Flaine at Christmas: Our First Family Ski Holiday & the Trip That Changed Everything

Travel Consultant(s): Kelly Aspire Travel & Harper Amy Aspire Travel

Role(s): Founder & Junior Ski Inspector

Destination: Flaine, French Alps

Trip Type: Family Ski Holiday

Travel Style: Family, first-time skiing, festive travel, adventure & relaxation

Why a ski holiday - and why now?

Ski holidays are one of those trips people talk themselves out of for years.

“It’s not for us.” “The kids are too young.” “I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

We’d said all of those things too.

And yet, here we were - spending Christmas in Flaine, a purpose-built Alpine resort in France, on our first-ever family ski holiday… with children who had never skied.

What we discovered is this: ski holidays aren’t just for confident skiers.

They’re for families who want to try something different, build confidence together, and create memories that last long after the snow melts.

Flaine is particularly special. Snow-sure, family-friendly, ski-in/ski-out and designed with beginners in mind - it’s the kind of resort that makes learning to ski feel achievable, exciting and surprisingly addictive.

And at Christmas? It becomes truly magical.

Christmas in the Alps ❄️🎄

Snowy balcony views. Crisp mountain air. Soft twinkling lights in the dark mornings.

Christmas in the mountains feels different.

Here in France, many families celebrate Christmas Eve (Le Réveillon de Noël) with festive meals, traditions and togetherness - so while back home Christmas Day was still to come, the celebrations were already in full swing.

Christmas morning brought early starts, stockings, ski boots and that unmistakable Alpine buzz. Skiing on Christmas Day, surrounded by snow and mountains, is something we’ll never forget.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a ski holiday at Christmas is special - this is your answer.

Learning to ski: from fear to confidence

Let’s be honest - the first day was daunting.

Kelly had only ever had one ski lesson in her life, two years ago. The children were complete beginners. Confidence was low, nerves were high… and ski school suddenly felt very real.

But ski holidays have a funny way of moving you forward faster than you expect.

By Day 2, something incredible happened - we skied together as a family. Watching the children grow in confidence, link turns, and genuinely enjoy being on the slopes was emotional in the best possible way.

By the end of the week, we weren’t just surviving ski school - we were loving it.

Kids should start skiing early. No question.If you’ve ever thought about it - do it.

Why ski school matters (especially for families)

One of the biggest misconceptions about ski holidays is that parents need to be hands-on.

They don’t.

Our family was split across three different ski schools in three locations, which sounds daunting - but there’s a reason it works so well. Everyone is placed exactly where they need to be, at the right level, with the right instructor.

And here’s the most important advice I can give any family:

Don’t interfere. No popping in. No rescuing. No giving up when it gets tough.

The wobble passes. Fear turns into focus.Confidence follows.

Ski instructors know exactly what they’re doing - and trusting them is key.

Watching them grow 💙

There’s a moment that stays with me.

Standing thousands of feet above the ground, holding my little adventurer close… then letting go as the slopes took her off on her own.

That’s what ski holidays do.

They build confidence, resilience and independence - not just on the mountain, but in life. Watching our children grow on the slopes was easily the most rewarding part of the trip.

By the end, every single one of them had the ski bug.

A day in the life on a ski holiday

Ski holidays aren’t about lie-ins - and that’s part of the magic.

Early starts. Fuelled breakfasts. Ski school from 9am–12:15pm.

Afternoons spent skiing, relaxing in the spa, tobogganing, ice skating, riding cable cars to mountain cafés, or simply soaking up the views.

Evenings are cosy and relaxed - showers, dinner, board games, tired laughs and early nights. Most nights you’re asleep by 9pm, resting and repairing your body for the next day.

It’s tiring. It’s challenging.And it’s completely worth it.

Après ski, recovery & Alpine indulgence 🧖‍♀️

Sore legs and tired muscles come with the territory - which is why the spa, hammam, sauna and heated ski lockers matter more than people realise.

Dry boots = happy skiers. Warm muscles = better recovery.

Add in mountain views, quiet swims and post-ski massages, and suddenly the balance between adventure and relaxation feels just right.

And then there’s the food…

🧀 Raclette 🫕 Fondue🍷 Wine by the fire

If skiing doesn’t win you over - Alpine food probably will.

Why Flaine is ideal for first-time skiers & families

Flaine is a resort built for families and beginners:

• Excellent ski schools

• Ski-in / ski-out accommodation

• Wide, forgiving slopes

• Reliable snow conditions

• Activities beyond skiing

• Unreal views, including Mont Blanc

It supports beginners properly - and helps them fall in love with skiing quickly.

So… is a ski holiday for you?

If you’ve ever said:

• “Ski isn’t for us”

• “The kids are too young”

• “I wouldn’t be able to do it”

  
  

We said all of those things too.

And now? We’re already planning the next one.

Ski holidays challenge you, reward you, and leave you buzzing in a way beach holidays simply can’t (and I love a beach holiday).

Why book your ski holiday with Aspire Travel?

Because ski holidays aren’t one-size-fits-all.

When you book with Aspire Travel, you benefit from:

• First-hand experience from consultants who ski

• Honest advice on resorts, ski schools and timing

• Family-friendly recommendations that actually work

• A holiday planned around your confidence level

  
  

Whether you’re a complete beginner, travelling with children, or thinking “maybe one day” - we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Final thoughts

Some holidays give you photos. Others give you stories.

A ski holiday gives you confidence, connection and memories that last a lifetime.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like…If you’ve ever thought “maybe one day”…

This is your sign ⛷️❄️✨

Ready to plan your first ski holiday?

If our family ski holiday has inspired you, get in touch with the Aspire Travel team today.

Whether you’re planning your first ski trip, a Christmas escape, or a family adventure for 2026 and beyond - we’ll make it seamless, supportive and unforgettable.

Your ski story could start sooner than you think ❄️⛷️✨