As the snow melts on this year’s ski season and spring is (finally) in the air, you might think now is the time to think about summer plans. Well it’s also one of the best times to book ahead for next year’s skiing trip. As one season ends you can grab great deals at some of the best resorts for the following year, so why not be really organised and plan ahead for an unforgettable trip. Imagine the excitement at the end of the summer, when the colder nights start drawing in, and you remember, oh yeah! You already have next year’s family ski trip sorted.

Crystal Ski Holidays is the perfect family-friendly company to book with. They offer budget-friendly trips for families without losing quality. Think 4* hotels or roomy apartments, to cater for groups who need flexibility around mealtimes, right on the slopes for convenience. With over 100 resorts to choose from across 12 different countries – covering everywhere from France to Canada – the options are endless.

If you’ve got a young family and the thought of trying to keep everyone on two skies, together, on the slopes fills you with dread, remember, the key to great family skiing is starting them young. Then before you know it, they’ll have picked it up (and, we’re sorry to say, they’ll probably be better than you in no time - kids have no fear).

Alternatively, if you don’t think your child is ready to ski just yet there’s also Crystal’s Pepi Penguin Nursery and Beanie Bear Club (for children aged 6 months to 8 years) where they will do stories, singing and arts and crafts in the safe hands of Crystal Childcare staff. And when the weather’s nice, the younger kids will head outside with the staff to build snowmen, make snow sculptures and go on winter walks. The older ones will get their snowy fun in ski school, since their lessons and equipment hire are included too.

Crystal's website is a helpful place to start for all the questions you might want to ask before your first family ski trip.

When is the best age for kids to start skiing?

They say children can start ski school from age three, but most places start from age four and some are from age five or six. At this stage, it’s more about playing in the snow and gently sliding on skis for the first time. Older kids will still play games but there’s also more focus on skiing technique.

What makes a good family ski resort?

When it comes to picking your resort, Crystal recommend looking at the resorts they’ve marked ‘Best for families’, because they’ve got lots of places to stay with family-friendly facilities like bigger rooms and kids’ clubs. Plus, they’re close to the lifts and have great ski schools and tons of other activities to do too.

Imagine the excitement at the end of the summer, when the colder nights start drawing in and you remember you were organised enough to book ahead – and get a great deal – for your family. You can start the countdown there and then.

Now close your eyes and imagine yourself shuffling off that ski lift, blue skies above and piercing white powder beneath you, at the top of your first slope of 2024. Get set, ready, go book!

Five of the best family friendly holidays with Crystal Ski Holidays