Hi
How does the average family get to the ski slopes (in my case from Bern).
Are there many local fields ,can you get there easily by train ? or do people tend to drive .Also are there many near Bern ? what is the cost of a days skiing ? Also is there some ice skating near by ?

It is all put together nicely here: Snowboarding & Skiing - Everything in one place

A lot of people take the train. But you probably need to allow for a couple of hours of travel each way. Also, the trains tend to get very crowded.

You can also drive, and there is normally ample parking. I prefer to drive. If you don't have ski racks, you can buy magnetic ski racks that stick to the roof of your car. I've seen some for about CHF50-CHF60.

In Vaud at most resorts children get a discount on lift tickets or are free age 8 and under. If you have carte junior then they are free on the train too.