Archive for ‘Family Skiing’
Making the Most of Whistler
Whistler is one of the most impressive ski resorts on the planet. It has an incredible snow record: Last season saw over 9.5m of fresh powder and 80 snow days. Combine this with amazing skiing in Whistler Blackcomb’s huge ski area, world class accommodation, and fantastic restaurants throughout the village – and you’re already halfway to the ski holiday of a lifetime.

View of the Peak to Peak from Blackcomb – Image: Mike Crane
To help you get the most out of your Whistler ski holiday, The team at Ski Independence have put together a few of our top tips to getting you on your way, both on and off the slopes. Read the rest of this entry »
Top 7 Reasons to Ski BC Interior
The BC Interior ski resorts include Big White, SilverStar, and Sun Peaks. Each of these mountain resorts are unique in their own right, however all share the same great lightweight floaty powder and family friendly features in resort.
Our team of Ski Specialists have tried and tested all of these resorts, and together we’ve created a shortlist of a few of our favourite features.

Silver Star Mountain Resort – Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Our Pick of the Best Family Ski Holidays
Our top 9 recommendations for 2018/19
A family ski holiday is one of life’s great pleasures. There’s nothing quite like being together in the fresh air of the mountains, watching your children grow in confidence and ability. Ski Independence have been a family ski holiday specialist for 25 years and we know from experience that the bet family ski holidays take a lot of careful planning and a good dose of detailed knowledge – so why not leave it to us? We’ve highlighted some of our recommendations for the best family ski holidays for next winter, and if you don’t see what you fancy below we’re happy to recommend a huge range of alternative destinations, accommodation & activities to suit your family. So, in no particular order…

The excellent nursery slopes at Aspen Snowmass
1. Les Gets, France
A short transfer from Geneva and a traditional pretty village are often two sought-after points on a family holiday wish list and Les Gets more than ticks these boxes. The centre of the village is lined with shops and restaurants serving a selection of Savoyard specialities along with a couple of lively bars offering laid back après-ski. Read the rest of this entry »
Ski Cool Gives You Wings! Wingjump Val Thorens

Wingjump Val Thorens (image: Office de Tourisme, Val Thorens)
If you have recently returned from a trip to the Three Valleys, you might have spotted groups of children whizzing about the slopes in Val Thorens with wings attached to their backs (yes that does say wings!). This has nothing to do with fancy dress. In your head you might be picturing some sparkly fairy wings, but think more parachute-like cape and you will be closer to reality.
Wingjump, to give it its official name, is the latest innovative teaching aid to be employed by instructors working for Ski Cool in Val Thorens. Aiming to provide a better sense of balance and instil confidence in learners, the Wingjump is ideal for skiers who are trying to improve their parallel turns. The added feeling of lift that the Wingjump provides encourages you to keep your weight forward, making turns that bit easier whilst allowing you to build up some speed at the same time. And what’s more it’s great fun!
Here’s a clip from Ski Cool’s Facebook page to give you a flavour: Read the rest of this entry »
Gordon’s EPIC Trip Part 1 – Lake Tahoe, California
I was lucky enough to take part in two trips back to back at the end of February, taking in both California and Utah and I loved every minute of it. Our aim was to visit and ski some of the resorts covered by the EPIC pass – a multi-resort season pass covering many of our most popular ski areas.

Blue Skies in Canyons
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Top 5 Family Ski Holidays
Europe’s short travel times and great skiing make for the ideal family ski holiday destination, but which resorts are best for families? Finding the right ski area, ski school, childcare options and accommodation all within a reasonable travel time can be challenging. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve short listed some of the best European resorts and accommodation for all the family…
Val Thorens, France
Top 5 Mountain Restaurants – Europe
Most snowsports enthusiasts will agree that there is rarely a sight as beautiful as blue skies over the Alps. Dramatic snowy peaks drenched in bright, warm sunshine – these are the days when you ski hard in the morning and take a late lunch on a panoramic terrace and relax well into the afternoon. Here are Ski Independence top 5 mountain restaurants for a self-indulgent late lunch this spring.
Chez Vrony, Zermatt
Few mountain restaurants can boast the reputation or rich history of Chez Vrony. From its humble beginnings as a spartan farmhouse, to its current position as #1 restaurant in Zermatt on Tripadvisor – one trip to Chez Vrony will have you reminiscing for quite some time, especially if you visit under clear blue skies.
Mille 8, Arc 1800: Family Ski Holidays Just Got Better
Les Arcs is one of France’s largest and most popular ski areas. Located in the Savoie region and part of the Tarentaise Valley, Les Arcs links with nearby La Plagne to form the huge Paradiski area boasting over 425km of ski terrain. This vast ski paradise, linked by the spectacular Vanoise Express (a slightly scary double-decker cable car) is a firm favourite with British skiers and boarders.
- Image by: Manu Reyboz
Season Of The Seven Territories
Nestled 90 minutes from Denver, among breathtaking Colorado scenery is the beautifully unique and surprisingly vast Winter Park.
The second largest ski area in Colorado celebrates its 75th birthday this year, and although there are plenty of bars and restaurants to celebrate in, the only place to be found in Winter Park, is on the mountain. Aside from a short transfer time and superb value for money, Winter Park’s huge ski area has a unique twist, making mountain the ultimate choice for families and mixed ability groups.

Season of the Seven Territories
5 Great Reasons Why Switzerland Works for Family Skiing
Think family skiing and many people may not immediately think of Switzerland – but we say definitely don’t rule it out!
You may be surprised at just how much Switzerland has to offer on a family ski holiday; many of the ‘must-have’s’ are readily available – from quality childcare, interconnecting rooms, family-friendly terrain, family-friendly pricing and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. Read on for our top 5 reasons why Switzerland works for family skiing: