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ski planning

How to plan a family Christmas ski holiday

Why choose a family Christmas ski holiday?

For many, there is nothing more special than a white Christmas spent with your loved ones. Ski resorts are magical, even more so at Christmas. Family Christmas ski holidays are a wonderful way to enjoy some additional special family time. Worried about missing Santa? Many ski resorts have their very own Father Christmas who is on hand to ensure everyone gets into the spirit. 

Best family-friendly resorts for Christmas ski trips

Obergurgl is an incredible family-friendly resort. It boasts quiet slopes with great terrain for all ability levels. If a ski resort is too busy, it can affect your holiday. No one wants to spend more time queuing for lifts than cruising down the slopes. The high altitude gives you picture perfect backdrops and it’s impossible to not feel cosy when the town is decked out in beautiful festive lighting. 

Val d’Isère may just be the ultimate family Christmas ski holiday, their ‘Enchanted Christmas’ runs 23rd-29th December. Here families will find an incredible range of festivities to enjoy. If you’re lucky enough to be there on Christmas Day, the ESF ski school puts on an extravaganza for spectators. It’s topped off with fireworks, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. 

Wherever you choose, check if the terrain will be suitable for all your family.

How to plan your trip?

Booking a ski trip during school holidays requires planning. Limited availability in resorts can lead to higher prices. It is best to book 9-12 months in advance when you’ll have your pick of accomodation and can secure some of the best deals. 

Deciding between a chalet and a hotel is a personal decision based on your family’s needs. Chalets can be a great option for a comforting homely feeling, with stockings hung up above the fire and your dining table decked out with Christmas day comforts. Hotels can be a great way to get pampered whilst you celebrate.

Christmas can feel like a busy and stressful time, that’s why package holidays can offer a relaxing way to escape. Letting a professional plan and book your family Christmas ski holiday completely relieves the pressure. 

How to pack?

Packing for a trip can be an art form. Packing for a family ski trip is no different, balancing packing the essentials whilst also leaving enough room to bring the contents of Santa’s sleigh. Booking extra luggage can be a shrewd way to make sure there are no tears on the big day. 
December can be a cold month so dressing for the weather is a must. Merino wool layers are a great way to keep warm. It’s always handy to have a packing list for your trips. Don’t forget your Christmas jumpers and Santa’s hats as you don’t want to be the only ones not looking festive.

family christmas ski holiday - mayrhofen 2024
Categories
ski planning

5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Family Ski Trip

Planning your first family ski holiday is exciting—but without a little guidance, it’s easy to make avoidable mistakes. Here are five common pitfalls to watch out for before hitting the slopes.

1. Not Booking Lessons Early:
Ski schools fill up fast, especially during half-term. Always book lessons well in advance to secure spots for the whole family.

2. Choosing the Wrong Resort:
A resort that’s too advanced or lacks beginner zones can lead to frustration. Look for resorts like Zell am See or Saalbach which offer family-friendly amenities and beginner slopes.

3. Underestimating Cold Weather:
First-timers often pack too little. Layer up with thermal gear and ensure everyone has good gloves, socks, and waterproof clothing.

4. Ignoring Rest Time:
Children especially will tire quickly in the cold. Schedule downtime and avoid pushing too hard—fun should come first.

5. Not Planning Activities Off the Slopes:
Not every family member may want to ski every day. Choose resorts with off-slope activities like sledging, spas, and family pools.

A successful family ski holiday is all about preparation and choosing the right destination. Get the basics right, and you’ll be setting the stage for a winter holiday everyone will remember.

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Uncategorized

Why Austrian Ski Resorts Are Ideal for Beginners

Austria is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, and it’s especially welcoming to beginners looking to take their first turns on the slopes. If you’re new to skiing or planning your first winter getaway, Austria offers a fantastic combination of gentle terrain, affordable ski schools, and picture-perfect alpine villages.

Resorts like Alpbach, Obergurgl, and Mayrhofen are known for their excellent beginner zones, reliable snow, and friendly English-speaking instructors. These resorts often feature wide, well-groomed pistes and beginner lifts separate from the main ski areas, allowing learners to build confidence at their own pace.

Affordable group lessons are readily available, making Austria an accessible destination for those testing the waters. Many ski schools offer week-long beginner packages, ideal for families and couples learning together. Off the slopes, Austrian hospitality shines through with cosy accommodation, warm traditional meals, and a laid-back après-ski atmosphere.

Austria also appeals to those planning a family ski holiday, offering everything from sledging parks to childcare services. Resorts like Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis are specially designed with family zones, making them ideal for young learners.

Whether you’re an adult trying skiing for the first time or a parent introducing your kids to the sport, Austria’s beginner-friendly resorts create the perfect environment to fall in love with the mountains.

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Reviews

Faction Prodigy 2 Review

What skis should I buy is probably the question I see asked most online. I wish there was one perfect answer but when you’re buying skis, you have to know what you’re wanting to get out of them.

I like playful skiing, whether it’s a side hit, powder, or a mogol run. I love getting down the mountain in weird and wonderful ways. With a strong background in freestyle skiing and freeride skiing, I like to be in the air or floating through snow.

I needed an all-mountain ski that I could trust. After speaking with some skiers who like to ski in the same style as me, I knew the Faction Prodigy 2‘s were for me. Being 98mm at the waist they’re stable in the air and float through most powder you’re gonna find in the Alps.

I have Marker Gryphons mounted on my disco sticks. My Factions Prodigy 2 skis have probably been one of my best ski purchases. At under 100mm they still have the radius to short turn and feel very nice on the carve.

If you’re a mogul skier, these skis will not disappoint. They just excel at fun skiing at high speed. I found the radius allowed me to cut through mogul fields in a playful way.

Faction skis are so incredible in the park. I like a wider ski in the park, prior to my factions I loved the Bent 100’s. My prodigy 2’s have been down the jib line in Penken Park