Skiing with Kids [2025]: The Best Guide for Your First Holiday

Last Updated on 17 November 2025

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Skiing with kids is a magical experience that everyone should have the opportunity to experience with their families.

Sure, there might be the odd meltdown over the cold or the amount of layers needed to wear, but it’s all about creating memories. When they’re older, they’ll remember the fun more than the moments they didn’t.

Our eldest started skiing when she was two, and when our youngest arrived, she did the same. Now, when we go skiing around Europe, it’s a joy to see them enjoying themselves on the snow and having the confidence to tackle different runs.

If you’re planning your first family ski trip, I understand how overwhelming it can feel. From picking the right family-friendly ski destinations, determining what is the right age to start, to packing ski gear for kids, there’s a lot to take in.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about skiing with kids, giving you the best start to your first family ski adventure.

Let’s read on to find out more!

Someone teaching a child to ski. Skiing with kids. Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash — Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

Skiing with Kids: At What Age Can They Start?

When it comes to knowing the right age kids can start skiing, it all depends on the individual child. Here’s what I’ve learnt:

Toddlers (2-3 Years)

We started both our girls when they were two as that’s the earliest we can start them at our local ski centre. Each place will be different, so check where you’re based.

When we started them at this age, it was more a case of them getting used to wearing skis and boots and simply gliding down a little slope. They weren’t skiing per say, but they had fun, and I found that the 30-minute lessons were plenty for their little legs.

When our eldest was three, we took her on our first ski holiday to Mayrhofen in Austria. There’s a lovely run at the top of the Ahorn that we could do loops on. Using our skiing harness to control her speed, it was the perfect spot. By then, she could do a pizza shape with her skis to slow down and stop and had more strength in her legs to manage herself on her skis.

Preschool (4-5 Years)

Learning at this stage is another great entry point as they’ll have stronger legs to manoeuvre their skis, be better at controlling their speed, and know how to make a pizza to slow down and stop.

School Age Children (6+)

If you’re wondering whether you’ve “missed the boat” by waiting, this isn’t the case. Kids aged six and up often progress faster than younger ones because they have better coordination, longer attention spans, and can understand what the instructor is telling them.

Signs Your Child is Ready

They can walk confidently and don’t trip over their feet
They can tell you when something hurts or feels wrong
They’re excited about the idea

Choosing the Best Family-Friendly Ski Resorts

A family skiing looking at the view at the top of a mountain. Photo by Piotr Figlarz on Unsplash — Photo by Piotr Figlarz on Unsplash

With so many skiing resorts available, knowing which one to pick for your family ski holiday can seem a bit daunting. The best ski resorts for families don’t have to be the most expensive to get what you need. Here are the things to look out for when you’re planning your winter trip skiing with kids:

A kids ski school – if you want your kids to take ski lessons
Beginner ski slopes for kids – these tend to be at the bottom of the mountain with a magic carpet, or conveyor belt, that brings them up to the top of a gentle run
Ski childcare facilities – if you fancy getting a run or two in child-free

Favourite European Resorts

For family-friendly ski destinations in Europe, we are firm favourites of the following resorts:

Les Arcs, France: Les Arcs is amazing for families and beginners with numerous nursery slopes available. Les Arcs is also connected to La Plagne, offering 425 km of pistes, making it one of the biggest ski areas in the world. Here, there is something for everyone when you’re skiing with kids
Lech, Austria: a prime spot for those looking to learn how to ski. There are over 50 pistes, with nearly 40% being blue runs, it’s ideal for beginners. A great thing about Lech is its inclusion in the single Ski Arlberg pass, valid in St Anton, Stuben am Arlberg, St. Christoph, Zürs, Warth, Schröcken, Sonnenkopf/Klösterle, and Pettneu
Levi, Finland: a great location for beginner skiers with 43 lifts and 230 km of routes available to explore. As a family-friendly ski resort, it offers an array of attractions for children, including snow parks, adventures trails, and kid-friendly ski schools
Meribel, France: As part of the Three Valleys, Meribel is an excellent destination for beginners seeking their first family-friendly ski holiday. With plenty of ski schools, dedicated beginner zones, and reliable snow conditions, Meribel has what you need when it comes to teaching kids to ski

Ski Gear for Kids: What You Need

Skis and ski poles. Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash — Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

Having the correct children’s ski clothing for your holiday will start the holiday off right, giving your children the warmth they need. Here’s how some of the leading kids’ base layer brands compare for warmth, comfort, and value:

The Layering System

Brand Set	Material	Moisture Wicking	Sizes	Price	Buy Now
Mountain Warehouse Kids Merino II Base Layer Set	Merino	Excellent	2-13 Years	£30 – £60	Check Price
Odlo Kids Thermal Base Layer Set	Polyester	Very Good	24-36 Months 4-14 Years	£50 – £60	Check Price
ROCKY Thermal Underwear for Kids	Polyester & Spandex	Very Good	XX-Small to X-Large	$20 – $30	Check Price
Helly-Hansen Kids Unisex Graphic Lifa Merino Baselayer Set	Merino	Excellent		$80 – $100	Get Price

Depending on how cold it is, our girls might wear a mid-layer for added warmth, such as this one.

For the outer layer, we have an all-in-one snowsuit that’s waterproof and insulated. For toddler ski gear, we used this one-piece snowsuit that kept our girls warm and cosy on the mountain.

To Buy or Rent?

For ski gear for kids, we rent the skis and boots and buy everything else. Kids grow so fast that those skis and boots you bought might not fit next year. Family ski resorts have rental shops and many offer multi-day discounts on child ski equipment.

Your Buying Guide

Here’s a detailed comparison of the best kids’ ski helmets I’ve researched and recommend for families:

Helmet Model	Size	Key Features	Weight	Price	Buy Now
POC POCito Fornix	51-54cm 55-58cm	MIPS technology, ventilation, high visibility, lightweight, and adjustable	400g	$140 – $180	Check Price
Galactic MIPS Unisex Snow Helmet	54-56cm 56-58cm 59-61cm	MIPS technology, durable ABS shell, and snug adjustable fit system	580g	£88 – £110	Check Price
Salomon Orka Visor Kids Helmet	49-53cm 53-56cm 56-59cm	Integrated flash visor, custom dial adjustment system, adjustable, and lightweight	440g	£60 – £100	Check Price
Retrospec Comstock Kids Helmet	48-51cm 52-55cm	Tough ABS shell, shock-absorbing EPS foam, adjustable, and ten helmet vents		$40 – $45	Get Price

And to help you choose the right goggles, I’ve compared various children’s ski goggles across different price points:

Goggle Model	Size	Anti-Fog	UV Protection	Lens Type	Price	Buy Now
EMS Kids’ Ski Goggles	Adjustable head strap	Yes, ventilated frame	100% UV	Anti-scratch lenses that are coated to reduce sun glare	$28 – $50	Check price
Roarsome Kids Ski Goggles	Adjustable head strap	High definition anti-fog	100% UV	All weather, polarised S2 lenses	£50	Check Price
Dragon LIL D Youth Snow Goggles	Adjustable head strap	Super anti-fog coating	100% UV	Thermal formed, cylindrical lens	£30 – £47	Check Price
Giro Chico 2.0 Toddler Ski Goggles	Adjustable head strap	Anti-fog coating	100% UV	Cylindrical VIVID lenses	$28 – $32	Check Price

Ski Lessons for Children: Group vs. Private Options

Teaching a kid to ski. Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash — Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

If you have the patience and know-how, then you can always teach your kids how to ski. My partner and I didn’t go down this route as we felt it would be better for our kids to learn from a professional instructor, and here’s why:

Why Professional Instruction Matters

Kids are more likely to listen to instructors in a way that they won’t listen to parents. It’s just how it is. Plus, qualified instructors know how to make it fun and safe, and won’t teach them any bad habits you might have picked up.

Group Lessons

Most kids ski school programmes offer group lessons, with around four to eight children of similar age and ability. I take our kids to group lessons when we’re at home in the UK, down at our local ski centre. We’ve found they’ve helped massively before even getting to a ski resort.

The social aspect helps as well. There’s a bit of healthy competition, lots of games, and they make friends. Group ski lessons for children are also cheaper than private instruction.

Private Lessons

We’ve spent money on private lessons a few times, and there are definitely situations where they’re worth it:

Your child is shy or anxious
They’re progressing faster or slower than their age group
You only have a day or two and want intensive instruction
They have specific fears or challenges to work through

Private lessons cost anywhere from £50-£90 per hour depending on the resort and instructor qualifications. They’re expensive, but the one-on-one attention can give your child the push they need to advance their skills.

What to Expect

A typical kids’ lesson starts with warm-up games, then basic technique work (pizza/wedge for stopping, turning), then practicing on gentle slopes. Good instructors make it playful with games, including “chase the instructor” or “collect the flags”.

For skiing with toddlers (ages 3-4), lessons are between one to two hours because their attention span and energy are limited. Ages five to seven can handle two to three hours. Older kids can do half-day sessions.

Safety First: Keeping Kids Safe on the Slopes

A "Stay Safe" sign with a smiley face. Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash — Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Keeping your kids safe on the slopes is an important factor to consider before you go skiing with kids on your first family ski holiday.

Here Are the Essential Rules:

Every child needs to understand these basics before they’re on skis:

Stop when the instructor or parent says stop
Look uphill before starting down a slope
Stay in control
Never ski alone or wander off

Helmets

When you’re skiing with kids, a kids ski helmet should fit snugly without being tight. You should be able to fit one finger between the strap and chin. If the helmet moves when you gently push it, it’s too loose.

And make sure you replace helmets after any significant impact, even if there’s no visible damage.

Slope Etiquette

Teaching kids about slope etiquette is part of safety. The person downhill always has right of way. Don’t stop in the middle of a narrow section or just over a ridge where others can’t see you.

Cold-Related Injuries

Frostbite and hypothermia are real risks when skiing with kids. Check extremities regularly: fingers, toes, ears, nose. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Young children can’t always articulate that they’re cold, so watch for behavioural changes.

Sun Safety

Even when skiing you can get sunburnt. The UV exposure at altitude plus the reflection off the snow is intense. Apply factor 50 sunscreen to all exposed skin before you go out, and reapply every two hours.

Your children’s ski goggles should have UV protection as well. And don’t forget your lip balm with SPF protection.

If Your Child Gets Separated

Before you go out, establish a meeting point. When we’re skiing as a family, we pick the base of the lift or the ski school meeting area. Make sure your child knows the name of their resort and accommodation.

Some parents write their mobile number inside their child’s jacket. We use Apple AirTags by placing one inside our kids’ ski jackets. Bear in mind that these will only work by pinging off nearby Bluetooth signals.

Most family ski resorts have systems in place: wristbands with contact info, instructor radio networks, etc. Ask about these when you arrive.

Insurance

Get family ski holiday insurance that specifically covers winter sports. Regular travel insurance often excludes skiing. We use a specialist policy that covers medical expenses, helicopter rescue, and equipment loss.

We tend to get insurance for a year to cover any other holidays we go on, making it slightly cheaper for us. It’s about £200 for a year for our family of four, but it’s worth it for peace of mind.

Making Skiing Fun: Keeping Kids Motivated and Happy

A woman and young child sledging on the snow. Photo by Dimitar Krastev on Unsplash — Photo by Dimitar Krastev on Unsplash

When you’re skiing with kids, if they’re not having fun, everyone is going to be miserable.

Realistic Expectations

I didn’t know what to expect on our first family ski trip. I had visions of my eldest swooshing down blue runs by day three. But in reality, we stuck to the nursery slope and managed a gentle blue run with her attached to the reins. It was slow going, but she was still smiling at the end of it.

With our youngest, she didn’t like the reins and wanted to do things herself, so we didn’t get a lot of skiing done. Instead, we made snowmen and snow angels.

Managing Frustration

Kids will get frustrated. They’ll fall, they’ll be cold, they’ll see other kids doing better. When this happens, take a break. Get hot chocolate. Remind them that everyone falls, even Olympic skiers.

Sometimes you need to call it a day. If your child is overtired, cold, or just done, forcing them to continue will only create negative associations with skiing.

Other Snow Activities

Don’t make every day all about skiing. Ski mornings are best for us, just past the early morning ice, but before there are too many moguls. Then we do something else in the afternoon, like sledging, building snowmen, swimming in the hotel pool, or just resting and watching a film.

Most family-friendly ski destinations have loads of non-skiing activities. Mix it up, and remember, it’s your kids’ holiday, too.

Planning Your Ski Day Schedule with Kids

A child learning to ski. Photo by Lumière Rezaie on Unsplash — Photo by Lumière Rezaie on Unsplash

The schedule that works for skiing with teenagers is different from skiing with toddlers. Here’s a rough guide of what you can expect when you’re skiing with kids:

For Young Children (Ages 3-6)

8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Get dressed (allow 30-45 minutes)
9:45 AM: Arrive at the ski school meeting point
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Ski lesson
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Quiet time, nap, or snow play
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Swimming, sledging, or other activities
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:30 PM: Bed

For School-Age Children (Ages 7-12)

8:30 AM: Breakfast
9:30 AM: On the slopes
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Skiing (lessons or with parents)
12:30 PM: Lunch break
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: More skiing or alternative activity
4:00 PM: Hot chocolate and chill
6:00 PM: Dinner
8:30 PM: Bed

Morning vs. Afternoon

Morning skiing is better for our kids. They’re fresher, slopes are less crowded, and the snow is in better condition. By afternoon, they’re tired and the slopes are busier.

That said when you’re skiing with kids and your child isn’t a morning person, don’t force it. A grumpy, half-awake kid on skis is not safe or fun.

How Long Should Kids Ski?

Toddlers: 1-2 hours with frequent breaks
Ages 5-7: 2-3 hours with breaks
Ages 8-12: 3-4 hours, split into morning and afternoon sessions
Teenagers: Can usually handle full days, but still need breaks

Snacks and Hydration

Kids burn massive amounts of energy skiing. Pack high-energy snacks, including cereal bars, trail mix, fruit, chocolate. We keep snacks in our pockets and offer them every hour or so.

Hydration is important, too. Kids need to drink, but then they need the loo, which in full ski gear is tricky, but manageable. I ask regularly, making a point to ask when we’re near a restaurant on the mountain.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Foggy skiing conditions. Photo by Mihály Köles on Unsplash — Photo by Mihály Köles on Unsplash

Regardless of how many times you go skiing with kids there will be challenges to overcome. Here are a few and how to overcome them:

“I’m Too Cold!”

This is the number one complaint. Sometimes they’re genuinely cold, sometimes they’re tired or bored and cold is how they express it.

Check their extremities. If their hands and feet are cold, warm them up immediately. Hand warmers in gloves and boots help. We used these rechargeable hand warmers on our last skiing holiday and found they did the job well.

Toilet Troubles

This can be one of the worst parts of skiing with kids.

Strategies: Go before you leave. Go again before lessons start, when you stop for lunch, and before you head down the mountain.

Not Wanting to Ski

Some mornings you’re kids won’t want to ski, which is understandable. If you’re skiing for a week, skiing everyday can feel tiring for them.

Try not to push it too much. Do something else in the morning and in the afternoon see if they want to get out for a quick run before the lifts close. Don’t worry too much if they don’t ski everyday, having a day break will help give their legs a much-needed rest.

Final Thoughts on Skiing with Kids

Skiing with kids is one of those experiences that creates memories you’ll treasure for years to come. Yes, it requires planning, patience, and a bit of investment, but watching your children gain confidence, overcome challenges, and experience the thrill of gliding down a snowy slope makes every bit of effort worthwhile.

Remember, the key to a successful family ski holiday isn’t perfection; it’s about setting realistic expectations, prioritising safety and fun over performance, and celebrating every small victory along the way. Whether your little one manages just one run or conquers a blue slope by the end of the week, you’re giving them an incredible gift: the confidence to try new things and the joy of outdoor adventure.

For more outdoor inspiration, check out our related guides:

Happy skiing!

Have you found this skiing with kids guide useful? Are you planning any family ski holidays? Where are you going? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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