Six of the best for Family Skiing this Easter with Ski Safari
Families who are restricted to travel exclusively in the school holidays should consider Easter as the opportune time for skiing or snowboarding. This time of year represents the best value for money, in comparison to Christmas and half-term school holidays. With Good Friday falling early on 25th March 2016, the choice of where to ski this season is broader with many resorts at that time still looking forward to another few weeks of the season.
Travelling at Easter can bring a host of added benefits to family skiing. This is the best time to combine great snow with gorgeous sunshine, plus the Easter skiing experience in North America and Scandinavia makes for quieter slopes. At this time of year it is kinder on the bank balance too with competitive lift pass prices and accommodation deals of up to 40% off and many resorts giving kids ski free offers over Easter.
Check out Ski Safari’s top destinations where you can make the most of your family holiday this Easter.
Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, USA
Located on Lake Tahoe’s beautiful North Shore, Squaw Valley is a modern, well-designed ski village and a great choice for families thanks to the emphasis on convenience. As clichéd as it sounds, the varied terrain means there is skiing for everyone and with access to six other ski resorts around the lake, including Heavenly and Kirkwood, the possibilities are endless. Squaw is one of the few resorts in North America where nearly all the accommodation is ski-in ski-out and the Village at Squaw is just a few steps from the slopes. There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, both on and off the slopes, from unique ski school programmes for kids and parents together, to ice skating, snow tubing and mini snowmobiles. It’s easy to see why this is one of Ski Safari’s most popular destinations for families at Easter.
How much? Take advantage of 2 free nights on a 10 night family holiday at the 4* The Village at Squaw, with prices starting from £5800 for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) in a 2 bedroom condo, including return flights and resort transfers. Departs 25th March 2016. Call Ski Safari on 01273 224 060 or visit www.skisafari.com
Banff, Canada
With its long ski season running from November through to May, the Canadian resort of Banff tops the list for those looking for late season skiing. With less crowded slopes and spectacular scenery, coupled with sunshine skiing and perfectly groomed pistes, Banff is close to perfection. The ski areas of Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise means the variety of skiing that can be done using the Tri-area pass is huge. Banff also ticks the boxes when it comes to offering family-friendly accommodation at family-friendly prices, especially at the recently renovated and centrally located 3* Mount Royal Hotel.
How much? Stay 9 nights at the 3* Mount Royal Hotel Banff, with prices starting from £975 per person in a Premium Room, based on 4 sharing and including Air Canada flights and transfers. Departs 28th March 2016. Call Ski Safari on 01273 224 060 or visit www.skisafari.com
Whistler, Canada
What’s not to love about Whistler? Start describing this number one ski resort and you’ll soon run out of superlatives. Aside from the awesome terrain, reliable snow record, superior accommodation and energetic vibe, Whistler makes it as a top choice for families too. Top class tuition will ensure children take their skiing or snowboarding skills to the next level. For the best experience, enrol them in a 5 day Kids Adventure Camp for 3-12 year olds. For younger children, daycare is also available at all three Whistler Kids locations in Whistler Village, Blackcomb and Creekside, which also offers a complimentary TELUS pager service so you can ski easy knowing the little ones are well cared for. On Whistler Mountain head to the Family Zone, designed for families and beginners with slow slopes, providing a comfortable learning environment. The Magic Castle and Tree Fort are fun adventure play lands for kids to explore and the Tube Park, with seven lanes varying in difficulty from green to blue to black, is a sure winner. Winter activities are a plenty, from sleigh rides to tubing and dog sledding to snowmobiling and every week on the Whistler Olympic plaza enjoy the Family Après event with child-friendly entertainment.
How much? Stay at the 4*+ Delta Whistler Village Suites with prices starting from £1159 per person, based on 4 sharing a One Bedroom Suite and including Air Canada flights and transfers. Departs 28th March 2016. Call Ski Safari on 01273 224 060 or visit www.skisafari.com
Laax, Switzerland
As one of Ski Safari’s most popular Swiss resorts Laax scores high on many levels. There’s expansive terrain ideal for mixed abilities, with the convenience of ski-in ski-out accommodation and the added benefit of a short transfer of 1.5 hrs from Zurich. Laax makes it easy for families and has provision for children from the age of 2. Discover the Snow Wonderland, where children will make magic on the slopes under the spell of magician Ami Sabi and listen to stories, learn songs and find out more about the forest, animals and mountains. Thanks to its superior family friendly credentials, Laax has been recently awarded with a quality seal of approval, ‘Families Welcome’, by Switzerland Tourism.
How much? Opening on 20 December, Laax’s newest property, the 4*+ Peaks Place, will offer 74 luxurious apartments at the base of the resort, just minutes from the slopes and gondola. Ski Safari (01273 224 062, www.skisafari.com ) has a 7 night holiday to the self-catering 4*+ Peaks Place, starting from £685 per person. Price based on four sharing a two bedroom apartment and includes flights and transfers. Departs in 27th March 2016.
Geilo, Norway
As one of Norway’s oldest and most famous ski resorts, Geilo has great appeal for families looking for that overall winter experience, with unlimited activities and unintimidating and uncrowded slopes. Superb ski tuition, excellent English-speaking instructors and first-rate childcare means children are well provided for and will progress well within a few days. Off the slopes there is a superb choice of winter activities that families will love, including husky dog-sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, high-rope courses and one of the longest toboggan runs in Norway. Convenience is key when it comes to family skiing and an outstanding family choice is the Vestlia Resort, thanks to its close proximity to the slopes and skiing amenities, as well as having a large indoor play area and family pool.
How much? Save £135 per person on a 7 night holiday at the 4* Vestlia Resort Hotel in Geilo, with prices starting from £825 per person in a Hotel room on half board. Prices are based on on 2 adults and 2 children sharing and include flights and transfers. Departs 27th March 2016. Call Ski Safari on 01273 224 068 or visit www.skisafari.com
Myrkdalen, Norway
When someone asks you where you are going skiing this year, there is something refreshingly enlightening about naming a ski resort that you know the other person has probably never heard of. Myrkdalen is one of those resorts. New to Ski Safari this year, it’s a genuine 21st century ski resort. The first lift opened in Myrkdalen in 2003 and the resort has steadily grown since then with more modern infrastructure. Blessed with an average seasonal snowfall of 5m, its snow-sure terrain ensures a long season from December through to May, welcome news for families travelling at Easter time. Beginner and gentle intermediate slopes make up most of the 28km of skiing, allowing confidence to build slowly. By the end of the week, new and improved skiers and snowboarders will really feel accomplished, having gained that full mountain experience. That’s not to say experts should stay away, far from it, there is a wonderful playground of vast off-piste and back country adventures awaiting powder skiers and boarders. Located at the base of the slopes, the 4* Hotel Myrkdalen is the hub of the resort and designed for the skier’s convenience.
How much? Ski Safari (01273 224 068, www.skisafari.com ) has a 7 night holiday to the 4* Hotel Myrkdalen in Myrkdalen, starting from £855 per person on half board. Price based on two adults and two children sharing a standard room and includes flights, transfers and lift passes. Departs on 27th March 2016.
