Why Easter is perfect for a family ski trip

Tailor-made specialist, Ski Safari, sells more Easter family ski holidays than Christmas, New Year and half term combined. We asked Andy Hemmingway, one of its product managers, why he believes it’s the perfect time for families to ski and to recommend three resorts that are ideal for an Easter family ski break. This is what he had to say…

"Travelling during the Easter holidays offers a host of benefits. Many resorts are classed as being in ‘low season’ in late March and April, therefore the slopes are quieter and families like this. The Easter skiing experience is kinder on the wallet too, with competitive accommodation deals and lift pass prices, plus many resorts have kids ski free offers over Easter which don’t apply over Christmas or New Year. And, of course, timing is key. If your child’s school breaks up one or two days earlier than the majority, then families can enjoy further savings on flights. We’ve identified that families can save up to 50% on the same holidays by travelling over Easter.

Additionally, with Easter holidays usually lasting two-weeks, it opens up flexibility of departure and options for longer stays. Finally, the warmer temperatures make Easter a perfect time of year to combine a ski holiday with a city stay, while the spring sunshine and good historical snow records over Easter in recent years mean perfect conditions on the slopes too!

I’ve travelled over Easter with my family for the last four years – not just for the greater value, but because the quieter slopes and sunshine and snow combined means happier kids. Nothing beats barbecuing your lunch outside, Scandi-style, before hitting the slopes again in the afternoon!"

Andy’s top picks:

Easter Chicks in Switzerland
Enjoy the warmer weather and bluebird days of Easter skiing in Laax, with high-altitude slopes and a large ski area with a great snow record which, not surprisingly, ranks Laax as one of Europe’s most snow-sure resorts (70cm of snowfall in April 2019 and an annual average April snow base of 2.85 metres). The conveniently-located accommodation, hugely efficient lift system, comprehensive ski programmes for kids (including those under four years old) and the unique Freestyle Academy comprising trampolines and bag jump landings are just a few of the reasons it is such a hit. It also offers fantastic value over the Easter peak period. Plus, while Christmas and half term are usually in high demand when the whole of Europe is on school holidays, Easter is much more relaxed.

How much? Seven nights’ stay at the 4*+ Peaks Place for two adults and two children under 12 sharing a two-bedroom apartment on a self-catering basis, departing 5 April 2020, costs from £705pp. Price includes scheduled flights and Swiss rail transfers.

Luxury Family Ski
Few resorts in North America can rival Snowmass as a family ski destination. It combines ski-in ski-out accommodation with blissfully quiet slopes, incredibly reliable snow, fun family activities and a very long season (70cm of snowfall in first two weeks of April 2019 and an annual average April snow base of two metres). It also has a huge amount of intermediate terrain and some of the best value ski lessons available, plus kids age 12 and under ski free. The compact resort base with its big mountain facilities means that time off the slopes is very easy too. A new base, which opened this season, has an ice rink, firepits, shops and restaurants and a farmer’s market, giving the resort a contemporary village atmosphere.

How much? Nine nights’ stay at the 5* Limelight Hotel Snowmass for two adults and two children under 12 sharing a Grand Deluxe Room (two Queen beds) on a bed & breakfast basis, departing 7 April 2020, costs from £1,095pp (kids 12 and under ski free with same day rental package). Prices include scheduled flights and car hire.

Scandi Chic Ski Holiday
Stoten is the northernmost ski resort in the Salen mountain range This makes it perfect for Easter as while it’s low lying in altitude compared to better-known resorts in the Alps, it’s all about the latitude here. The resort regularly runs through until late April with plenty of the white stuff (the first two weeks of April last season delivered 80cm of snow). The resort has a simple philosophy – putting guests first – and it really works. The staff want to make sure everyone has a great time and returns soon and they’ve added some really nice touches, such as offering a warm drink (free of charge) at the base of the lifts. Stoten boasts 45 kilometres of slopes which are refreshingly quiet, even during peak weeks. It’s the perfect resort for building confidence, as it’s easy to ski from the top to the bottom on a variety of wide and uncrowded runs. Everything is easy access, from the accommodation based around the main square with ski rental, lifts, ski school, the pool complex (free with your lift pass!), family-friendly restaurants and the supermarket no more than five minutes apart. Off the slopes, there are plenty of activities to try, ideal for kids, from sledging to sleigh rides.

How much? Seven nights’ stay at the new 4* Pistbyn Apartments for two adults and two children under 12 sharing a three bedroom apartment on a self-catered basis, departing 28 March 2020, costs from £699pp (six-day lift pass: £158, children 7-17 years £132 and six and under £6). Prices include scheduled flights and transfers.