Half Term Family Ski Holidays – Book Early To Avoid Disappointment

Do you remember those good old days when parents could take their children skiing and snowboarding during school term time? Schools also organised their own ski trips during term time to take advantage of the cheaper costs.

This all changed In England in September 2013, when an amendment to The Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations made it effectively illegal for parents to take their children out of school for holidays during term time without special permission. Schools were put off term time holidays because of other regulations that were introduced.

This has restricted family ski and snowboard trips to the traditional winter and easter school holiday times and half term.

February half term has become an extremely popular time for families to go away skiing together. The demand means costs have increased, but there are still plenty of options where you can keep the costs down if you know where to look – and the experts at Ski Line can certainly help you with this.

There are several key attractions and features to look out for to ensure your family ski trip is a success, particularly if your children are beginners.

Beginner-friendly slopes and reliable ski schools

If children are new to skiing, resorts with wide, gentle blue and green runs, plus dedicated children’s ski zones, are an attractive option. For example, La Plagne in France offers extensive beginner terrain and have awards for its family-friendly infrastructure.

Childcare and kids’ clubs

If children are too young to hit the slopes, holiday companies and resorts that have creches, kids-clubs, or in-chalet babysitting/nanny services make it much easier for parents to go skiing and snowboarding or those who just want a chance to relax.

Other activities

The chance to go sledging and tobogganing, swimming and ice skating, and other fun activities enables children to enjoy times when they are not in lessons. Parents can switch between skiing and other activities.

Snow reliability and altitude

Resorts located at higher altitudes or have good snow-making capacity reduce the risk of limited skiing and snowboarding, or in the worst-case scenario, no skiing or snowboarding due to lack of snow cover over half term.

Short transfers

Long transfers from the arrival airport to your chosen resort are not a lot of fun for children – or their parents, for that matter. Consider a ski area with a short transfer time.

Value for money

Half-term is a busy period in ski resorts during the winter months, and this is reflected by higher prices for flights, accommodation, etc. Parents on a budget should consider some of the lesser-known resorts, which are often cheaper and are more relaxed. It’s worth keeping an eye out for those offering deals on lift passes, ski school, equipment hire, etc. If you want to know exactly how much it is going to cost you, before committing to a holiday, consider an all-inclusive option such as Club Med or something similar.

Here are three ski areas that offer the components needed for a memorable family holiday, but these are just examples. There are plenty of resorts that are ideal for a family ski and snowboard holiday during half term, and to make sure you choose the right one for you, speak to the experts at Ski Line. Early booking for half-term is recommended.

La Plagne, France

La Plagne, part of Paradiski in France, has been certified as a ‘Famille Plus’ ski area because of its family-friendly facilities. There is plenty of family-oriented accommodation of all kinds. The large ski domain means there are plenty of easier runs for young children to enjoy as well as more challenging slopes for parents and older children, if they want them.

Zell am See & Kaprun, in Austria

There are stories of some Austrian children strapping on a pair of skis before they are even out of nappies, but you don’t have to start your kids this early. Zell am See and Kaprun have special kids’ fun zones, such as Maisi Park, where younger children can enjoy the snow through play. For those wanting to ski or snowboard, there are plenty of English-speaking instructors. Hotel accommodation has usually been owned and run by the same family for many decades, and they offer a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the larger hotels.

Soldeu, Andorra

Soldeu in the Grandvalira area of Andorra does require a lengthy transfer, but this is more than made up for by the value for money you get. As well as excellent instruction for youngsters, there is a dedicated children’s snow garden for those aged between 3 – 5 years old. There is a good choice of easy and beginner terrain.

February half-term dates for England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland are all the same this season. The dates are Monday, 16 February to Friday, 20 February 2026. To find out more about half-term ski holidays and the accommodation available through Ski Line, click contact Ski Line by phone or through the chat facility on the website and speak to one of the experts. If you want to know more about the resorts above, click on the names of the ski areas.