ALL IN THE FAMILY
Unless you have pre-school aged children (or an accommodating school) you’re bound to go skiing the weeks of half term (February 13 departures) or Easter (roughly the first two weeks of April). Luckily it’s still possible to book a last-minute deal for half-term, and it’s even easier to arrange if your children are old enough to ski with guides, rather than having lessons or crèche care. For Easter, there’s plenty of time to arrange all the extras that come with family skiing – childcare, tuition, babysitters. Or even better, you can find a family-friendly company that will do all that for you. Many would say late-season skiing is a better bet for youngsters because of the warmer weather. Just make sure you pick a resort – like The Three Valleys in France – high enough to keep the snow.
The Ski Club of Great Britain has a great idea for families with children aged six and up with decent skiing ability. Book through Ski Freshtracks (0845 45 807 80; www.skifreshtracks.co.uk) for an action holiday in Davos, Switzerland. Ski club leaders will lead your children on their own adventure so you can see the slopes at your own pace. Families stay in the four-star Sunstar Parkhotel, which is £1,295 per person half board including scheduled flights, transfers and ski club leaders. Ski Club of Great Britain yearly membership, which gives you access to ski guides with local knowledge of most European resorts, costs £85 per family, but is cheaper with this holiday.
Family Ski Company (01684 540333; www.familyski.co.uk) has Easter availability for a family of four for £2,572, staying at the four-star Chalet Claudia. The chalet is in Reberty, which is tucked away in a quiet spot between Val Thorens and Les Menuires, but has cable car access to the heart of the high-altitude, sprawling Three Valleys. Costs are for full board, including wine. Six days of childcare costs from £275, including ski school, and lift passes are free for children five and under. Eurostar fares to nearby Moutiers cost around £250 per person.