Skiing with kids is a different kind of adventure. It’s partly mountain magic, partly an exercise in logistics, and sometimes a test of patience. I’ve been skiing in Les Arcs for 25 years, and with my own kids since they were tiny (over a decade now!).
Over time, I’ve learnt that a good family ski trip isn’t about being the first on the lift or covering the most ground; it’s more about finding a rhythm that keeps everyone warm, happy, and ready to ski again tomorrow.
From choosing the right ski school to knowing when to stop for hot chocolate (or a sneaky vin chaud for the long suffering parents!), these are the small decisions that make skiing with kids genuinely enjoyable. Whether it’s your first family trip or your tenth, you’ll find practical ways here to:
- keep the days relaxed and fun,
- balance ski lessons with time on the slopes together, and
- make family skiing something you all look forward to.
Because when you invest in getting your kids confident and happy on skis early on, it pays off for years to come; and that’s when skiing together becomes genuinely enjoyable for everyone (I know this because that’s me now!).
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Why skiing with kids doesn’t have to be stressful
It’s easy to assume that skiing with small children is all faff and frustration; queues, gloves dropped in puddles of slush, and someone always needing the toilet just as you click into your bindings. These things do happen, I won’t lie. But once you accept that family skiing looks different to the trips you did before kids, it becomes far more enjoyable.
The biggest shift is in expectations. You won’t be chasing powder or clocking miles on the piste. Instead, you’ll find satisfaction in watching your kids fall in love with something you love too.
It’s genuinely a brilliant feeling when you see your kids snowploughing happily (or bombing fearlessly) down a blue run, grinning from ear to ear. When your focus moves from perfection to participation, that’s when it starts to feel like a holiday again.
Skiing is also a great way to help kids build resilience. Like hiking or cycling, they learn best when they’re just outside their comfort zone; not too cosy, but not overwhelmed either. That “optimal zone” is where confidence grows; where a small challenge feels exciting rather than frightening. The trick is to keep them in that sweet spot, learning, having fun, but also realising what they’re capable of.
And when your children start enjoying the slopes on their own terms; finding their own mini off-piste paths through the woods or small jumps to tackle (or big ones 🫣), that’s when you realise it’s all worth the effort.
(You might also enjoy How to Get Kids Fit for Hiking Mountains, which digs deeper into how small challenges build confidence outdoors.)
Start with realistic expectations – it’s their holiday too
If you expect your family ski trip to look like your pre-kids ski holidays, you’re setting yourself up for frustration.
Kids move slowly. They forget gloves. They drop skis. They need a wee the moment you clip in. Some even drop their poles off chair lifts (yes, mine have done that 🙄). The key is to accept that their pace is the new normal!
The best days on the slopes are rarely the longest ones. A good mix of skiing, breaks, and play keeps morale high. If they’re small, start later, finish earlier, and take advantage of quiet midday slopes when all the adults are having boozy lunches in the mountain restaurants. Build in downtime; a swim, a game, or just a hot chocolate and a crêpe, so everyone recharges before the next day.
It also helps to remember that it’s their holiday too. For young kids, skiing all day can be exhausting, even in good weather. If they’re flagging, switch to something else or take a break from skiing, rather than pushing through. Kids who finish the day happy are far more likely to want to ski again tomorrow.
Parents need to pace themselves too. Trying to squeeze in your own perfect ski day alongside managing everyone else’s rarely works.
As a parent, skiing with kids who are still beginners is also undeniably exhausting (my smart watch once told me when I was on a solo ski trip with my kids that I’d had zero relaxing moments in the last 7 days and that I should consider getting some rest. Thanks for the head’s up, watch).
Share the load, take turns skiing solo if possible, and let go of the idea that you’re missing out – you’re just skiing differently.
If you can team up with another family for your ski trip, this works really well, as you can take turns going off together for a grown up ski while another adult watches the kids.
And yes, occasionally you’ll have those perfect moments – smooth turns on an empty slope, or seeing your kids experience fresh powder for the first time – but most days are about the small wins.
A few solid runs, a good laugh, a delicious crêpe (accompanied by a beer for the grown ups!) in the sunshine – make it all worthwhile.
Choose the right ski school (and know when to skip it)
A good ski school can make a family trip run smoothly; the wrong one can undo all your planning in a day. Ski lessons give kids structure and confidence, but they’re not the only route to progress. The trick is to find the right fit for your family – not just the cheapest or most convenient option.
In Les Arcs, and across much of France, the ESF (École du Ski Français) is the standard. It’s good value, reliable and well organised, but most groups are taught in French.
During UK school holidays you’ll often find plenty of English-speaking instructors and other British kids in the classes, which helps a lot. Outside those weeks, it can be a very different experience – and a rather lonely experience, especially for younger ones.
Ski New Generation (use this link for a 5% discount!) is a great alternative. They run smaller group sizes with English speaking instructors, which feels much more familiar for first-timers. It’s more expensive, but for young, shy or nervous children it can make all the difference.
Private lessons are another option, especially if your kids have had a few weeks on snow already. When they were little, my two got more out of a couple of focused one-hour sessions with a local instructor than a whole week of group lessons.
You can also often find British instructors living locally who freelance outside the main schools – they’re not always available, but if you can get a slot, the personal touch is worth it.
For the first few years, ski school was essential for my kids – it gave them a solid base, especially when I couldn’t teach them myself without it ending in frustration on both sides. But once they could get around the mountain confidently, they were keen to ditch the lessons and ski with me.
The solution that we’ve come up with is that we mix it up: a few lessons at the start of the week to brush up on technique, then more time exploring together once they’re settled in.
They still have plenty to learn, but they’re happiest when we ski as a family; and to be honest, I love it too now that they’re fairly competent.
For more on local options, see Les Arcs Ski School Guide: What I’ve Learnt (and What I’d Do Differently)
Keep skiing playful (because kids don’t care about perfect technique)
Once kids can ski independently, it’s easy to slip into “instructor mode” – wanting them to keep their skis more parallel, redistribute their weight, or slow down.
But the fastest way to put them off is to make every run feel like a lesson. Most kids just want to have fun on snow, and when they do, they’ll improve naturally anyway.
We’ve found the best approach is to keep skiing playful. My kids still love the themed runs where they can duck under dangling high five hand, weave through foam cylinders, and bash out a tune on a giant xylophone with their poles.
They also love a ski safari – so aiming for an orangina pit stop at a specific restaurant right across the resort keeps things exciting!
If the day’s getting long or energy is fading, we’ll often mix things up with something simple and fun – a hot chocolate stop or a crêpe, or a quick visit to one of the small attractions around the resort.
Les Arcs has some great fun (and free) attractions right on the slopes, like the Museum of Mountain Animals, the Mineral Gallery, or the Ice Sculpture Grotto.
A short detour like that keeps spirits up far better than pushing through another run when everyone’s flagging. You can find more ideas for these kinds of family-friendly spots in my guide to Secret Fun for Kids in Les Arcs.
A few playful breaks and a change of scenery make the whole experience fun for everyone.
Mix it up with non-ski fun
Even the most enthusiastic young skiers need a break from the slopes. Mixing in a few non-ski activities keeps everyone fresh.
When the kids were small, I tended to plan at least one afternoon off the skis in a week. Sometimes that means heading to the swimming pool or bowling alley, which are both easy options when everyone needs a change of pace.
Other times, we’d take the funicular down to Bourg-Saint-Maurice for a wander and an easy lunch. For something more adventurous, there’s dog sledding in Arc 2000 or even the Aiguille rouge zip line – both are big hits with older kids and teens.
Evenings can be just as fun. The weekly ESF torchlit descent is always worth watching; the line of glowing lights snaking down the mountain never gets old, and afterwards, a fondue dinner is a brilliant way to round off the day. Many restaurants offer them, and it’s such a fun entertaining meal for kids.
For families with younger kids, these pauses are especially valuable. They make the trip feel like a proper holiday rather than a training camp, and they give parents a bit of breathing space too.
You’ll find more off-slope ideas in Non-ski activities in Les Arcs: The best family things to do for non-skiers in winter
Manage the gear (and your sanity)
Skiing with kids comes with a lot of stuff; and keeping track of gloves, buffs, helmets, goggles, and boots can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re desperately trying to get everyone out of the door in the morning. Over the years, I’ve found a few simple systems that make things easier.
The best way to stay sane is to get organised from day one. Every child gets their own chair or corner for kit – somewhere to hang jackets, gloves, and goggles – while boots and helmets usually live in the drying room or by the door.
The more visible it all is, the fewer frantic searches for missing mittens in the morning.
If your accommodation has a boot dryer or drying room, use it every night. Otherwise, just line gloves and buffs up by the radiator, and pick them all up again in the morning.
A large daypack makes life much easier. I use a ski-specific Osprey backpack with space for spare layers and snacks. Inside, I pack a separate dry bag for each person’s gear. It means I can ensure I’ve got what I need on the slopes to keep everyone warm, dry, fed and watered. It also has straps for carrying skis, and if your kids are small you can easily attach 2 pairs of kids’ skis to it if you need to.
If you don’t want to buy all the ski clothing outright, Adventure Kit Hire in the UK is a brilliant option for renting proper ski jackets, trousers, goggles and mittens for growing kids.
And for skis, boots and poles, Skiset makes ski hire in Les Arcs simple.
Don’t forget the food and rest factor
Tired, hungry kids are not fun skiing companions. It sounds obvious, but it’s incredible how quickly enthusiasm can vanish once blood sugar drops. Snacks and rest are the secret ingredients that hold the whole week together.
I always pack plenty of snacks – cereal bars, dried fruit, haribo, left over pastries from breakfast, and even a few squares of chocolate tucked into a pocket for lift rides.
Lunchtime is worth thinking about too. I always plan for a proper break for lunch rather than shoving something down on a lift!
Some mountain restaurants in Les Arcs are better than others for families; those with quick service, indoor seating, and somewhere to warm up are always top of my list. It’s worth avoiding peak lunchtime – so having an early or late lunch (and then enjoying the emptier slopes while everyone else is eating!) is well worth it.
Very often we’ll just pack a baguette with a filling of choice and eat it in a purpose built picnic spot with a great view – there are lots dotted over Les Arcs. There are also indoor picnic spots, with hot drinks in vending machines and lots of tables to sit at. It’s cheaper and easier. However, a few favourite restaurants feature in Our Favourite Family-Friendly Mountain Restaurants in Les Arcs.
And rest really does matter. After a few days, even the keenest kids hit a wall. It’s important to spot the signs and take an afternoon off before it happens – a swim, a game, or just a lazy hour in the apartment works wonders. Ending the day while everyone still feels good beats pushing through for “one last run” every time.
If you’re self-catering, a bit of planning goes a long way. If I am organised enough, I always thank my past self for writing a shopping list and simple dinner plan before I even leave the UK.
By the time you’ve finished skiing, helped the kids with their boots and kit, and finally sorted your own things, everyone is hungry – and knowing exactly what you’re cooking (and that you already have everything you need in the fridge) makes life so much easier.
Team up with another family
Skiing with kids is easier – and a lot more fun – when you team up with another family. It’s one of those simple things that transforms the whole dynamic. The kids have instant ski buddies, you’ve got company for a slopeside beer or two, and there’s more chance for everyone to grab a few child-free runs.
It also makes ski school smoother. Kids are far happier and braver when they’ve got a friend beside them. Having a familiar face in the group can make the first day feel far less daunting, especially if the lessons are in another language or they’re the youngest in the class.
Having another set of adults around also means you can take turns skiing – some of you can sneak off for a couple of runs while the others supervise the kids.
Evenings are more relaxed too. Shared dinners, easy games, and other adults to chat to after the kids crash out all make it feel like a proper holiday again.
Erna Low is worth checking out for accommodation. They often have apartment deals for families or groups travelling together, which keeps everyone under one roof. Or if you’d rather have quieter evenings (and fewer overexcited kids at bedtime), booking two apartments in the same building gives you the best of both worlds – easy socialising, separate space.
Getting there without the meltdowns
Getting to the mountains is often the least relaxing part of the trip, especially with kids in tow. Over the years, we’ve skied in plenty of places, but we keep coming back to Les Arcs – partly because it’s brilliant for families, but also because it’s one of the few major ski resorts in Europe that’s genuinely easy to reach by train.
We usually travel by train, taking the Eurostar snow train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which sits right at the base of the mountain, via a quick platform change in Lille. We usually stay in Bourg these days, but if you’re heading up to Les Arcs, the funicular railway glides straight up to Arc 1600 from the train station in seven minutes.
After years of testing every option, the Lille route has become our go-to. It’s better than the Eurostar to Paris option and then the train from Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, as it obliterates the need to cross Paris with bags and kids in tow.
The trains are comfortable and reliable, and you can spread out, play games, and relax for most of the journey. It’s the rare ski journey where everyone actually arrives right in the resort, rested and ready to ski, and is much less stressful than flying followed by a long road transfer from the airport.
That’s a big part of why Les Arcs works so well for families: the travel is simple, the villages are walkable and car-free, and everything – lifts, shops, cafés, ski schools – is right where you need it.
You’ll find more detailed travel advice in Getting to Les Arcs: the best ways to travel from the UK, including how to book the best-value train routes and how the funicular works with ski gear.
Common mistakes parents make when skiing with kids
Every family finds their own rhythm on the slopes, but there are a few traps I fell into along the way. Here are some of the big ones worth dodging:
Trying to ski as if you’re still footloose and fancy-free.
Family skiing is a different sport entirely. You’ll ski fewer runs, take more breaks, and spend more time looking for other peoples’ gloves than actually wearing your own. The sooner you stop comparing it to your old ski trips, the more fun it becomes.
Overloading the week.
It’s tempting to plan lessons, lunches, and “must-do” activities into every day. But tired kids (and parents) enjoy things far less. Build in time for slow mornings, early finishes, and maybe one afternoon off skiing.
Skipping proper rest or food.
Hunger and tiredness are the twin enemies of happy skiing. Pack more snacks than you think you need, stop often, buy the crêpes, and accept that the entire trip runs on a steady supply of orangina, hot chocolate and carbs.
Pushing too hard, too soon.
Confidence grows best when kids feel capable. If a run looks too steep or the weather turns grim, change plans. Keeping them just outside their comfort zone is enough – any further and the fun disappears fast.
Not planning for bad weather.
Whiteouts, high winds, or slushy afternoons happen. Having the right clothes is important, but also have a few off-slope options up your sleeve – the pool, bowling, or a crêpe stop – which turns potential meltdowns into mini adventures.
Forgetting to enjoy it.
It’s easy to get caught up in logistics and lose sight of why you’re there. Step back, take in the view, and enjoy the small wins – a shared laugh, a good run, a day that mostly went to plan. That’s the real measure of success.
For more on choosing quieter, family-friendly times to ski, see How to Predict the Quietest Ski Weeks in France (Even During UK School Holidays).
FAQs about skiing with kids
What’s the best age to start skiing?
There’s no single right answer. Some kids take to it at three or four, others need a few more years before it clicks. If they can follow simple instructions, manage their own mittens, and last an hour outside without tears, they’re probably ready. I wrote more about this in When Can Children Start Skiing? A Realistic Guide for Parents.
Do you need lessons every day?
Not necessarily after the first week or two. Ski school gives structure, but too much can make it feel like work. A mix of lessons and free skiing usually works best for my kids – enough to learn, but not so much that they’re counting down the minutes to lunch. For more information on the ski schools I recommend in Les Arcs, read: Les Arcs Ski School Guide: What I’ve Learnt (and What I’d Do Differently)
Is France the best option for family skiing in Europe?
For UK families, France is often the easiest option – the access is straightforward, especially if you’re taking the train. It also has plenty of purpose-built resorts like Les Arcs that are walkable, car-free, and full of easy-access runs. But Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Andorra, and smaller places in Poland, Sweden and Bulgaria all have excellent family resorts too if you prefer something smaller or more traditional.
What gear do we really need?
Warm, waterproof clothing, base layers, good gloves, and proper goggles matter most. Everything else can be improvised or borrowed. For affordable family kit, Decathlon and Mountain Warehouse are both solid options. You can also consider renting kit from Adventure Kit Hire in the UK, especially for growing kids. I’ve covered the full list in What to Pack for a Family Ski Holiday (Without Overpacking!).
Is Les Arcs good for first-time family skiers?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most family-friendly resorts in Europe – easy to reach by train, car-free villages, reliable snow, and a mix of gentle runs and fun themed areas for kids. But it’s also brilliant for experienced skiers, with long red runs, tree-lined descents, and challenging off-piste routes when you get the chance to ski child-free. If you’re just starting out, Family Ski Holiday in Les Arcs: A Guide for All Ages is a good place to begin.
Is it all worth it?
Skiing with kids isn’t always relaxing, but it can be brilliant. The trick is to drop the idea of a “perfect” family ski holiday and focus on what actually matters: keeping everyone warm, fed, and having a good time. The investment will pay itself back ten-fold in the end!
Start slow, build in plenty of breaks, and let the kids set the pace sometimes. Ski schools are great for getting them going, but the real joy comes from skiing together – bombing down easy blue runs, sharing jokes (and haribo) on the lift, and seeing them find and increase their confidence.
A bit of planning helps too. Choose travel options that make life simpler (the train to Les Arcs is hard to beat), plan meals ahead if you’re self-catering, and pack for comfort rather than style. Do those things, and you’ll spend less time juggling logistics and more time actually enjoying the mountains.
Because skiing with kids is totally worth it – and actually, quite fun.
If you’re ready to plan your own family trip, you’ll find plenty more advice in our Les Arcs guides:
