Home Destinations The Best Ski Holidays with Small Kids

The Best Ski Holidays with Small Kids

by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande

Anyone who has had incredibly adept children zoom past them on black slopes will know that it is almost never too early to start teaching kids to ski. It can be a little bit more complicated picking out the very best places to get them on those nursery slopes for the first time. It’s sometimes even harder to make sure all that learning and exercise still feels like a vacation.

Fortunately,

there are four beautiful European destinations where those little darlings are perfectly catered for night and day.

 

Set in the hauntingly lovely setting of the South Tyrol, within the Dolomites mountain range, the San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge combines history and grandeur with a surprisingly family-friendly vibe. An impeccably converted former hunting lodge for local Italian nobility, it is enviably located for winter sports. The exceptional Dolomiti Superski area is just a fifteen-minute drive away, and offers a breath-taking introduction to the piste as well as catering for all abilities. The lodge itself is a child’s dream, including a room with wooden bunk beds, a whirlpool bath, DVD player and games. Useful amenities such as baby equipment and kids’ meals are available upon request. The onsite helipad is another notable attraction, as is the eighteen-hole golf course.

San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge, a kids’ paradise

Italy also boasts the luxurious Baita 1697 property. Nestled in Pattemouche, a settlement in the picturesque Piemonte region, adults will appreciate the influence of renowned interior designer Lucie McCullough. Lucie has restored and modernised the seventeenth century former farmhouse to an incredible spec, including many details that the younger guests will adore. There is a children’s dorm for six little guests to enjoy raucous sleepovers, as well as a media room and hot tub. Winter activity options for kids are plentiful, with access to private ski instructors, a nearby ice rink and snowshoeing. There is even a fun skidoo track running from the village up to the Sestriere ski area.

Baita, the kids’ “dorm”

One of France’s very best family ski offerings is the landmark Maison Blanche et Verte. Boasting a commanding position with panoramic village views, it is situated in Châtel, Portes du Soleil, which is Europe’s largest ski zone. The “Swiss Wall” ski run may be legendary amongst adrenalin junkies, but the gentle slopes of Les Gets are perfect for little learners. The property’s facilities have been thoughtfully, intelligently structured to create a luxurious and pampering family environment. With bedrooms and living areas laid out in different wings, children’s often alternative body clocks need not offer disruption. There is a mezzanine area for toddlers to play, and a fabulous private cinema complete with popcorn holders. Children can have bespoke meals too.

Maison Blanche et Verte, the indoor pool

It is no surprise that Switzerland has an exceptional ski property for all ages. Residence La Tour de Supercrans is an awe-inspiring duplex apartment in Crans-Montana, Valais. It is set within the most prestigious building in the town, designed by Modernist masters Ellenberg and Bornet. Children will find the huge indoor swimming pool a delight, as well as the sky terrace, golf course and tennis. The municipality of Crans-Montana, which was only formed by merging several territories on New Year’s Day 2017, has some of Switzerland’s best skiing. Its famously wide and gentle nursery slopes are excellent for nervous little novices, and a great place to build their skills and confidence.

La Tour de Supercrans, indoor pool

Kids will be showing off their snowplough in no time in all four of these destinations, before the whole family heads back to enjoys the properties’ superb après-ski facilities.

By Phileas French, Travel Writer