Hooray! It is winter holidays and time to plan your family trip. For some travelers, a winter wonderland of snow is what this season is all about. It is refreshing, relaxing and definitely exciting for kids of all ages. It is also an unique experience and perfect escape from sunny Singapore.
Here are awesome vacation ideas and popular family-friendly places for skiing, snowboarding or winter experience.
We wish you a Happy Holidays!
JAPAN
Japan is the one of the favorite destination for families. There are more than 500 ski resorts with a stunning views and mountain vistas, friendly locals, tasty food and an incredible variety of onsen (hot springs) which you can enjoy after skiing or snowboarding.
The best resorts and snow conditions are found in northern Japan (Hokkaido and Tohoku) and in the mountains along the Sea of Japan Coast (especially Niigata and Nagano).
Hokkaido
Ki Niseko Hokkaido/ Niseko Ski Resort
Ki Niseko is a boutique ski-in ski-out hotel located at the base area of Niseko Grand Hirafu ski resort, combining modern alpine charm with Japanese sophistication. Enjoy breath-taking Mt Yotei and Mt Annupuri views and ski-in ski-out access.
The ski season starts from early December and ends late April. During this time the resort is covered in a blanket of snow with an astonishing 15m average snowfall a year.
Kids Lessons
The programs are tailored to suit children that are experiencing ski/snowboarding for the first time as well as those who have been shredding it up since they started walking. It’s all about fun and safety on the slopes for these energetic groups.
For more information, click here
Rusutsu Ski Resort
A 2 hour drive from Chitose Airport and just 40 minutes from Niseko, Rusutsu is a family friendly resort. It has a large ski area that covers three mountains, each having a variety of long runs with a good mix of groomed trails, great powder and tree runs. It is located close to Lake Toya (Toyako) and is just on the other side of Mount Yotei from Niseko.
At the base of the ski slopes stand two large hotels, the Rusutsu Resort Hotel and the highrise Westin Rusutsu Resort.
Kiroro Ski Resort
Kiroro resort is perfect for the family with small children. Lot’t of activities for children. It is located only 90 minutes from Sapporo and a mere 50 minutes from Otaru. The resort features a total of 21 courses: seven beginner, six intermediate, and eight advanced.
Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido
Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido all-inclusive resort, a true immersion into authentic Japanese culture and heritage. Roll up some snow, have an impromptu snowball fight, build a snowman, or sled down hills blanketed by soft Japanese powder snow.
The beautiful mountain landscape coupled with the magic of the falling flakes make for an unforgettable holiday together with your loved ones. Truly unforgettable fun-filled family experience.
Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido
Strap into your skis or hop onto a sled and hit the slopes at the hottest Hokkaido winter wonderland. Whether it’s your first time trying out a new winter sport or you have some experience, all of our activities were created with your safety and comfort in mind.
Gear up with our rental equipment and take to the slopes for endless half pipes, table tops, kickers, rails, and boxes to catch some big air. Try snow sledging and our ice slide, or take a quiet stroll out over the deep powdery mountain scape with a snow trekking adventure.
With over 145 hectares of powder to play in, state-of-the-art equipment, and expert G.Os to guide you with group lessons, discover an extreme snow escape you won’t soon forget. Unforgettable experience at Club Med Tomamu.
Nagano
Morino Lodge, Hakuba
Hakuba is a small village that sits in the folds of the Northern Alps in Japan’s Nagano prefecture. The village is dwarfed by the range of 3000m peaks surrounding it. It is one of the most beautiful places in Japan.
Morino Lodge Hakuba is located just a 10-minute walk from Happo One Ski Resort’s gondola, Morino Lodge offers cozy accommodations with spacious guestrooms and a modern lounge.
Nozava Onsen Snow Resort
A True snow paradise! One of Japanʼs most superb and expansive winter sports areas.
Extending from the top to the foot of Mt. Kenashi (1,650m), Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort boasts an altitude differential of 1,085 meters and a total ski slope area of 297 hectares. Indeed, the resort ranks among the very top in Japan in terms of size, its history and snow quality.
The abundance of 100% natural, high-quality powder snow allows you to enjoy skiing well into early May.
The unlimited variety of slopes and courses, including the exciting Snow Park, guarantees satisfaction to snow lovers of all levels from the advanced to beginners as well as families, providing all comers with the ideal playground to enjoy the ultimate in skiing, snowboarding or whatever on-snow fun delights you.
Nearby Tokyo
Myoko Kogen
The Myoko Ski Area is made up of ten mountains: Myoko Akakura Onsen, Akakan Resort,Ikenotaira Onsen, Myoko Suginohara, Seki Onsen, Kyukamura, Myoko Ski Park, APA Resort Myoko Pine Valley (presently closed), Madarao Kogen and Tangram Ski Circus, all with their own distinctive and special features. With great quality powder snow, terrain parks, refreshing long runs and kids parks / child care for small children, the Myoko Kogen Ski Area has something for all skiers.
Karuizawa Ski Resort (Nagano prefecture)
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is one of the easiest accessible resorts from Tokyo (one hour bullet train ride). You can reach there in about an hour by Shinkansen.
The ski resort offers good condition trails mainly for beginner and intermediate level skiers, as well as snow parks. The ski season starts from November as snow machines make good snow in the cold air. A huge resort area lies at the bottom of the ski resort including Prince Hotels and a big shopping complex.
Season Start/End: November/ April
Norn Minakami Ski Resort (Gunma Prefecture)
Norn Minakami Ski Resort is accessible in one and a half hours from Tokyo by the Jōetsu bullet train. Access is very easy, ski rentals, ski tickets all very convenient and well organised.
Mt Naeba Ski Resort
Naeba is located in the southern area of Yuzawa town in Niigata Prefecture, approx. 2.5 hours from Tokyo. It is a high quality ski resort with impressive facilities and services, which offers fun beginner trails for children, challenging trails for advanced skiers, as well as terrain parks for all level riders.
As the main accommodation at Naeba, the Prince Hotel is the nucleus of the ski resort and the hub of all Naeba activities. The Naeba Prince Hotel offers the ultimate in comfort and convenience for the perfect ski or snowboard holiday with kids.
Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort, Minami Uonuma (Niigata)
The largest hotel found here is the Hotel Green Plaza Joetsu, located right at the base of the Joetsu Kokusai resort. It offers true ski-in ski-out convenience and is popular among family groups. Inside, you’ll find 2 lounges serving soft drinks to cocktails, a sauna and Jacuzzi, outdoor and indoor Onsen, changing room and ski lockers, and 7 restaurants!
You’re assured breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and mountains, and skiers of all ages flock to this region each year. Whether 8 or 80, there really is something for everyone, and the resort has a family-friendly, luxurious feel!
KOREA
Yongpyong Ski Resort
Yongpyong Ski Resort is located in Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do. It is the largest and popular resort for skiing and snowboarding in Korea. Ski pass, ski gear and ski clothing rental fee are all included so you don’t need to worry about anything else. It has 28 slopes and 14 cable lifts.
High1 Ski Resort
High1 Ski Resort is one of the largest ski parks in Korea. Resort offer full-on thrills and spills for snowboarders and skiers.
Phoenix Park Ski Resort
At the foot of Mt. Taegi designed by using natural geography, Phoenix Park Ski Resort of a unique slope design is known for spectacular panoramic views towards 500 meter-wide ski base, offering 21 ski courses so that you can enjoy dynamic and exciting speed of skiing.
Vivaldi Park Ski World
Vivaldi Park is perhaps the most popular among the younger crowds as it is only 1,5 hours from Seoul. It is a comprehensive resort that offers a wide variety of recreational and leisure facilities.
If skiing is not your thing, then why not go to Snowy land. The park is filled with all sorts of snow activities like the snow sled hill. This is a great activity to do with family or young kids.
Konjiam Ski Resort
Konjiam Ski Resort is the closest and best one-day trip destination from Seoul (around 1 hour drive, if you want to ski with your kids. It offers great and very modern ski facilities for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
SWITZERLAND
Klosters (Madrisa Land)
Madrisa Land in Klosters is a great place for starting to learn how to ski, since it has areas for kids and for beginners. The place is very convenient and have packed it with everything from mini ski courses, tubing, igloos, and full daycare facilities – to keep the kinder busy while Mum and Dad run wild and free on 320km of cruisey blues, steep reds and epic off-piste.
Davos
At Davos, you can choose between 6 snow sports resorts here: The freestyle mountain Jakobshorn, the ski classic Parsenn and the two family-friendly mountains Madrisa and Rinerhorn. There is also the decelerated Schatzalp ski area and the freeride mountain Pischa. To put it in a nutshell: 300 km of guaranteed snow pistes and 57 transport facilities.
Wengen
Wengen ski resort is a charming car-free village in one of the most spectacularly scenic areas of the Swiss Alps. It is good resort for families and groups that include non-skiers and has calm, unhurried atmosphere.
Murren
Murren is one of the prettiest ski resorts in the Alps. It is an excellent choice for families with children aged three or four up (there’s no day care facility) who will enjoy the services of the friendly and informal ski school.
Arosa
Arosa is one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland. Stunning scenery, the frozen lake make this place magical for everyone. Arosa received the label “Family Destination”. The seal of quality awards holiday destinations focusing on the needs and desires of children from A to Z and perfect for family holiday.
St Moritz
St Moritz is one of the popular choice for families. It has some great beginner and intermediate slopes, plenty of family-friendly lodging options and kid-friendly amenities.
On the mountain, Salastrains is the place for families. The ski area offers a children’s ski school and day care and a kid-friendly restaurant. Off the mountain, families will love exploring exciting St. Moritz attractions, like the Cresta Run toboggan track and Heidi’s Hut, together.
Nendaz
Nendaz is located in the heart of the 4 Valleys region, and has access to Verbier, Thyon and Veysoonaz.
It is an ideal destination for family ski holidays and is one of few resorts that have been awarded with the Family Destination label by the Swiss Tourist Board. There are several excellent ski school in the village, which cater for all ages (from 2 years) and levels; and plenty of options to rent your equipment when you arrive.
Club Med
The Swiss Alps are an ideal destination for family snow holidays, with a milder and more varied climate due to lower valleys. With fir and larch trees at every turn, snow sports for every age, and authentic old-world charm, our ski packages allow you to enjoy of the magic of winter in Switzerland at Club Med resorts.
FRANCE
Les 2 Alpes
Les 2 Alpes has large ski area (a good variety of nursery slopes), events & entertainments organised exclusively for children during the season, and a host of non-ski activities to enjoy.
It’s about an hour and a half from Grenoble airport, so transfer times aren’t too long for the little ones.
La Plagne
La Plagne is one of the best family resorts in the alpine valley in France. The area is located on the alpine valley of Tarentaise in the Savoy region and consists of 11 resorts that are rolled into one with a big spread of mountain terrain for all abilities.
Authentic, surrounded by beautiful, unspoilt nature, La Plagne is unique place to stay with your family.
Activity highlights include an artificial frozen waterfall to practice ice climbing; the Jean-Luc Crétier ski stadium which is open for night-time skiing. The different resorts are linked by free buses until midnight or by the case Belle Plagne by a cable car.
Les Karellis
Les Karellis is family-friendly ski resort, especially if you have very young children. The resort is car-free and the seven holiday villages are next to the ski lifts. Equipment for children is provided free, including cots, high chairs and baby baths. You can also hire a special sledge for babies and toddlers ‘une luge-pousette’ for getting around the resort.
There are also the child minding centre and clubs without extra charge from the age of 3 months and special events for teenagers. Ski school for kids starts at age 4.
It is easy accesable, only 2 hours from Lyon and 25 minutes from the St Jean de Maurienne motorway exit.
Font Romeu
Font Romeu is a suprerb family ski resort in the Pyrenees.
Children and beginners can enjoy specially set-aside areas for ski virgins consisting of 6 green beginner slopes which are a great place to learn or to practice. The snow park which is open to skiers and snowboarders is a guaranteed hit offering a range of obstacles for all abilities (beginners to pros).
There is also a wide range of activities with the nearby thermal springs, ski touring, snowshoeing, ice climbing, dog sledding, winter canyoning, and telemark skiing. In the village, there is a child-minding service, cinema, casino, bowling alley, squash, tennis, badminton, an ice rink, swimming pool and a gym.
Besse Super Besse
Besse is a family ski resort which is located on the Massif du Sancy in the centre of France. There is a snow play area for children aged 4 and above with a toboggan run, l’Enclos de Tibou, and a child minding centre for children over three months.
The resort organises a cinema, pony riding and skating, in addition to the usual play area and skiing lessons.
Club Med (All-inclusive snow holidays in French Alps)
With resorts in Europe’s most iconic ski domains, including the Mont-Blanc, Club Med French ski holidays are simply incomparable. With a range of ski packages suitable for all ages and some of the world’s best apres-ski, snow enthusiasts will find themselves in a winter wonderland.
Winter clothes and accessories
If you are not a frequent traveller to cold countries, you can rent winter clothes and shoes in Popsicle Asia online store (https://www.popsicle.asia) in Singapore. Skip the pain of your children outgrowing expensive pieces and the headache of finding storage when you are back!
Uniqlo
Innovative and exceptional clothing for men, women, and kids that will keep you warm during your trip in winter.
We recommend to buy thermal innerwear which will keep your body warm. They are usually made from special fabric that traps body heat. Uniqlo has 3 types of Heat Tech wear (Heat Tech, Heat Tech Extra Warm and Heat Tech Ultra Wear) to choose from. Lightweight and quality.
Other shops:
- Winter Time Singapore
- Cold Wear Singapore
- Zara
- H&M
- Decathlon SG
- ASOS (online store)
- Lazada (online store)