From family-friendly ski resorts to trips to see Father Christmas in his home setting, here are five winter getaways perfect for those travelling with children
Perfect for families with babies
Luckily, having a little one in tow doesn’t have to put a stop to skiing as a family. France is perfect for a family-friendly winter getaway, thanks to its entry-level slopes, ease of travel and its sophisticated chalet offering. Companies such as Family Ski in the Trois Vallées offer complimentary nappies and wipes in each of its chalets — that’s in addition to childcare for babies aged from three months from its in-house Powder Pups nannies, who will entertain the little ones while you’re off enjoying the mountain on some trickier slopes. A week in March 2024 at Chalet Imogen in Reberty for two adults and one baby costs £2,549, plus £489 for Powder Pups; flights not included. familyski.co.uk
Perfect for toddlers and young children
Treat your little ones to a trip of a lifetime this winter. For the ultimate winter getaway, pay a visit to the original Santa’s Lapland in Finland, where guests will hunt for Father Christmas aboard a sleigh ride, before following a magical glow trail to his secret log cabin, located around 125 miles above the Arctic Circle. Lasting two or three nights, these holidays also pack in reindeer and husky rides, tobogganing and wildlife encounters. Plus, santa will even have a gift ready, hand-picked from your child’s Christmas list. Two nights half-board in November 2023 for two adults and two children aged two-five years, including flights, from £3,868. santaslapland.com
Perfect for primary-school-age children and tweens
The colder months see the dramatic landscapes of Iceland truly come into their own, with frozen waterfalls and glaciers to hike and the chance to thaw off in geothermal springs. This itinerary from Stubborn Mule includes a trip to the geysers of the Golden Circle, an icebergs cruise, an ice-cave tour, a geothermal bakery tour and a steam in the famous Blue Lagoon. If you’re rally lucky, you might even spot the Northern Lights, too – the winter is the best time to spot them, as the sky is darker and the days shorter. Eight days from £6,800 for a family of four, plus flights from £250pp. stubbornmuletravel.com
Read more: Sleep tourism – is it time to hit the snooze button on your next trip?
Perfect for teens
Travelling with teenagers isn’t easy, particularly if they’re prone to getting bored easily. Ski Safari’s eight or 10-day itinerary will keep even the most disinterested minds stimulated, blending luxury spa hotel stays in tranquil Geilo and Norefjell with family-friendly skiing on their wide, uncrowded slopes. There’s also the opportunity for some dog sledding, tobogganing and snowshoeing, and you even get to add in a city break in Oslo on your way home, which is the perfect way to soak up some culture. Be sure to stop by The Norweigan Museum of Cultural History, and the picturesque Frognerparken, whilst you’re in town. Eight nights in March and April 2024 from £1,475pp based on two adults and two children (aged 12-15), half board, flights and car hire. skisafari.com
Perfect for activity-loving families
Overlooking the islands of the Luleå archipelago in Swedish Lapland, this adventure-filled getaway combines three nights in a lodge and one night in the unique Treehotel. Guests have the option to experience a range of activities, including hovercrafting, snowmobiling, aurora snowshoeing and dining in a heated tipi on an ice-covered lake. Four nights from £1,291pp full-board in lodge, B&B in Treehotel, excluding flights and activities. discover-the-world.com
