Why skiing could be the ultimate big family getaway

Frigid weather, bulky equipment, and the challenge of mastering the slopes may sound like the beginning of a survival tale rather than a family vacation, yet these elements are part of a family ski trip.

Although I love waterslides, roller coasters, swim-up smoothie bars, and luxurious resorts, after 12 years of diverse family trips, I’m ready to crown ski vacations as the top choice for family fun.

Despite the gear, the cold, and the occasional spills, skiing remains the best all-around family travel experience. You might question my reasoning given the effort involved in planning family ski trips, but sometimes the most unforgettable adventures are those that demand a bit more preparation and effort.

Here are my key reasons why ski trips are the best family vacations.

Skiing is pure enchantment

Let’s begin with the most obvious aspect: the skiing itself.

I haven't developed wings to soar, but gliding down a slope with fresh powder beneath me and more gently falling from above feels as close to flying as I can imagine. When the snow is just right, the only sound you hear is your skis whispering against the surface. Everything is serene and tranquil as you glide down the trail with the wind rushing past you.

Even on days when the snow isn’t falling, skiing still holds a unique kind of magic.

On clear blue sky days, you can truly appreciate the grandeur of the surrounding mountains and see for miles. While skiing does require some effort, there are moments when you're effortlessly gliding, lost in a world of your own.

The experience is both thrilling and serene, a combination I've yet to find in other types of vacations.

These adventures foster self-confidence

It's clear that unlike a resort or beach getaway, a ski trip is not solely about relaxation. In fact, it can often be quite the opposite, focusing on pushing your boundaries.

Amid the initial challenges and learning curve, you witness your family's skills flourish. You and your kids transition from the beginner hill with the magic carpet to the easiest green run, complete with a proper lift, and then onto slightly more difficult terrains.

My kids love to reminisce about their first skiing experiences (like conquering the green run, navigating tree trails, hitting little jumps, and more), exuding pride in their progress and the increasing expanse of the mountain they can explore. Even though we reside in Texas, where snow is a rarity, this sense of accomplishment and their frequent stories about skiing always come home with them.

You get to root for one another

Anyone with multiple children knows that sibling rivalry and a hint of competition can often arise. While that can happen in skiing too, my experience shows that a spirit of supporting each other is far more prevalent than any genuine rivalry.

As everyone improves on their skis and boards, the collective enjoyment on the mountain increases. I've witnessed countless high fives and encouraging words exchanged among skiing siblings as they motivate each other to keep advancing and trying new challenges. I've never experienced that camaraderie at a beach resort.

Navigating maps and making decisions are integral to the experience

Although ski resorts are shifting towards digital trail maps through apps instead of printed versions, understanding maps remains a vital aspect of any ski trip.

Whether the trail map is digital or printed, I've noticed that reading maps and planning routes down the mountain provides a unique chance for my kids to collaborate. Watching them map out runs they can tackle together over breakfast or lunch is a valuable skill they can develop.

While they do devise strategies for their visits to places like Disney World, the decisions made on the mountain carry a different significance compared to choosing between Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain.

Timeless outdoor fun is a given

A ski vacation inherently promotes a healthy, nature-centered experience.

Ski trips have you waking up early, enjoying the outdoors all day, finishing up by 4 or 5 p.m., and then unwinding in the evening as you plan for another exciting day ahead. The entire focus is on being active outdoors, making it an excellent family activity in my opinion.

It's not just a classic source of fun; it can also be quite safe during the pandemic, especially with some extra planning to avoid indoor activities by arranging for gear delivery and enjoying meals outside or in your accommodations.

During our recent ski trips, we've been careful to pack drinks and sandwiches in our backpacks, allowing us to eat while relaxing outdoors on the mountain. This approach not only helps us avoid the crowded ski lodge, which was never a highlight, but also saves us from spending a lot on expensive on-mountain food and drinks.

Adults get a chance to unwind

It's not solely the crisp mountain air that makes a ski trip delightful; the moments of solitude for adults also enhance the experience. Whether your kids are skilled enough to take a few runs on their own or are still learning with an instructor or in ski school, you may find time to enjoy some runs (or even lunch!) with other adults while the kids have their own adventures.

Perfect for larger family gatherings

While I firmly believe ski trips are the ultimate family vacations, this is especially true for extended family get-togethers.

Some of my fondest childhood trips were those where we joined forces with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. As a kid, these grand family vacations often meant long road trips from Texas to New Mexico or Colorado for skiing.

At the time, I didn’t fully grasp why we always opted for vacations with all the cousins, but now it all makes sense.

Skiing naturally fosters a collective focus for the trip while still allowing everyone the space to grow and thrive individually.

If you've ever organized a large group trip, you know how crucial it is to prevent conflicts over plans. While skiing is the main activity, everyone can explore different runs and regroup for lunch or at the day's end.

Additionally, even those who aren’t keen on skiing or snowboarding can find enjoyment on a family ski trip. With most of the group off during the day, others can unwind at the lodge or explore alternative activities like ice skating, snow tubing, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides.

There’s a wonderful balance of being together without the stress of having to stay glued to one another, which is the ideal scenario.

In summary

While I firmly believe that ski vacations offer the best family experiences, I’ll also acknowledge they aren’t the simplest (or the most budget-friendly).

Learning to ski for the first time can be a challenging experience, and some aspects of a ski trip may feel more like work than leisure. If this sounds unappealing to you, it might not be the ideal vacation to consider.

Nevertheless, once you navigate those initial days of learning and lay the foundation to grasp both the sport and the equipment (including mastering the art of layering for warmth), the rewards are as magnificent as the mountains themselves.

Though we don’t live close to snow, my children are now the third generation in my family to embrace the joy of skiing and bonding with loved ones in the mountains. I’m confident they won’t be the last to cherish this passion.