January 28th, 2018 | Updated on April 15th, 2024
If you’ve enjoyed skiing trips before you had children, you were probably waiting the day your youngsters can finally hit the slopes. And just because you’re taking your little ones on the trip, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time.
We are going to look at a few resorts, which will allow you and your family to experience a proper winter and have a time of your life.
And if you still haven’t booked a trip for your family, fear not friends. Simply visit skiarmadillo.com and look at some of their last-minute offers, and you’ll definitely find a trip that suits the needs of both you and your family.
Enough about that, let’s move on the main attraction…
Best Winter Activity Holiday Ideas
1. Val Thorens
The first place we have on our list is a resort in the French Trois Vallees area that also includes Les Menuries, Courchevel and Maribel.
The place is covered with snow from November to May, which means your holiday will be much more affordable if you opt for Val Thorens.
Best Activities:
- Dynafit – this is a night hike, it’s mostly meant for teenagers
- E-Fat Bike rides – you can rent one of these electric snow bikes and explore the mountains
- Yurt Dinners – children older than 10 can enjoy a unique dinner in an authentic Yurt
2. Arc 1950
Next up, we have a more luxurious option that will cost you a pretty penny, however, since the resort offers so much fun activities, trust us – it’s worth every dime.
Arc is actually a part of the world-renown Les Arcs. The five-star resort overlooks Mont-Blanc and if you’re looking for some more intense activities, you’re in the right place.
Best Activities:
- Air boarding – you and your children can go down the slope on an air-inflated board
- Snowball fights – the resort has a huge snow-fighting arena, filled with obstacles
- Biathlon games – this is a popular laser-tag game you can play on the slopes
3. Avoriaz
Our last resorts is situated on the cliffs above Morzine, and just a few years ago, it was voted the best ski resort for families in France.
You can say that we saved the best for last. Avoriaz is suitable for skiers of all abilities, and will provide you access to Switzerland.
In addition to skiing, the place also has great spas that will help you unwind for a few hours. Some of the most exciting activities include:
- Archery Tag – a game similar to paintball that uses bow and arrows instead
- Inuit camp tour – a place that allows you to explore igloos and go dogsledding
- Snowmoto – rent one of these vehicles and race around the course with the kids
4. Hossa National Park
Hossa is a legend in Finland. It is an important natural forest area and is widely known for its bright waters.
In Hossa you will find suitable trails for mountain biking as well as hiking – over 90 kilometres altogether.
You could easily hike for a week. Routes are marked clearly, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost.
You can get maps for the area from the nature centre, and local guides will advise you on an interesting route suitable for your needs.
Best Activities:
- Snowshoe expedition in Hossa National Park
- Ride a sledge pulled by a team of huskies
- See the Northern Lights
- Build an igloo
- Learn winter survival skills
5. Tatra Mountains
Tatra Mountains differ from the Alps for sure in respect of their lengthiness. At similar peak heights (circa 2300 metres) the mountain range is very short and narrow.
The length of Tatra Mountains as the crow flies amounts to 53 kilometres, whereas the length along the main ridge on almost entire length both along the tourist route as well as the border between Poland and Slovakia, 80 kilometres.
Because the whole area of the mountains is protected by Poland and Slovakia in national parks it is not possible to cross ridge on other way than on foot or in winter on ski.
However, It is possible to round Tatra Mountains on a bicycle.
This trip is about 230 km long and due to stunning views belongs among the most beautiful in Europe.
Tatra Mountains have been the most popular destination of wanders for more than 150 years. Both in Polish and Slovak part the chain of tourist shelters and ski slopes is well developed.
Best Activities:
- Skiing & snowboarding in the Tatras
- Take a horse & cart ride from Zdiar
- Relax in the thermal pools in Bukowina
- Husky sledding in the stunning Velka Fatra
- Optional visit to caves & villages
6. Fjords of Norway
With more than 1,000 fjords in Norway, 10 of which are frequented regularly by cruise ships, it’s not surprising that tourists wonder where to go and which fjords to see.
The Lysefjord is the southernmost of the fjords in Western Norway. Here, you’ll find several famous destinations, for example the viewing points of Kjerag and Preikestolen. They can be reached on a day trip from the nearby city of Stavanger.
The second longest fjord in Norway stretches from the Atlantic Ocean just south of Bergen and all the way to the Hardangervidda mountain plateau in the middle of the country.
The Hardangerfjord is a national icon, partly due to the incredible springtime flourishing of an abundance of hillside apple trees.
Its most important and longest side arms are the Sørfjord and the Eidfjord, and it is lined with historic industrial towns like Odda.
Best Activities:
- Take the scenic Flam Railway through the heart of Norway
- Ride a RIB boat through the fjords
- Enjoy snowshoeing in a winter wonderland
- Cook a traditional dinner with a local family
- Visit a Viking village
- Go snow racing in the mountains
7. Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe are comprised of small cities and towns located in California and Nevada.
The south shore includes South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Stateline, Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Emerald Bay, and the Markleeville and Kirkwood areas.
South Lake Tahoe is the largest city around Lake Tahoe with a permanent resident population of just over 21,000 people.
The community has all the amenities and services you would find in a comparably sized destination where prices are geared for locals and not tourists, unlike standalone resort destinations.
The main draw of the south shore is the downtown area. On the Nevada side of the downtown area are four casinos resorts: Harrah’s; Harveys; MontBleu; and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
On the California side is the large pedestrian-friendly Heavenly Village which is filled with restaurants, shops, bars, live outdoor music, and the Heavenly Gondola, which runs almost year-round.
The south shore is more popular among those looking for exciting entertainment and nightlife experiences.
The main difference to the north is that the south shore of Lake Tahoe is filled with bars, many with live music, and the casinos appeal to the 24-hour crowd looking to dance all night in their clubs and ultra lounges.
Dining options abound from American to Chinese, Japanese to Vietnamese, and Italian to Thai.
8. Svalbard
The Svalbard islands halfway between Norway and the North Pole lies in the middle of the Arctic Ocean.
Here you can explore untouched Arctic wilderness and distinctive wildlife in a landscape that is both rugged and fragile.
From early spring until autumn the midnight sun makes for an eternal day, but during the polar night from November to February, there is no daylight in Longyearbyen.
This attracts people from all over the world to experience the northern lights dancing across the sky.
Best Activities:
- Choose from a selection of northern light excursions
- Go dog sledding and snowmobiling
- Try glacial ice caving and snowshoeing
- Go aurora hunting in the Arctic wilderness
9. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach dazzles with impeccable beaches and inviting waters. Besides the beaches, there is Clearwater Beach’s inviting, small-town atmosphere.
At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you will find Winter the Dolphin, star of the “Dolphin Tale” movies.
Winter swims with a prosthetic tail and the movies about her triumphs have struck a chord with adults and children who identify with the dolphin’s struggles.
10. Manali
A gift of the Himalayas to the world, Manali is a beautiful township nestled in the picturesque Beas River valley in India.
It is a rustic enclave known for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains, offering respite to tourists escaping scorching heat of the plains.
The tourism industry in Manali started booming only in the early 20th century, mainly because of its natural bounties and salubrious climate.
Once a sleepy village, the modern town cocooned in its rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions is now one of the most popular destinations of India.
The place is a classic blend of peace and tranquility which makes it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, who want to get off the main tourist trails and experience nature up close.
Final Thoughts
Of course, even non-skiers can have some fun on your next trip. Besides skiing, all of these destinations offer activities like air boarding, sledding and dogsledding – just to name a few. Lastly, if you want to have some time off and relax by zooming down the mountain, you can easily find a nanny at your resort, to take care of your children for a few hours while you’re out.
