Why family ski trips matter

They're not just for the kiddos. Every age stage can benefit from a family ski trip to the mountains. No matter if it's your first time on the slopes or you're hoping to pass along a favorite winter pastime to the next generation, getting the gang together for some time in the mountains is always a good idea. Here's why...

Family Bonding.

Any type of family trip should be cherished, but we’re partial to ski vacations because of the many unique, shared experiences. In terms of winter activities, there’s no shortage of attractions in the mountains to enjoy together. Whether you're skiing the same run as a family, spending an evening swirling around an ice rink as Holiday music plays or whooshing through sunset-lit meadows behind a team of sled dogs, this precious time together strengthens family bonds. Families who spend meaningful time together, i.e. without being glued to smartphones and tablets, listen and talk to one another more effectively and develop healthy communication skills, according to a CBS Houston article.

Memories.

All skiers who grew up going on family ski trips, whether out West or to their home-town hill, will tell you the same thing. It was always a special time, and, more likely than not, the memories made on those trips have lasted a lifetime.

They’re the kind of memories where you get a lot of “Remember when Dad tried to do a spread eagle…” or “Remember when Jamie jumped into the snow in her bathing suit…” or “Remember when I put 30 marshmallows in my hot chocolate…”

They’re the memories you’ll always come back to, whether you’re nine or 90, parent or child.

Adventure.

We live in a time where life can be quite routine and sterile. Time in the mountains provides a much-needed break from that predictability and also provides families with a way to expose children to a more rugged, wild side of life. Parents who take their youngsters on family ski trips set an example, which fosters a sense of fun that stays with them through life. Play and adventure is an important part of all life stages and makes for well-adjusted kids and adults.

Outdoor time.

Time outside among stunning, snow-covered peaks and magical mountain towns blanketed in powder create a unique connection to nature that can’t be experienced on many other trips. First-person experiences in the great outdoors inspire people to dream, tap into creative energy and, most importantly, value and protect the natural world. Plus, while most people are sitting inside complaining about winter's cold, you and your clan will be enjoying the fresh air and getting some exercise.

New Skills + Experiences.

Learning and even mastering sports like skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing or winter fat biking open up new worlds for everyone in your family. You can access more places and see unique sights that a non-skier/snowboarder/winter biker cannot. Once you’ve caught the ski or snowboard bug, it typically stays with you for life, so you and your kids can look forward to a lifetime of winter fun. As one of our favorite ski-instructor quotes goes...

Ready to take the kids to the mountains and create a new family tradition? Ski.com's 65+ Mountain Travel Experts specialize in crafting custom family ski vacations so you don't have to stress the details. Get a free quote today and begin planning your winter escape.