Why Easter Skiing Works Best For Families

Are you aware that more families travel at Easter with Ski Safari than Christmas, New Year and Half Term combined? Ski Safari has identified that families can save up to 50% on the same holidays by travelling over Easter and it’s the perfect time to hit the slopes too.

Why travel at Easter? Travelling during the Easter holidays offers a host of benefits. Many resorts are classed as being in ‘low season’ in late March and April, therefore the slopes are quieter. The Easter skiing experience is kinder on the wallet too, with competitive accommodation deals and lift pass prices, plus many resorts have kids ski free offers over Easter which don’t apply over Christmas or New Year. And of course, timing is key, if your child’s school breaks up one or two days earlier than the majority, then families can enjoy further savings on flights. Additionally, with Easter holidays usually lasting two-weeks, it opens up flexibility of departure and options for longer stays. Finally, the warmer temperatures make Easter a perfect time of year to combine a ski holiday with a city stay, while the spring sunshine and good historical snow records over Easter in recent years mean perfect conditions on the slopes too! Scandinavia Product Manager Andy Hemingway says “I’ve travelled over Easter with my family for the last four years – not just for the greater value, but because the quieter slopes and sunshine and snow combined means happier kids. Nothing beats barbecuing your lunch outside, Scandi-style, before hitting the slopes again in the afternoon!” Check out Ski Safari’s top four suggestions to make the most out of your family holiday in Easter 2020.

Luxury Family Ski
Ski Safari’s best value luxury option for Easter 2020, the 5* Limelight Hotel Snowmass has a fresh, fun and relaxed atmosphere which will appeal to all those travelling to Snowmass. Situated in the heart of the village close to the ski school, the ski-in ski-out hotel offers an excellent complimentary breakfast to all guests, plus the use of fitness facilities, a sleek spa, a warming hot tub and an inviting pool. The Limelight also features a number of unique amenities, including a five storey climbing wall, designed to mimic some of the climbing routes on Colorado’s Independence Pass, and a children’s area with table football, floor pillows, board books and old-school video games like Pacman, allowing parents to keep an eye on the kids while also listening to live music in the lounge.

Few resorts in North America can rival Snowmass as a family ski destination. It combines ski-in ski-out accommodation with blissfully quiet slopes, incredibly reliable snow, fun family activities and a very long season (70cm of snowfall in first two weeks of April 2019 and an annual average April snow base of two metres). It also has a huge amount of intermediate terrain and some of the best value ski lessons available, plus kids age 12 and under ski free. The compact resort base with its big mountain facilities means that time off the slopes is very easy too. Ready for the 2019/20 ski season, Snowmass’ new base includes an ice rink, firepits, shops and restaurants and a farmer’s market, giving the resort a contemporary village atmosphere.

How much? Seven nights’ stay at the 5* Limelight Hotel Snowmass for two adults and two children under 12 sharing a Grand Deluxe Room (two x Queen beds) on a bed & breakfast basis:

Christmas departure 22 December 2019 from £2,675 pp (six-day lift pass:- £599 adult and £355 child)
Half term departure 16 February 2020 from £1,750 pp (six-day lift pass:- £530 adult and FREE child)
Easter departure 6 April 2020 from £1,045 pp (six-day lift pass:- £316 adult and FREE child)

Prices include scheduled flights and car hire. Ski Safari (01273 224 060, www.skisafari.com)

Scandi Chic Ski Holiday
Stöten is the northernmost ski resort in the Sälen mountain range This makes it perfect for Easter as while it’s low lying in altitude compared to better-known resorts in the Alps, it’s all about the latitude here. The resort regularly runs through until late April with plenty of the white stuff (the first two weeks of April last season delivered 80cm of snow). The resort has a simple philosophy – putting guests first – and it really works. The staff want to make sure everyone has a great time and returns soon and they’ve added some really nice touches, such as offering a warm drink (free of charge) at the base of the lifts.

Stöten boasts 45 kilometres of slopes which are refreshingly quiet, even during peak weeks. It’s the perfect resort for building confidence, as it’s easy to ski from the top to the bottom on a variety of wide and uncrowded runs. Everything is easy access, from the accommodation based around the main square with ski rental, lifts, ski school, the pool complex (free with your lift pass!), family-friendly restaurants and the supermarket no more than five minutes apart. Off the slopes, there are plenty of activities to try, ideal for kids, from sledging to sleigh rides. And one of the restaurants even has a games room underneath, so the kids can play while the adults relax with a drink.

The newest accommodation in Stöten, the 4* Pistbyn Apartments have been designed perfectly for two families to share: two double bedrooms, a bunk bedroom (two sets of bunks to sleep up to four kids), two bathrooms, a lovely, spacious lounge/kitchen/diner and a private sauna.

How much? Seven nights’ stay at the new 4* Pistbyn Apartments for two adults and two children under 12 sharing a three bedroom apartment on a self-catered basis:

Christmas departure 22 December 2019 from £855 pp (six-day lift pass:- £171, children 7-17 years £139 and six and under £6)
Half term departure 15 February 2020 from £1,099 pp (six-day lift pass:- £171, children 7-17 years £139 and six and under £6)
Easter departure 28 March 2020 from £699 pp (six-day lift pass:- £158, children 7-17 years £132 and six and under £6)

Prices include scheduled flights and transfers. Ski Safari (01273 224 060, www.skisafari.com)

Canada’s Premier Resort at Affordable Prices
Whistler is undeniably a must-ski resort thanks to its awesome terrain, long season (65cm of snow fell last April and the annual average April snow base is three metres), superior accommodation and infectious village energy. Easter in Whistler combines action packed events where the springtime sun shines on to the patios of the bars in resort and a chilled vibe oozes throughout. From après cocktails and mocktails at the Garabaldi Lift Company to snowmobiling and ziplining, Whistler is potentially the world’s premier resort offering unbelievable skiing with plenty of fun to be had off the slopes too. Stay at the contemporary Scandi themed 3*+ Aava Whistler just five minutes’ walk from the village and lifts. This well placed and affordable accommodation features an outdoor hot tub and pool, useful for when the kids are tired out from their day on the slopes. With the ambient spring temperatures, why not twin this ski trip with a city break to Vancouver? Set beside the Pacific Ocean, against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Vancouver is one of the world’s most desirable cities with explorable neighbourhoods, drink and dine delights and memorable cultural and outdoor activities framed by striking natural vistas – there’s an excess of reasons to fall for this ocean-fringed metropolis on an Easter break.

How much? Seven nights’ stay at the recently renovated 3*+ Aava Whistler for two adults and two children under 12 sharing a Deluxe Room on a room only basis:

Christmas departure 19 December 2019 from £1,750 pp (6-day lift pass: £552; £276 child)
Half term departure 15 February 2020 from £1,430 pp (6-day lift pass: £552, £276 child)
Easter departure 7 April from £980pp (6-day lift pass: £437; £219 child)
10 nights Whistler and Vancouver City Add-On departure 8 April from £1,145 pp. Seven nights 3*+ Aava Whistler and three nights in Vancouver at 3*+ Listel Hotel Vancouver

Prices include scheduled flights and transfers. Ski Safari (01273 224 060, www.skisafari.com)

Re-Laax in Switzerland
Enjoy the warmer weather and bluebird days of Easter skiing in Laax, with high-altitude slopes and a large ski area with a great snow record which, not surprisingly, ranks Laax as one of Europe’s most snow-sure resorts (70cm of snowfall in April 2019 and an annual average April snow base of 2.85 metres). The conveniently located accommodation, hugely efficient lift system, comprehensive ski programmes for kids (including those under four years old) and the unique Freestyle Academy comprising trampolines and bag jump landings are just a few of the reasons it is such a hit. It also offers fantastic value over the Easter peak period. Plus, while Christmas and half term are usually in high demand when the whole of Europe is on school holidays, Easter is much more relaxed.

How much? Seven nights’ stay at the 4*+ Peaks Place for two adults and two children under 12 sharing a two bedroom apartment on a self-catering basis: