Top Ideas for Winter Family Activity Holidays

There is no 'best' time of the year for family activity holidays, as enjoying some fun family time is a wonderful bonding experience at any time of the year. If, however, you have your heart set on escaping the winter blues in the UK, and are looking for something a little different, one of the excellent specialised winter family activity holidays could be the perfect solution.

Most people associate winter breaks with skiing, and while skiing is indeed a fantastic activity, the winter playgrounds formed when the snow falls in the mountains offer so much more! If you like the idea of spending long, fun-filled days in the winter sunshine followed by family evenings together in front of a log fire playing cards or laughing about the day's activities, below are some fabulous options for winter family activity holidays.

All the Adventure and Fun of Winter

Many destinations that focus on outdoor activities can be wonderful in both the summer and the winter. It can be incredible to see the difference in the landscape and scenery as the snow falls, blanketing walking paths, biking trails and climbing routes to create a setting for all kinds of other activities - many of which are perfect for the whole family to enjoy. There are myriad destinations around the world that offer the ideal conditions to enjoy an energetic family break, below are just a few.

Norway

Norway is a fabulous place to try out ski touring or cross-country skiing, and the entire family can get involved. You can spend wonderful days exploring trails that take you through verdant forests, past picturesque lakes, and into stunning valleys. Or, perhaps snowshoeing is more suited to your tastes; everyone, no matter what their age, can strap the racquet-like paddles on the bottom of their shoes to traverse the snowy trails – they make life so much easier to walk uphill! Children will delight in the furry marmots that whistle from their burrows underground as you pass.

For those who like a little more action, how about a thrilling dog sled ride? After meeting the dogs and having a basic lesson on how to drive, you can set off on an authentic husky sled ride through the forests. This experience is one that will never be forgotten, and for many children, even if at first they are apprehensive, it is a highlight.

The Alps, Canada and USA

The French and Italian Alps offer myriad opportunities for winter breaks - whether it's downhill skiing, snowboarding or any of the more sedate mountain activities - and there is a wide range of destinations to choose from. The spectacular landscape offers an idyllic setting in which to base yourself for a break.

Canada and the USA are becoming increasingly popular for exciting winter family activity holidays as well, and from Banff to Panorama, and Lake Tahoe to Jackson Hole, you'll have no shortage of resorts to choose from and activities to take part in.

Accommodation

Mountain lodges or alpine ski chalets are the perfect (and fun) accommodation option for the duration of your winter family break. Catered by excellent staff, comfortable and well equipped, you can spend your valuable time having fun in the snow while letting someone else attend to the details!

Richard Edwards is the Managing Director of Summit and Blue, a specialist adventure and activity holiday company offering independently crafted family activity holidays to exciting destinations around the world, including France, Italy, Portugal, the USA and Canada. With unique itineraries and exciting activities like biking, hiking, white water rafting and canoeing, we create holidays for families looking for an experience a little more off the beaten track.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.