The Essentials That Make a Family Friendly Ski Resort

If you are preparing to go on a family ski holiday this winter, then you need to make sure that you have done your research and book up a resort that is a family-friendly one.

There is an array of fundamentals that make up a family friendly resort and here we give beginners and experts alike a guide to what they should look out for before booking the resort they are going to ski or snowboard at.

Ski areas

Before booking up your ski or snowboard holiday for this season you need to check the different kinds of pistes that are at the resorts.

The best resorts will have a good variety of ski areas with black runs for the expert skiers, blue runs for beginners and the more challenging red runs for the intermediate skiers available.

Some of the top resorts will have all three types of runs such as Alpe d'Huez and Saas Fee.

Ski Schools

If you are going on a skiing holiday with children that have never skied before or anyone that is a beginner then you must check out the resorts ski schools.

Most resorts will provide group and private tuition for skiers of all ages and will have designated areas for children and families to learn the ropes of skiing or snowboarding.

Another point to check for is that the resort you are looking at visiting this winter has day care available for the younger members of the family.

Off piste

What's on offer off the slopes is just as important as what is on offer on the slopes.

All the best European ski resorts offer a range of family entertainment and even have activities to keep the younger members of families occupied. This can include cinemas, bowling and restaurants and bars.

Another vital off piste thing to look at is the accommodation that is available. Most resorts will have superb family ski chalets on offer that will feel like a home from home, but you need to also look out for any last-minute deals that are on offer.

Check out the ski conditions

Probably the most important aspect of a skiing holiday is the skiing conditions. So if you have not booked up your winter breakaway then you should check out the snow forecasts for the upcoming winter season.

A number of resorts in Europe have already this year been boasting early snowfalls and some resorts in Switzerland and France have even unexpectedly opened selected lifts this month.

After the record-breaking season for snow in Europe last season, the early heavy snowfalls suggest that this season could be even better.

Best Indoor Ski Slopes for Practicing Before Your Family Skiing Holiday

Skiing is a fun but difficult hobby, especially as white Christmases in England are few and far between. So, if you want to practice your skills before heading to the Alps, here are some of the best indoor ski slopes in the country.

The Snow Centre

The Snow Centre is based just north-west of London in Hemel Hempstead and is renowned as one of the country's best winter sports facilities. The centre has an extensive 160 metre long slope that gains its alpine quality from snow cannon which incorporates the very latest technology in the industry.

The centre has its own snow school that is accredited by the British Association of Snowsport Instructors, so whether it is your children or yourself looking to brush up on your skills before your holiday, you know you will always receive the very best training.

Chill Factore

The north's answer to the alpine slopes comes in the form of Manchester's Chill Factore, consisting of four separate areas to cater for all skill levels. Chill Factore is home to the longest indoor slope in the country; at 180 metres long, it is a huge attraction for some of the best skiers and snowboarders in the UK.

If you need a break from skiing there are other activities too that include the 60 metre long luge slide and an indoor climbing wall.

SnowDome

Tamworth's SnowDome has not one but two Snow Academy slopes, so there is plenty of time and space to learn to ski so you really make the most of your upcoming holiday. For the more confident of skiers, the centre holds freestyle sessions every Tuesday and Saturday, when adrenaline junkies can try their hand at rails, kicker ramps and boxers.

There is also a swimming pool and bar for when you need a break from the slopes, as well as an ice rink and tobogganing facilities.

SNO!zone

With two locations, one in Milton Keynes and the other in Braehead, Scotland, SNO!zone covers all bases. Each centre is home to over 1,500 tonnes of real snow - so there is plenty to get to grips with - and both have great snow schools to teach all the basics as well as cool tricks before you take to the mountains.

As close as you'll get to the real thing, SNO!zone, at both locations, offers a real skiing and snowboarding experience that is perfect practice for any skiing holiday.