According To YOU GOV Research By VIP SKI Parents Put Off By Easily Solved Concerns
Family ski holidays should conjure images of crisp alpine mornings, cocoa stained cheeks and tired but happy children flopping into chalet bunks. But for many parents, that dream never makes it off the drawing board.
According to new YOU GOV* research by VIP SKI, a striking 80% of parents say they have concerns about taking their children on a ski trip. Top of the worry list? Whether the ski area will be child friendly. More than a third (34%) of parents named this as their biggest hesitation.
Other key concerns included the risk of added costs for things like ski school, lift passes, equipment and insurance (31%), and safety on the slopes (30%) with specific mentions of features like magic carpets and safety fencing.
Over a quarter of parents also admitted they weren’t sure if ski schools would cater well to their child’s age or ability, while 26% flagged the lack of alternative entertainment if skiing didn’t hit the mark.
Parents’ top concerns about booking a ski holiday with their kids
|
Concerns about booking ski holiday with kids |
Percentage of parents |
|
Whether the ski areas are child-friendly |
34% |
|
Extra expenses for children adding up (e.g. lift passes, ski school, equipment rental, childcare, insurance) |
31% |
|
If there are adequate safety measures in place (like magic carpets, fencing and soft barriers) |
30% |
|
Whether the ski school has suitable lessons for my child (e.g. group sizes, difficulty, availability for their age/ability) |
27% |
|
Availability of alternative entertainment options if the weather is bad or kids don’t like skiing |
26% |
|
The stress of packing extra gear (snowsuits, helmets, gloves, boots, sledges, etc.) for the kids |
25% |
|
If the instructors are friendly and fluent in my child’s language |
21% |
|
If the chalet/hotel is family-friendly (childproof, spacious, suitable beds and meal options) |
21% |
|
Worries about transporting bulky ski equipment (whether to rent or bring) on top of packing essentials for the children |
21% |
|
Worries about balancing your own ski time with children’s needs |
14% |
But while the concerns are understandable, experts argue they’re rarely dealbreakers.
"It was disappointing to see how many parents have reservations about booking a ski holiday with their kids," said MD Andy Sturt for VIP SKI. "The reality is that so many of these concerns are not only valid but also completely manageable with a bit of planning."
The study suggests that parents of toddlers are the most anxious: 86% admitted to at least one worry, compared with 78% of parents with pre-teens. Understandably, those with younger children were more concerned about accommodation and reliable childcare.
VIP SKI has this covered, with bespoke family-friendly packages designed to suit children from 12 weeks to 12 years old, thanks to their flexible childcare and accommodation options.
"Arrangements can be made well in advance for childcare, equipment hire, and ski school," adds Sturt. "And many resorts offer plenty of off-slope fun too, in case the weather turns or enthusiasm dips."
In short, the message is simple: don’t let a long packing list or a few unknowns hold a family back from what could become a child’s favourite holiday memory.
A seven-night stay in the new Matterhorn Suite in La Plagne (sleeps 4 - 8 guests in 2 bedrooms), from 11 January 2026, costs from £1,471pp Prices include daily continental or cooked breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner on six days, twice weekly canapes and return transfers from Geneva Airport.
VIP SKI (0203 892 4060, www.vip-chalets.com)
