It is a huge help when all the little extras can be booked before leaving the UK, such as ski school, child care, rentals & lift tickets so we have put together a quick pick of some of our favourite family ski resorts where everything can be done before you go, leaving you just to enjoy the snow.

1. Avoriaz, France A short transfer from Geneva and a car free centre makes Avoriaz a firm favourite with families. The centre of Avoriaz provides plenty of terrain for beginners to get started, with plenty of green & blues runs on which to gain confidence and experience. Everything is close at hand in Avoriaz, wherever you stay you should be able to ski to your door meaning no long walks carrying several pairs of skis!

Remember kids rent free in Avoriaz thanks to our exclusive offer - more info

Top Family Tip: The Villages des Enfants, which takes children from 3 years is hugely popular, with extensive facilities on an off the slopes. Recommended Family Accommodation:

Les Balcons du Soleil Apartments, Avoriaz

  • Direct access to the ski area and lifts
  • Children's area located in the Saskia building
  • Close proximity to restaurants & shops & easy access to ski school meeting points.
 

2. La Plagne, France La Plagne has long been recognised as a perfect family resort and this continues to be true thanks to the superb ski in/ ski out locations of high quality accommodation, wide open pistes for beginners alongside some outstanding off piste and with most of the 7 satellite villages having both non-ski & ski kindergartens child care is well and truly taken care of.

Remember kids rent free in La Plagne thanks to our exclusive offer - more info

Top Family Tip: Thanks to the gondolas located at Plagne Centre & Plagne Bellecote families of all standards can meet at the top of the mountain to share the views and lunch. Recommended Family Accommodation:

Residence Les Hauts Bois, Aime La Plagne.

  • Direct access to the slopes
  • Indoor swimming pool at no extra cost
  • Large spacious luxury apartments
 

3. Panorama, British Columbia Panorama is a car-free village with slope side lodgings and an excellent hot tub complex at the base of the mountain, making it an ideal family destination. There are also regular kids' themed nights which mean you can head out for a nice relaxing dinner whilst they use up their last energy!

Panorama is offering kids up to 18 ski & rent free all season alongside 50% discount on lodging and transfers!

Top Family Tip: If you want to try something different then Toby Creek Adventures offers a whole host of activities to keep everyone happy from snowmobiling to dog sledding. Children from 5 yrs can participate. Contact your Ski Independence rep in resort to book your trip and receive a discount on activities. Recommended Family Accommodation:

Gold Premium Condos & Townhouses

  • Ski in/ ski out location
  • Adjacent to the Panorama Springs water park.
  • Large spacious condos with fully equipped kitchens
 

4. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado With the addition of the Snowmass Recreation Center, a 18,000 sqft of indoor space of pure fun,  the new Snowmass base is a haven for families! Within the Recreation Center there is the new Treehouse Kids Adventure Center which stands as the first of its kind in the snowsports industry, boasting a family-friendly climbing gym, teen activities, kids' retail and a host of themed rooms for ages eight weeks and older. The Treehouse is easily accessible from anywhere in Snowmass with short-term and underground parking, free shuttle buses & ski-in/ski-out access on Fanny Hill.

If you book by 15 Jan, kids will ski & rent for free!

Top Family Tip: Use the Kids Mountain Guide to find trails marked specifically for kids' like Fort Frog, a children's adventure center featuring a western- style fort, Screamin' Eagle run or Grouse Grove. Recommended Family Accommodation:

Capitol Peaks Lodge, Snowmass

  • Perfect ski in/ ski out location in the new Snowmass base village
  • Close to the new Treehouse Kids Adventure Center
  • High quality spacious condos.
 

5. Tremblant, Quebec Tremblant is eastern Canada's leading resort and is very popular with families for several reasons. The first is the shorter flight from the UK compared to the western Canadian resorts, resulting in less jet lag and quicker adjustment to the time zone. Also, Tremblant is a charming purpose built resort so that everything has been built for your convenience, wherever you are staying in resort.

Tremblant are offering kids ski & rent for free for the 09/10 season.

Top Family Tip: If you don't feel like skiing or snowboarding then mosey over to the Aquaclub La Source, where kids will love the Tarzan rope swing and you can unwind in the eucalyptus steam baths and hot tubs. Recommended Family Accommodation:

Hilton Homewood Suites, Tremblant

  • Located at the top of the pedestrian village in a superb ski in/ ski out location
  • Offers a great 1 bedroom loft unit which is perfect for families
  • Complimentary breakfast for all guests
 

6. Whistler, British Columbia Everything in Whistler is designed with families in mind, whether it is kids only area on Whistler Mountain perfect for building up confidence, the timings of the ski school lessons to work with adult lessons or the wealth of other activities that can keep everyone busy on and off the slopes. The Peak 2 Peak gondola opened in 2008/09 which has made movement between the two mountains as easy as 1,2,3.

If you book before 15 Dec 09, kids can ski & rent for free in Whistler all season!

Top Family Tip: If you want to try something different then head to Wild Play, a new aerial asault course suitable for all ages. Recommended Family Accomodation:

Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler

  • Ultimate ski in/ ski out location on Whistler mountain
  • Steps away from the kids ski school check in
  • Home to the Westin Kids Club which takes kids from 18 months.

If you require any further information on any of these resorts or would like some further ideas, then please do not hesitate to contact the reservations team on 0131 243 8097 or email [email protected].

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