Kids on Ski Program Expands Winter Alpine Access for Young Beginners
Families with young children planning a winter holiday for the 2026/2027 season gain access to an expanded, fully sponsored ski program that eliminates traditional cost barriers for absolute beginners, skiinformatie.nl reported. The initiative, known as Kids on Ski, provides children aged 3 to 5 years with five days of ski lessons, a six-day lift pass, six days of equipment rental, and seven nights of free accommodation in their parents’ room.
Organizers expect approximately 3,000 children to make their first turns on the snow through the program during the upcoming winter season. Initiator Mike Partel states that the ultimate goal is to expand Kids on Ski to 50 Alpine ski resorts over time. The program specifically targets children who have never skied before, offering a complete equipment and instruction package designed to ease families into winter sports.
New Resorts Joining the Winter 2026/2027 Lineup
Six new destinations join the initiative for the upcoming ski season, spanning Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. The newly confirmed resorts include Nauders and the Montafon region in Austria, Schnalstal and Gitschberg Jochtal in Italy, and Arosa Lenzerheide and Grächen in Switzerland.
Discussions regarding participation remain ongoing with several other destinations. According to the organization, 3 Zinnen Dolomites, Wengen, Mürren, and Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau are currently in the final alignment phase, meaning their participation is not yet definitively confirmed. These additions join established participating destinations such as Sölden, Saalfelden Leogang, Alta Badia, Kronplatz, Madonna di Campiglio, the Aletsch Arena, and Winterberg.
Package Details and Participation Requirements
The sponsored package is restricted to children aged 3 to 5 who do not yet know how to ski. Eligible children receive five ski lessons lasting two to three hours each, a six-day ski pass, and six days of full ski equipment usage, alongside seven free overnight stays sharing a room with their parents at a participating accommodation.
Families must adhere to specific conditions to qualify for the program. Parents pay for their own accommodation and incidental expenses. The program requires booking a seven-night stay at an affiliated property, applies only during pre-selected weeks outside peak holiday periods, and caps participation at a maximum of 200 children per participating region.
Registration and Industry Sponsorship
Registration opens via the official Kids on Ski website, where parents can select a resort, review eligible dates, and choose a participating accommodation. Following a confirmed booking, families receive a voucher to redeem ski lessons, passes, and equipment upon arrival. Not all newly added destinations are fully bookable yet, as certain regions continue finalizing participating properties and available dates.
The program relies on financial support from ski schools, lift companies, tourism boards, accommodations, and major winter sports corporations. Participating sponsors include Doppelmayr, LEITNER, SKIDATA, Sunkid, TechnoAlpin, and Sitour/Feratel. Organizers frame the initiative as both an immediate support measure for family travel and a long-term investment in developing future generations of winter sports participants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids on Ski
Can children who already know how to ski participate in the program?
No, the program is strictly intended for absolute beginners between the ages of 3 and 5 who have never skied before.
Are all costs for the entire family covered by the initiative?
No, the sponsorship covers the child’s ski lessons, equipment rental, lift pass, and accommodation. Parents must pay for their own lodging and any additional expenses.
When can families use the free ski package?
The program is valid only during specific pre-selected weeks designated by the resorts, which are primarily scheduled outside the busiest holiday periods.
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