Family ski holidays - Luxury Ski News Archive

In January 2022, a five year old girl was hit and killed on the slopes by a skier in a french ski resort. This had a profound affect on many people in the snow sports community. As parents, this tragedy is incomprehensible. Shockingly, this horrific accident was not an isolated incident. Prior to this tragedy, I had been concerned about on piste safety for a while. Having worked as a physiotherapist in a ski resort for over 15 years, I have seen the consequences of many collisions; a vast number of which go unreported.

I am married to a ski instructor and I have two little girls who are keen skiers and I am often concerned for their safety on the slopes. Following the little girl's death I had a strong desire to act to improve on piste behaviour. There are way too many people skiing out of control and taking unnecessary risks and so many accidents are avoidable. So many people do not know where to stop safely or to check that the coast is clear before setting off. Simple steps to improve this could make a world of difference.

I teamed up with a friend, Amie Henderson (Morzine Source Magazine) who also felt strongly about making changes. We decided that something needed to be done before the February half term holidays (2022). Following Covid we had noticed a frenzy on the slopes and people did not seem to control their speed or leave enough space when over taking. Piste etiquette had seemingly been left behind with lockdown.

So within two weeks, and with the support of our local community we launched the Piste X Code (‘cross’ as in Green X Code). With the help of local ski instructors and Ed Leigh we put together a piste safety video, launched a website and social media channels.

Amie and I immediately recognised that an unbelievable number of people are not aware that there are rules to follow on the slopes. Although the FIS code of conduct has been around for decades, we do not feel that the rules are visual enough and are not widely known. Even people that have lived in ski resorts for years have told us that they did not know there were rules in place!

We decided that we wanted to create a set of guidelines that were visual, easy to disseminate, suitable for all ages and modern. However, the FIS code of conduct formed a basis from which we modified the points for the Piste X Code. We also liaised with and gathered the opinions of snow sports instructors who have a daily insight into on-piste behaviour. For example, one guideline that many instructors felt strongly about was not to race ski apps for speed!

During our first year, we were contacted by some big ski areas and important figures in the snowsport community. At times, going into meetings has been a little daunting; we are two mums from Morzine and we have been unsure of how we will be received. However, we have been delighted with the response that we have had. These organisations have given us their support and praise for how much we have achieved considering that we run the campaign on a voluntary basis and rely on donations.

Financing the campaign is where one of our biggest challenges lies. Amie and I work voluntarily, however we do have to fund aspects of the campaign including printing posters, the production of safety videos and hosting the website. We find it hard to ask for donations, even though there are some incredibly kind people who have been happy to donate once they see the value in what we are doing.

Despite having thousands of supporters, we do receive some negative comments. We are often told that the message isn’t reaching the right people and that the people that follow us are those who are more conscientious in the first place! And we agree! However, for every person that shares our safety information, there is more of a chance that it will reach further and start to change the attitudes of those that need to improve their respect for others on the mountains.

Initially we launched the Piste X Code in the Portes du Soleil, which is where we are based. However, our goal from the outset was to improve piste safety everywhere. Luckily, our resources have been shared across the snow sports community which has helped generate interest in other resorts. We now have ambassadors in La Plagne and Tignes, with others potentially joining us from Val d’Isere and the three Valleys. This is key for us in helping spread the message of the Piste X Code.

Les Gets have been fantastic supporters this season and have displayed our animated video on big screens in resorts that will be seen by around 1 million snow sports enthusiasts each season. We are in talks with other resorts in the hope of implementing this in other places too.

Ski and snowboard instructors have been brilliant supporters. Changing on piste behaviour is essential for their safety and the safety of their clients. They share our resources with their clients through their websites, social media and newsletters.

One of our Ambassadors is based at APEX ski academy in Tignes where she promotes the Piste X Code to young racers. So you see, whatever your age or level, knowing the rules of the pistes is essential.

Early on in the campaign, we met with representatives from the Ministre de Sports in France and we gained their full backing for the Piste X Code. In our second season, we gained the support of POC sports, a protection brand. This was a company that we were keen to partner with because their mission statement speaks volumes with us. Their mission is ‘to protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one’.

Ed Leigh kindly gave up his time to introduce our initial piste safety video. Kondrad Bartelski has been a big supporter and has helped us to rally the support of snow sports journalists. We have featured in Falline skiing magazine, Ski & Board Magazine and The Times.

Recently, the Piste X Code was introduced on Ski Sunday by Chemmy Alcott and we’ve been thrilled at the traction we’ve been gaining.

The Piste X Code is forever evolving. This season we have aimed a lot of our safety work at children. Our main project this year has been launching a child friendly animated video to teach children about the rules of the pistes. This has been a huge success.

We also launched a pin badge award scheme. Ski schools that have joined this scheme can award a ‘Monty the Mascot’ pin badge to children that demonstrate a good awareness of piste safety, specific to their age. For example, children can show that they know to stop at the sides of the piste and check that the coast is clear before they set off.
 
We currently have a couple of projects on the go behind the scenes. We have been in contact with every snow dome and dry slope in the UK. As this is where a lot of people learn to ski and snowboard we think that it is important that the rules of the pistes are taught and put into practice from the get go.

We are also working with bodies that organise school ski trips. We want to disseminate the Piste X Code to all children who are going on school ski trips - both in the UK and in France.

A large focus at the moment is looking best practice of piste safety around the world. We are looking at how different countries implement piste safety. We will gather ideas from around the world that can help us improve piste safety in France and Europe.

Our long term goal is to see the presence of piste patrollers on the slopes in France with clear consequences for those that behave recklessly.

The support that we’ve had from both our local community and on a global scale. Even the ski club of Dubai contacted us and they are using the Piste X Code to educate their ski team! Seeing how important the work that we are doing is for so many people helps to keep us motivated.

Follow the Piste X Code!

Whatever your level, the best way to stay safe on the slopes is by respecting other mountain users. Always stay in control and adapt your speed to the terrain and snow type, the visibility and other slope users.

Ski and snowboard lessons are invaluable in learning to control your speed and how to stop safely. Be aware of children, who are more likely to be unpredictable on the slopes. If you are a parent or caregiver, educate children on piste safety.

Here is a blog with tips on how to do this.

The more people that follow our campaign and share our resources the better. If you are going on a ski or snowboarding trip, share our piste safety quiz with your friends and family to get them thinking about piste safety before they hit the slopes.

All our resources are free, therefore businesses can share any information via their websites, newsletters and social media channels.

We also welcome and are grateful for any donations offered via PayPal.

If all this talk of skiing has got you in the mood for some time on the slopes, then why not check out our luxury catered ski chalets in the French Alps?

We are also on hand to pre-book your ski lessons, lift passes and ski hire to make your ski holiday as stress-free as possible.

While some parents are happy to travel with a baby that’s just a few weeks old, others prefer to wait until their baby is at least 6 months old. Before booking your ski holiday, planning and preparation are key, so take the time to research family-friendly resorts and accommodation options.

If you are travelling with a young baby, we recommend choosing a ski resort with a short airport transfer time such as Morzine or Les Gets (approximately 90 minutes from Geneva airport).

It’s also worth noting that young babies can sometimes be affected by altitude so you might prefer to avoid high-altitude resorts like Val d’Isere until they are a little bit older, but you can discuss this with your GP.

At VIP SKI, we want our guests to be able to enjoy a day on the slopes, a long lunch or some much-needed relaxation time in the spa or hammam safe in the knowledge that their baby is being well looked after by our childcare team so we provide childcare for babies from 12 weeks.

In our award-winning ski hotel Bear Lodge in Arc 1950, we offer childcare in our specially designed Bear Cubs playroom. This lovely light-filled room is right on the piste and is perfect for outdoor play and easy for parents to peek without even having to pop their bindings.

On the other hand, some parents prefer to holiday with grandparents who are on hand to help with our littlest VIP guests. Morzine is one of our favourite resorts for a multi-generational ski trip. Read why here.

We also offer an evening babysitting service in our chalets on the Chalet Host's night off on request so that friends and family can enjoy a special meal together in the resort.

Teaching very young children to ski requires patience and careful consideration. While some parents (especially ski instructors) may introduce their baby to the joys of skiing from as early as age 1, this is not something that we would recommend. Most under-4s get cold and fed up incredibly quickly and much prefer building snowmen, sledging and riding in the bubble lifts.

Start by exposing your baby to the snow environment and gradually introduce them to skiing through play and gentle movements. If you’re really keen to give them a taste of skiing, then we recommend hiring a pair of plastic skis that strap on to their snowboots and letting them have a slide on a very gentle hill on the nursery slopes.

Packing for a ski holiday with a baby requires a bit of forward planning. It’s not always easy to find baby items in a ski resort if you forget something important. Here is a link to our printable Packing Checklist.

When choosing accommodation for your ski holiday, opt for family-friendly options that cater to the needs of babies and young children. Look for chalets or hotels that offer amenities such as cots, highchairs and baby-proofing services. Consider the location of the accommodation in relation to the ski slopes and childcare facilities and ensure that it meets your family's specific requirements.

To make things easier and save on valuable suitcase space, at VIP SKI, you can pre-order essential baby items up to two weeks before you travel with us and nappies, wipes, and infant formula can be delivered to your chalet before your trip. (Please note that swim nappies are not available to pre-order so if you’re staying in one of our chalets with a swimming pool or Bear Lodge, you might want to bring a handful if you have a baby who loves the water!)

We can also provide the following items free of charge upon request:

• Sterilisers 
• Changing mats 
• Potties 
• Bed guards 
• Buggies 
• Toilet steps 
• Toilet seats 
• Table booster seats 
• Stair gates (available in selected chalets) 
• Children’s cutlery and crockery 

Top tip: Although we do have 3-wheeler buggies that you can borrow in resort, we recommend bringing a baby carrier to use at the airport when you’re boarding and waiting for your luggage at Geneva and if there is going to be lots of fresh snow during your holiday.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy with a 1-year-old on a ski trip such as sledging, building snowmen or simply exploring the village together. Lots of ski resorts (and many of our chalets) have swimming pools and soft play areas that are fun to visit.

You might have seen videos of people skiing with their baby in a baby carrier but we would NEVER recommend this as it is incredibly dangerous. Not only does it expose your baby to becoming very cold without you realising but the potential for accidents, such as falls or collisions with other skiers, makes it simply not worth the risk.

Many ski resorts allow babies on pedestrian ski lifts, but it's best to check beforehand. Ensure that your baby is securely held in your arms or a carrier and that you're prepared for any weather conditions.

Older babies and toddlers love going up and down in bubble lifts or cable cars (there is so much to see!) and it can be a nice way to join up with the rest of the family or group of skiers for lunch or a hot chocolate.

In Val d’Isere, we recommend taking the La Daille gondola up to the Folie Douce, the Solaise cable car up to the Refuge du Solaise restaurant (The gondolas are open 7 days a week from 9am to 4:30pm) or the Fornet cable car up to Le Signal restaurant.

If you're staying in Morzine, why not take the Pleney gondola up to join your family or friends for lunch at Snack Le Pleney accessible on foot from the top of lift? (Restaurant open daily from 9am to 5.30pm.)

From Bear Lodge in Arc 1950, Les Chalets de L'Arc is a great place to go for lunch or a hot chocolate with the rest of the gang. (Restaurant open daily from 9am to 5pm.) 

Skiing with a baby can be a wonderful way to introduce your little one to the joys of the mountains and create cherished family memories that will last a lifetime. With some careful planning, it's possible to enjoy a memorable ski holiday with your baby, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery and the joy of the slopes.

So, pack your bags, bundle up your baby and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in the snow!

Find out more about our Family Ski Holidays and childcare.

Our nannies get booked up very quickly, so it is vital to book your childcare early, especially for peak school holiday weeks.

We are already taking childcare bookings for next season so get in touch and have a chat with Lou, Cam, Millie or Jess about your childcare requirements.

Ask anyone who’s taken their kids skiing before and you’ll know that one of the most important things to do is finding accommodation as close as you can get to the beginners’ slopes. That isn’t always possible of course, because ski-in, ski-out accommodation is naturally more expensive than properties that are at the edge of the resort. In which case, look for a place that’s near a stop for the resort’s shuttle bus instead. Reducing the time your children need to spend walking around in their boots will make life so much easier.

Some hotels offer childcare which is an appealing prospect for many parents - Hello, wine o’clock. Our award-winning ski hotel, Bear Lodge in Les Arcs offers a Pyjama Club for parents who would like dinner in peace and children who aren’t quite ready for bed. Cinema nights, stories, popcorn, hot chocolate or quiet games or colouring before bedtime. Available from Monday to Saturday from 7pm-9.30pm for children over the age of 5, €10 per child per night, €5 per sibling. Subject to availability.

We also offer a Listening Service for children in your room or suite whilst you enjoy a drink at the bar. €10 per hour. Subject to availability.

But others prefer to rent a family ski chalet instead, enabling them to create a relaxed ‘home away from home’ vibe where parents can put young children to bed, grab the baby monitor and relax with a drink while dinner is being prepared.

Top tip: If children are occupying a third or fourth bed in a room in a VIP SKI chalet or hotel room, they will normally be eligible for a discount of up to 50% off the adult price. (Child discount not applicable with group discount)

Our guide to packing for your first ski holiday contains good advice on layering and the essential items of clothing you’ll need. With kids, remember to double-up on things like gloves and socks. They’re indispensable, but often the things that go missing or get soaking wet first. You might also want to think about attaching gloves to ski jackets with elastic for very young children so they don’t lose them halfway through lessons.

We recommend arriving at the resort the day before you start skiing. That gives you time to sort out your lift passes and equipment with no need to rush around. Ski hire shops are usually less busy during the afternoons, and if you go at a quieter time the staff will have more time to make sure your child gets a good fit. There is little point buying expensive skis, boots or jackets for children as they grow so quickly.

Renting ski equipment from a company such as EcoSki or borrowing from friends is a much wiser approach and there is lots of pre-loved children’s ski kit for sale on Facebook Marketplace, Ebay and Vinted.

Top tip: Allow yourselves plenty of time to get ready every morning. You may find that you get to the lifts a little later yourself but it’s a sacrifice worth making.

In almost every case, it’s best for children to join ski school. You may feel capable of teaching them yourself, but by doing so you risk passing on your own bad habits and, let’s face it, you probably want to want to enjoy some time away from the nursery slopes during your holiday too! You can help to prepare them by arranging a couple of lessons on an artificial slope before you go on holiday.

With ski lessons for kids, it’s important to allow them to learn at their own pace, and not to rush them or compare them to others. Patience and flexibility are key. At this stage it’s more about them enjoying themselves and gaining confidence on the slopes, rather than perfecting their technique.

Don’t overdo it with the lessons - exhaustion can quickly lead to frustration. Give the instructor your phone number and put a copy of it in your child’s pocket as well. A couple of hours in ski school every day is more than enough, perhaps followed by a bit of practice with parents if they are up for it. In the afternoons, be sure to schedule in some rest time, whether it’s in front of the TV, napping or playing board games.

If this is your kids’ second or third time skiing, you might want to look for a resort with plenty of blues and a few easy reds, to give them a bit more of a challenge. For first-timers however, you can pretty much go anywhere as they are unlikely to progress beyond a few gentle slopes in the first week.

Top tip: Beginner skiers shouldn’t need a lift pass as most nursery slope ski lifts are free.

When skiing with kids, opt for a resort where there are plenty of family-friendly activities on offer. You might take them to the top of the mountain in a gondola, so they can enjoy the view with a hot chocolate, go sledging, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. Some resorts have kids’ clubs too where your children can make friends of their own age. And always leave one afternoon free to build a snowman!

Top tip: Either bring a bag of high-energy snacks with you or buy some from the resort supermarket on arrival. Your kids will race through them.

A few things to remember before you depart on your family ski holiday:

●       Ensure that all clothes you’ve bought or borrowed for your children fit beforehand. It will be a lot more expensive to sort out in resort.

●       Check that your travel insurance policy covers skiing. It’s one less thing to worry about.

●       Pack plenty of suncream, even if you are expecting cloudy conditions. Keep one tube in your backpack so that even if you forget to apply it in the mornings, you can do it on arrival at ski school.

●       Show your children a few skiing videos on a site such as YouTube. It’s important for them to know that falling over a lot is part of learning to ski, and that they will be tired, cold and maybe even scared at times.

●       They will be fully briefed by their instructor, but drum into your kids that while skiing is an opportunity to have fun and mess around in the snow, it’s vital to be sensible and careful when using ski lifts.

If you're thinking about booking your next family ski holiday but still have some questions, our friendly and knowledgeable sales team are on hand to help you find the perfect catered ski chalet or hotel.

We can also help you pre-book ski passes, ski equipment and ski lessons to make your holiday with children as stress-free as possible. 

With over 650 kilometres of pistes in 14 resorts and 2 countries, the Portes du Soleil is one of the largest ski areas in the world and there are pistes to suit skiers of all levels.

For beginners, gentle slopes and excellent ski schools ensure a safe and enjoyable learning experience. Meanwhile, more advanced members of the family can tackle challenging runs like the infamous “Swiss Wall” and enjoy some off-piste adventures.

While skiing is undoubtedly a highlight of any winter holiday, the Portes du Soleil goes the extra mile to keep families and non-skiers entertained with activities such as sleigh rides, ice skating and husky dog sledding.

Read all about our favourite non-ski activities on offer in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. 

We love Morzine! It offers convenience and family-friendly fun and with short transfer times (around 90 minutes from Geneva airport), it is ideal for families with young babies and children.

Morzine's main square transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the ski season, featuring an outdoor ice rink, carousel and trampolines. You might also be able to catch the local ice hockey team in action!

If Morzine sounds like the resort for you, read our A-Z guide to this fabulous family friendly ski resort. 

Avoriaz, a car-free paradise, is a short transfer away and boasts high-altitude skiing. Create some magical memories exploring the village on foot or by horse-drawn sleigh. Within Avoriaz, there is a fantastic indoor water park, an ice rink, a bowling alley and even a cinema. Your kids will be spoiled for choice!

Located in the Lindarets sector of the Avoriaz ski area, there is a fabulous eco-friendly snow park in Avoriaz called the “The Stash” with a dedicated freeride and freestyle area that your children will NEVER want to leave!

There is also a “Snake run” where boardercross fans can practise on the very tight berms. You will even find a hut, halfway down the Stash – a great spot for a picnic. Access is via the 6-seater Prolays chairlift.

Les Gets offers the unbeatable combination of ski-in, ski-out convenience and snowy evening strolls. When the ski lifts shut outside Altitude Lodge, the pistes become an empty wonderland. Take a late-night wander or try some bum boarding on the piste.

With a short transfer from Geneva and family rooms available in Altitude Lodge, Les Gets ensures a seamless and memorable family ski holiday.

The Portes du Soleil isn't just about skiing; it's a winter wonderland brimming with activities that cater to every member of the family. From ice skating and carousel rides to high-flying trampoline adventures and exciting ice hockey games, get ready for an incredible family holiday filled with laughter, snow and cherished memories.

Tempted?

Browse our luxury catered chalets in Les Gets, Morzine and Avoriaz.

Not sure which resort to choose? Have a chat with one of our Alpine Advisors. With extensive knowledge of the resorts and chalets, they are on hand to help you find the perfect destination for your February half-term ski trip.

One of the most important aspects of enjoying your time on the slopes is to prioritise yourself. It might sound a bit selfish, but it's crucial for your safety and enjoyment. This is one of the most important ski tips for beginners as you shouldn't feel pressured to take on runs that are too difficult for your skill level. Instead, choose runs that match your abilities, even if it means saying 'no' to the more challenging ones.

Remember that snow conditions and the number of skiers and snowboarders on the slopes can significantly affect how a run feels. Timing is key. Consider skiing challenging runs mid-morning when they're less crowded and haven't been cut up too much.

It's also okay if your ski or snowboarding buddies want to tackle more challenging runs. If they're impatient, encourage them to ski on their own while you enjoy the slopes at your own pace. Skiing should be fun, not a race.

If you're skiing with a group of varying skill levels, finding runs that allow you to do circuits is an excellent strategy. Look for runs that are interconnected or form a loop. This way, you can all stay in the same general area while skiing at your own pace.

In this scenario, it's quality over quantity. You might only complete two quality runs while others in your group do five or more. The goal here is sociable skiing, where everyone gets to enjoy the mountain without feeling rushed or held back.

At the end of a tiring day on the slopes, it's essential to stay in control. If you're exhausted and feel like you've had enough skiing or snowboarding for the day, don't hesitate to ride the cable car down. This is your time to rest and reflect on the fantastic experiences you've had during the day (and avoid the often icy and crowded home runs back into the resort).

It's normal to feel a bit guilty for not sticking with your partner or group for one more run. However, taking charge of your decisions ensures that you end your day on a positive note. Maintaining a positive attitude not only benefits you but also prevents your frustrations from affecting the rest of your party.

Skiing is about having fun and enjoying the mountain at your own pace. Prioritising your safety and well-being, finding runs that suit your skill level, and taking charge of your choices are all essential elements of a successful skiing experience.

So, hit the slopes, think about yourself and embrace the joy of skiing at your own pace. Hopefully, these skiing tips will help you manage your group’s dynamics in a way which suits you.

Need a little confidence boost at the start of your holiday with some private lessons or group tuition?

Let us pre-book your ski lessons for you with one of our ski school partners in resort.