Half-Term Family Ski Holidays in the Alps

The half-term ski break is a great time for families to get away from the hectic school routine and explore some of the best resorts and activities in the Alps. Family ski resorts offer runs that cater to a range of levels, snow tubing hills and nursery slopes for children’s ski lessons, as well as providing a wide array of family-friendly activities.

There’s a lot to see and do in just a few days, so here are our top tips that can help you get the most out of your Alpine family ski holiday this February half term without breaking the bank.

Best Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in the Alps

There are many fun activities for the whole family during this half-term holiday. Here are our favourite resorts to make your vacation one to remember this ski season…

Meribel

Meribel is a fantastic choice for families, with plenty of activities and ski schools to keep young ones entertained. Beginner “Zen” and “Cool” zones are ideal for those new to the slopes. There are also fun child-orientated trails, such as the Inuit Piste, where kids can combine skiing with igloo building, and Moon Wild – an animal-themed trail accessible to both skiers and non-skiers.

Getting there: Geneva to Meribel transfers take approximately 2.5 hours.

Avoriaz

Avoriaz is a fully ski-in, ski-out resort where sleighs are the main mode of transport. The Village des Enfants offers nursery slopes, obstacle courses, and fun ski activities for little ones, while older children and teenagers can enjoy snowparks and The Stash, a tree-lined course filled with natural obstacles.

Getting there: Geneva to Avoriaz transfers take approximately 2 hours.

St Anton

Although famous for advanced skiing, St Anton also caters to families with dedicated children’s areas in Nasserein and Gampen, plus a great ski school. Off the slopes, kids can enjoy ice skating, tobogganing and indoor tennis.

Getting there: Innsbruck to St Anton transfers take approximately 1 hour.

La Plagne

La Plagne offers a wide range of family-friendly activities beyond skiing, including skidooing, bobsleighing, husky sledding, igloo village visits, ice rinks, and ice caves. With its varied terrain, it caters to all abilities.

Getting there: Geneva to La Plagne transfers take approximately 2.5 hours.

Les Gets

This charming resort in the Portes du Soleil area is fantastic for young families. The Milka slope provides fun, interactive skiing for kids, and there’s a dedicated children’s ski school and snow garden.

Getting there: Geneva to Les Gets transfers take approximately 1 hour.

Alpe d’Huez

Alpe d’Huez has an extensive range of gentle slopes for beginners, and plenty of non-ski activities such as an outdoor ice rink, sledging areas, and a swimming pool.

Getting there: Grenoble to Alpe d’Huez transfers take approximately 1.5 hours.

Val Thorens

Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, is perfect for families. The resort offers excellent snow conditions, ski-in, ski-out accommodations, and plenty of activities for children, including tobogganing and an adventure park.

Getting there: Geneva to Val Thorens transfers take approximately 3 hours.

Courchevel

Courchevel is well known for its luxury, but it also caters exceptionally well to families. With excellent ski schools, child-friendly slopes, and fun off-slope activities like ice skating and sledging, it’s a great choice for a family ski holiday.

Getting there: Geneva to Courchevel transfers take approximately 2.5 hours.

Madonna di Campiglio

Madonna di Campiglio in Italy is an excellent family-friendly resort with well-groomed slopes, stunning scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere. It has top-rated ski schools, gentle slopes for beginners, and fun après-ski activities, including ice skating and snowshoeing.

Getting there: Transfers from Verona Airport to Madonna di Campiglio take approximately 2.5 hours.

Family Skiing on a Budget

Skiing is a popular winter activity for families, but the costs of booking flights, ski passes, equipment, and lodging can quickly add up. Here are the best family ski resorts for skiing on a budget:

Flaine

Flaine offers excellent value, with ski-in, ski-out accommodation and affordable self-catering chalets. The resort has great snow conditions and is one of the easiest to drive to, reducing travel costs.

Getting there: Geneva to Flaine transfers take approximately 1.5 hours.

La Plagne

With a variety of affordable self-catering ski chalets, La Plagne is great for families looking for value. The 425km Paradiski area offers skiing for all levels.

Getting there: Transfers from Geneva Airport to La Plagne take approximately 2.5 hours.

Les Menuires

Part of the Three Valleys ski area, Les Menuires provides access to 600km of pistes at a fraction of the price of neighbouring resorts. There are plenty of self-catering apartments and budget-friendly ski hotels.

Getting there: Geneva to Les Menuires transfers take approximately 2.5 hours.

What to Pack for a Family Ski Holiday

Packing for a ski holiday can be daunting, but here are some essentials:

• Ski gear: Jackets, trousers, gloves, thermals, and mid-layers.
• Equipment: Ski boots, helmets, and goggles (or rent them at the resort).
• Extras: Sunscreen, lip balm, hand warmers, and a small backpack.
• Snacks: Energy bars and water bottles to keep kids fuelled on the slopes.

Stress-Busting Tips for Family Ski Holidays

Family ski holidays are some of the most enjoyable vacations, but they can also be stressful. Here are some tips to make things run smoothly:

Choose a Family-Friendly Resort

Look for resorts that offer ski-in, ski-out accommodation, which allows you to step right onto the slopes from your doorstep. This eliminates the need for long walks carrying heavy ski gear, making mornings much smoother, especially with young children.

Also, opt for resorts with dedicated children’s areas, including gentle nursery slopes, family zones, snow parks, and ski schools with experienced instructors who specialise in teaching kids.

Plan Ahead

If you need to rent equipment, pre-book it so that everything is waiting for you on arrival. This way you’ll avoid the queue at the local ski hire shop for the skis and boots left after everyone else has collected theirs. 

You should find some great early-bird discounts and half-term ski deals, too. Lift passes, ski school classes, and kindergartens also need to be booked well in advance of your holiday to avoid disappointment.

Avoid the Queues

Get to the lifts early to beat the morning rush. If you’re travelling with a tour operator, pre-book your lift passes to avoid queuing on arrival.

Ski with a Guide

If you’ve skied in the Alps before, you will probably have noticed that ski lifts have a lane reserved for ski school classes. Instructors and their pupils head to the front and don’t have to queue, even during high season weeks.

This makes skiing with a uniformed guide or instructor the very best way to avoid standing in one of those seemingly endless lift lines.

Layer Up

The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so dress kids in layers.

Take Breaks

Younger skiers tire quickly, so plan for hot chocolate stops and downtime.

Pack Smart

Bring spare gloves, socks, and neck warmers in case they get wet. A small first aid kit with plasters and painkillers can be useful for minor mishaps.

Keep Kids Entertained

Long transfers or downtime can be boring for children. Bring games, books, or download movies to keep them entertained while travelling or resting at the chalet.

Stay Hydrated

Altitude can dehydrate you faster than you might expect, so make sure the whole family drinks plenty of water throughout the day.

Book a Reliable Ski Transfer

A private transfer with Alps2Alps means all the safety and comfort of a luxury, door-to-door transfer service at seriously competitive prices. 

Securing a cheap airport transfer doesn’t mean having to sacrifice a ski holiday during the most popular times. Visit our booking page today to get a real-time quote in seconds!

You May Also Like: 20 Tips for Skiing with Kids

FAQs: Ski Holidays Feb Half Term 2025

Q: When is the best time to book a half-term ski holiday?

A: Booking as early as possible ensures the best half-term ski deals on accommodation, lift passes, and ski hire. But, there are also some great last-minute ski deals, too, if you’ve decided to jet off in the eleventh hour!

Q: What’s the best resort for beginners?

A: Flaine, Alpe d’Huez and La Plagne are excellent choices for families with beginner skiers, due to their gentle slopes and ski schools.

Q: Are there childcare facilities at ski resorts?

A: Many family-friendly resorts, such as Meribel and Courchevel, offer dedicated childcare services and ski schools for young children.

Q: Do I need to pre-book ski lessons?

A: Yes, ski schools fill up quickly during half-term, so pre-booking ensures availability and often secures better rates.

Q: What’s the best way to get to the Alps from the UK?

A: Flying into Geneva, Grenoble, or Innsbruck and booking a private transfer with Alps2Alps is the most convenient option.