Besides the sheer wholesomeness of being outdoors, exercising, and not sitting in front of computer or tv screens, family ski holidays have some special benefits.
1. Family Skiing: fun for all-- including teens and tweens
As kids get older, parents often find it harder to pull the family together for fun that all ages enjoy. Skiing/snowboarding is exciting for everyone.
2. Programs for wee ones
Meanwhile, for the younger set, virtually every ski resort has programs for ages three and up, usually with a mix of indoor fun plus beginning ski instruction. Some also have nurseries and child care.
3. A lifetime sport, for your kids
The earlier kids start skiing, the easier the sport will be for them: by the tween years, they'll be proficient, and the fun just gets better through their teen and young adult years.
4. It's easy!
With today's equipment, anyone --yes, even Mom or Dad-- can learn to ski. Most mountains offer many options for lessons: drop-in, private, multi-day groups... Older kids may prefer to learn snowboarding; all family ski resorts offer lessons.
5. Other Fun In The Snow
If skiing or 'boarding just isn't your thing, you might be tempted by tubing, tobogganing, snowbikes, dog-sledding or snowscoots. Family ski resorts offer a range of other snow fun.
Family pricing
Family skiing is, unfortunately, a costly type of getaway; even if you can drive to a family ski resort, lift tickets are a hefty price. Look for places that family pricing schemes; also, quite a few let kids ski free up to a certain age (-sometimes as old as ten or twelve.)
See also: money-saving tips for family skiing.
*photo © Teresa Plowright
