How to Find a Family Friendly Winter Resort

Just a decade or two ago, skiing vacations and stays in a winter resort were not family friendly as they had very kid-oriented activities. However, family friendly skiing vacations are big business these days so you will find more and more winter resort options catering to kids and even marketing to them and the parents. The trick is to find a resort that actually delivers on the hype they market and offers a great family friendly customer service oriented atmosphere.

Traveling with kids is stressful enough but when you add all the activities of a large resort along with the snow and skiing, you have a high maintenance situation on your hands, not a relaxing, fun family vacation. A good winter resort will have the amenities and customer service you need to reduce the stress of juggling all of these things.

Safety First

Choose a family friendly winter resort where safety is first and touts a helmet requirement, especially for kids. If you plan to enroll a child in ski instruction, ensure the instructor is well-versed in dealing with children as well as prepared for emergency situations like CPR and first aid.

Good Skiing Programs for Kids

A winter resort catering to families will fail unless it has a good ski school that offers instruction and private lessons for kids. Activities and lessons should be grouped age appropriately and offer fun activities in downtimes such as snowball fights and snow fort or snowman building. There should be trails clearly marked for beginners and have continuity for the kids such as having the same instructor throughout their stay. Optional snow sports such as snowboarding and snow tubing should be available as well for those kids and families that cannot master the basics of skiing itself.

All in One Options

Some winter resort destinations will offer an all inclusive vacation to families which includes not only lodging, breakfast and lift tickets but also perhaps free lessons for kids, daycare facilities, child-centered games and activities or even specials where kids ski and stay for free. Every winter resort is different and will offer different "extras" in their packages so you must read the fine print and scrutinize those extras and choose the best all inclusive deal that suits your family.

Available Optional Activities

You cannot ski or partake of other snow activities 24/7 with the family so you should choose a winter resort that offers extracurricular activities that everyone might enjoy. Sleigh rides, bonfires, snowshoeing, ice skating, chair lift sightseeing, hiking, ziplining and indoor swimming are just a few of many available alternatives in some resorts. You also want to check out the neighboring areas for great shopping, entertainment, dining and sightseeing options while you are staying at your winter resort for a well-rounded vacation.