03/12/2025

Family Ski Trip: Everything You Need To Know

Travel

TL;DR

Planning a family ski trip starts with choosing your dates, budget and resort. Pack warm layers, waterproof clothing and essential ski gear for comfort and safety. According to Interski, typical ski holiday costs between £1,000 and £3,500 per person, depending on location and timing.

Most importantly, winter sports insurance is essential. While 2 to 3 injuries per 1,000 skier days may look small on paper, skiing injuries are often serious and expensive and that’s why you have to be ready for the worse and get a winter sports cover which covers all the essentials.

Protect Your Ski Holiday with Confidence

Planning a ski trip? Don’t leave the UK without proper cover. From piste rescue to equipment loss, Norton’s travel insurance for skiing gives you protection you can count on.

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How to Plan a Family Ski Trip

Planning a family ski trip begins with choosing your week, your budget and the type of resort that suits your group. Booking early usually gives you better prices on flights, lessons, lift passes and family accommodation.

Most families spend between £1,000 and £3,500 per person for a week in Europe. This includes flights, accommodation, ski equipment, lift passes and meals. Resorts with beginner friendly slopes and good ski schools are ideal for children and first time skiers.

It is important to arrange winter sports travel insurance as part of your planning. While 2 to 3 injuries per 1,000 skier days may look small, skiing injuries often involve high-speed falls, fractures and head impacts that need urgent medical care. With 84 percent of ski accidents caused by simple falls, risks come from everyday moments like icy patches, hidden bumps and busy slopes. Medical treatment, mountain rescue and specialist transport abroad can cost thousands, making winter sports cover essential.

What to Take on a Ski Trip

The essentials for a ski trip start with proper ski clothing. You will need a ski jacket, salopettes, thermals, gloves, a helmet and goggles. These items keep you warm and protected during long sessions on the slopes.

Around the resort, sturdy winter boots, warm socks, hats, scarves and comfortable evening wear are important. Sunscreen and lip balm are vital because UV rays reflect strongly from the snow. Families with children should bring spare gloves and extra thermal layers.

Take your travel insurance documents too. Standard travel insurance does not automatically include winter sports cover, so check your policy before travelling.

What to Bring on a Ski Trip

What you bring on a ski trip depends on whether you rent equipment or take your own. Renting skis, poles, boots and helmets is often easier and more cost effective for families, especially for growing children.

Bring a small day pack with water, snacks, tissues, spare gloves and a portable charger. Hand warmers, plasters and extra thermals are also useful and can prevent mid-slope discomfort. These small items often save you from last minute resort purchases.

Your ski insurance documents should be in your day pack too. With the majority of ski accidents caused by falls, winter sports cover ensures you are protected if you need medical help or equipment replacement.

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Image of a Family on a Ski Trip

What to Pack for a Ski Trip?

Packing works best when you separate ski wear, resort wear and essential items. Ski wear includes thermals, mid layers, waterproof outerwear, goggles, gloves and helmets. These items ensure comfort and safety on cold days.

Resort wear includes warm jumpers, jeans, winter boots and comfortable clothing for evenings. Hotels often have spas or pools, so a swimsuit can be helpful. Indoor spaces can be warm, so pack lighter layers as well.

A family on a ski trip

Add essentials such as travel documents, medication, chargers, sunscreen, first aid items and your winter sports insurance paperwork. Skiing comes with real risks, and medical or rescue costs abroad can be high.

How Much Does a Family Ski Trip Cost?

A typical family ski holiday costs between £1,000 and £3,500 per person depending on resort choice, accommodation, ski hire and travel dates. School holidays such as Christmas, New Year and February half term are the most expensive periods.

Renting equipment is usually cheaper and more convenient than buying, especially for children. Booking lift passes online before you travel can save money. Catered chalets offer convenience while self catering helps control food costs.

Ski insurance must be factored into your overall budget. Without winter sports cover, you may face high medical, rescue or equipment replacement costs.

Final Advice: Do Not Ski Without Proper Insurance

A family ski holiday can be one of the most memorable winter experiences, but only when you are properly protected. While 2 to 3 injuries per 1,000 skier days may seem small, the consequences often are not. Ski injuries frequently involve fractures, ligament damage or head trauma, and the cost of treatment, rescue or medical transport abroad can be extremely high.

Norton Insurance Brokers offers travel insurance with optional winter sports cover designed to protect you on and off the slopes.

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