hunt for family ski and stay packages. Ski vacations are a great way for you and your family to have a great time together.