Planning a family ski holiday? Choosing an all-inclusive ski package can make budgeting easier while reducing the stress of organising flights, accommodation, lift passes, ski hire and childcare separately.
Whether you’re travelling with young children, teenagers or a mixed-ability group, today’s ski holiday operators offer a wide range of packages to suit different budgets and travel styles. However, not every “all-inclusive” ski holiday includes the same benefits.
In this guide we’ve compared many of the UK’s best-known ski holiday companies to help you understand what is typically included, where you may need to budget for additional costs and which operators are best suited for different types of travellers.
Quick summary: The best value ski holiday isn’t always the cheapest. A package including lift passes, airport transfers, meals and childcare can often save hundreds of pounds compared with booking everything separately.
Why Choose an All-Inclusive Ski Holiday?
Ski holidays can become expensive once you add together flights, accommodation, airport transfers, lift passes, ski hire, lessons, meals and après-ski entertainment. An all-inclusive package combines many of these costs into one upfront price, making it easier to manage your holiday budget.
- One upfront price with fewer unexpected costs
- Flights and airport transfers often included
- Accommodation close to the slopes
- Meals included at many resorts
- Lift passes included by selected operators
- Ski hire available with some packages
- Kids’ clubs and childcare available with family operators
- Suitable for beginners through to experienced skiers
At a Glance: What Can Be Included?
| Feature | Often Included? |
|---|---|
| Flights | ✔ Many operators |
| Airport transfers | ✔ Common |
| Accommodation | ✔ Always |
| Breakfast | ✔ Usually |
| Lunch | ✔ Some packages |
| Dinner | ✔ Most packages |
| Lift Passes | Sometimes |
| Ski Hire | Sometimes |
| Ski Lessons | Selected operators |
| Kids’ Clubs | Selected operators |
| Evening Entertainment | Often available |
Compare the Leading Ski Holiday Operators
| Operator | Best For | Flights | Lift Pass | Ski Hire | Lessons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club Med | Premium all-inclusive family holidays | Optional | ✔ | Often Included | ✔ |
| Crystal Ski Holidays | Wide choice of resorts | ✔ | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Inghams | Traditional alpine holidays | ✔ | Selected resorts | Selected resorts | Optional |
| Ski Famille | Young families | ✔ | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Scott Dunn | Luxury family skiing | Usually | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ski World | Chalet holidays | ✔ | Selected holidays | Selected holidays | Optional |
| SNO | Tailor-made ski holidays | Varies | Selected holidays | Selected holidays | Selected holidays |
What Does “All-Inclusive” Actually Mean?
Unlike beach holidays, there is no universal definition of an all-inclusive ski holiday. One operator may include flights, transfers, meals and lift passes, while another includes accommodation and meals only.
Before booking, always check exactly what’s included. The biggest extras that can increase the overall cost are:
- Lift passes
- Ski or snowboard hire
- Ski school
- Childcare
- Local tourist taxes
- Travel insurance
- Airport parking
- Meals outside the package
How to Choose the Right Ski Holiday
The best package depends on who you’re travelling with and how often you ski.
- First-time skiers should look for packages including lessons and equipment hire.
- Families with young children may benefit from operators offering childcare and kids’ clubs.
- Experienced skiers might prioritise access to larger ski areas over included extras.
- Luxury travellers may prefer premium chalets with spa facilities and fine dining.
- Budget-conscious families should compare the total cost of extras before booking.
APH Tip: Don’t forget to budget for getting to the airport. Booking airport parking or an airport hotel in advance can often save money compared with paying on the day.
Best All-Inclusive Ski Holiday Operators Compared
Every ski holiday company offers something slightly different. Some focus on luxury chalets and premium service, while others specialise in family-friendly holidays with childcare, ski schools and activities for younger children.
The summaries below highlight what each operator is generally known for, helping you compare their strengths before booking. As package inclusions can vary between resorts and seasons, always check the latest details with your chosen provider.
Club Med
Best for: Premium all-inclusive family ski holidays
Club Med is one of the best-known names in all-inclusive skiing and is often considered the benchmark for premium family ski holidays. Many resorts include accommodation, meals, lift passes, ski lessons and entertainment within one package, making budgeting much simpler.
- Excellent family facilities
- Group ski and snowboard lessons included at many resorts
- Childcare available at selected resorts
- Wide choice of Alpine destinations
- Après-ski entertainment included
Ideal for: Families wanting a true all-inclusive experience with minimal additional costs.
Crystal Ski Holidays
Best for: Choice of resorts and flexible holiday options
Crystal Ski Holidays offers one of the largest selections of ski destinations, from beginner-friendly resorts to world-famous ski areas across Europe and North America. Flights and transfers are frequently available as part of the package, while lift passes, ski hire and lessons can usually be added during the booking process.
- Extensive resort choice
- Suitable for all abilities
- Wide range of accommodation
- Flexible holiday upgrades
- Popular with UK families
Ideal for: Travellers wanting plenty of resort choices and flexible package options.
Inghams
Best for: Traditional Alpine ski holidays
Inghams has decades of experience offering ski holidays across many of Europe’s most popular mountain resorts. Their holidays often appeal to families looking for quality accommodation and reliable customer service rather than a fully inclusive package.
- Long-established UK operator
- Excellent Alpine resort selection
- Good family accommodation
- Flights and transfers often included
- Lift passes and ski hire available in many destinations
Ideal for: Families wanting a traditional ski holiday with optional extras.
Scott Dunn
Best for: Luxury ski holidays
Scott Dunn specialises in high-end ski holidays, luxury chalets and premium hotels. Many properties include concierge-style service, spa facilities, gourmet dining and family childcare options.
- Luxury accommodation
- Premium chalet holidays
- Excellent childcare reputation
- Worldwide ski destinations
- Tailor-made itineraries
Ideal for: Travellers looking for a premium ski holiday experience.
Ski Famille
Best for: Families with young children
Ski Famille focuses almost entirely on family ski holidays. Their chalet holidays are designed around younger children, making them particularly attractive for first-time family skiing trips.
- Family-run atmosphere
- Child-friendly chalets
- Optional childcare services
- Smaller resorts suitable for beginners
- Relaxed family environment
Ideal for: Parents travelling with babies, toddlers or younger children.
Ski World
Best for: Chalet ski holidays
Ski World is well known for its chalet holidays, offering accommodation across many of Europe’s leading ski resorts. Packages vary, with options ranging from self-catered apartments through to catered chalets and hotel stays.
- Large chalet portfolio
- Good value family options
- Flights often included
- Flexible catering choices
- Excellent resort selection
Ideal for: Groups and families wanting a traditional chalet experience.
SNO
Best for: Tailor-made ski holidays
SNO works with numerous accommodation providers to create bespoke ski holidays across Europe, Japan and North America. Instead of offering one standard package, travellers can often customise accommodation, flights and extras.
- Large accommodation choice
- Tailor-made packages
- Suitable for groups
- Wide destination coverage
- Flexible booking options
Ideal for: Skiers wanting flexibility and personalised holiday planning.
Which Ski Holiday Operator Is Best?
| If you’re looking for… | Recommended operator |
|---|---|
| Luxury family holiday | Scott Dunn |
| Most inclusive package | Club Med |
| Great choice of resorts | Crystal Ski Holidays |
| Traditional ski holiday | Inghams |
| Families with young children | Ski Famille |
| Chalet holidays | Ski World |
| Tailor-made trips | SNO |
Hidden Costs to Watch Out for When Booking a Ski Holiday
Even when a holiday is described as “all-inclusive”, there can still be additional costs to budget for. Understanding these before you book can help avoid unexpected expenses once you arrive at your resort.
| Potential Extra Cost | Typical Cost | Included in Every Package? |
|---|---|---|
| Lift Pass | £200–£400+ | ❌ No |
| Ski Hire | £100–£250 | ❌ No |
| Ski Lessons | £150–£350 | ❌ Usually optional |
| Helmet Hire | £20–£50 | ❌ No |
| Travel Insurance | Varies | ❌ No |
| Local Tourist Taxes | Varies | ❌ Sometimes |
| Lunch on the Mountain | £15–£35 per person | ❌ Often extra |
| Airport Parking | Varies | ❌ No |
Top Tip: Always compare the total holiday cost rather than just the headline package price. A slightly more expensive package may include lift passes, transfers and meals that could save hundreds of pounds overall.
How to Save Money on a Family Ski Holiday
Ski holidays are often seen as one of the most expensive types of family holiday, but there are several ways to reduce the overall cost without compromising your experience.
- Book as early as possible for the widest choice of accommodation.
- Compare what’s included rather than focusing solely on the lowest advertised price.
- Travel outside school holiday periods where possible.
- Choose resorts with free beginner areas for children.
- Book airport parking in advance to secure lower prices.
- Consider an airport hotel if you have an early morning flight.
- Take advantage of family lift pass discounts where available.
- Hire equipment online before travelling where operators allow.
Family Ski Holiday Checklist
Before travelling, make sure you’ve organised everything you need to avoid unnecessary stress at the airport and resort.
- ✔ Passports
- ✔ Travel insurance covering winter sports
- ✔ Airport parking booked
- ✔ Airport hotel booked (if required)
- ✔ Airport lounge booked
- ✔ Lift passes confirmed
- ✔ Ski hire reserved
- ✔ Lessons booked
- ✔ Transfers confirmed
- ✔ Accommodation confirmation
- ✔ European Health Insurance / GHIC card
- ✔ Warm clothing and waterproof ski wear
What Should You Pack for a Ski Holiday?
Packing correctly can make your holiday far more comfortable, particularly if you’re travelling with children.
Essentials
- Thermal base layers
- Ski jacket
- Ski trousers
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Ski socks
- Neck warmer
Useful Extras
- Sun cream
- Lip balm
- Portable charger
- Water bottle
- Backpack
- Sunglasses
- Travel adapters
- First aid kit
Make Your Airport Journey Easier
A successful ski holiday starts well before you reach the mountains. Planning your journey to the airport can save time, reduce stress and often save money too.
Booking airport parking, an airport hotel or an airport lounge in advance can help make your departure much smoother—especially if you’re travelling with children or carrying ski equipment.
Before You Book: Questions to Ask
- Are flights included?
- Are airport transfers included?
- Does the price include lift passes?
- Is ski hire included?
- Are children’s ski lessons included?
- Does the accommodation provide childcare?
- Are drinks included throughout the day?
- How far is the accommodation from the ski lifts?
- Are there additional local taxes?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Remember: The cheapest ski holiday isn’t always the best value. Comparing what’s included can help you avoid unexpected costs and choose the package that best suits your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About All-Inclusive Ski Holidays
If you’re planning your first ski holiday or comparing operators, these are some of the most common questions travellers ask before booking.
Are all-inclusive ski holidays good value?
They can be excellent value, particularly for families. Packages that include accommodation, meals, airport transfers, lift passes and children’s activities may cost less overall than booking everything separately.
Do all-inclusive ski holidays include flights?
Many UK ski holiday operators include return flights and airport transfers, although some offer accommodation-only packages or allow you to arrange your own travel.
Are lift passes included?
Not always. Some premium operators include lift passes as standard, while others offer them as an optional extra. Always check before booking.
Is ski equipment included?
Ski or snowboard hire is included with some packages but is often available as an optional upgrade during the booking process.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Winter sports insurance is strongly recommended as standard travel insurance may not include skiing or snowboarding activities.
What’s the best age for children to start skiing?
Many ski schools welcome children from around three or four years old, although minimum ages vary between resorts.
Can beginners book an all-inclusive ski holiday?
Absolutely. Many operators cater specifically for beginners by offering ski school packages, nursery slopes and equipment hire.
Should I book airport parking before travelling?
Yes. Booking airport parking in advance is usually cheaper than paying on arrival and helps your journey start more smoothly—especially if you’re travelling with bulky ski equipment.
Can I stay at an airport hotel before an early flight?
Many travellers choose an airport hotel with parking before an early morning departure, reducing travel stress and allowing more time at the airport.
What’s the difference between catered chalets and all-inclusive resorts?
Catered chalets generally include breakfast and evening meals, while all-inclusive resorts may also include lunch, drinks, lift passes, entertainment and ski lessons depending on the operator.
Related APH Travel Guides
If you’re planning a ski holiday, you may also find these APH travel guides useful:
- Holiday Packing Checklist
- Airport Security Rules Explained
- Top Heathrow Travel Hacks
- Why Book with APH?
Our Verdict
An all-inclusive ski holiday can be one of the easiest ways to organise a family trip to the mountains, particularly if it’s your first skiing holiday or you’re travelling with children. However, the definition of “all-inclusive” varies significantly between operators, so comparing what’s actually included is essential.
Rather than focusing solely on the headline price, compare flights, airport transfers, accommodation, meals, lift passes, ski hire, childcare and lessons to understand the true overall cost.
Planning ahead can also help reduce travel costs. Booking airport parking, an airport hotel or an airport lounge before you travel can make the journey to the slopes more convenient while often saving money compared with booking at the last minute.
Editorial note: Ski holiday packages and inclusions change regularly. While this guide provides an overview of what leading operators typically offer, always check the latest information directly with your chosen provider before booking.