To all your questions I would reply 'What's your budget?', because what you want to spend will dictate what kind of holiday you can have, particularly during the five weeks of the season that fall within school holidays, which all count as 'peak' (i.e. eye-wateringly expensive).
For instance, if you need to keep things as cheap as possible you will probably want to drive and self-cater. Booking flights as soon as they are released can also save you lots of money, particularly as there are five of you. Do check out packages though as these can work out cheaper than buying the elements independently. There are always positive reviews on here of Snowbizz in Puy St Vincent, France. They have self-catering apartments in a small resort that is beginner-friendly. Mumsnet reviews are a great place to start though, so have a read.
Otherwise, my top tips would be:
- go for a resort that has a short (i.e. around an hour), transfer from the airport and, if possible, fly from your local airport;
- choose a resort/accommodation with things other than skiing on offer in case members of the party don't take to it. A swimming pool is good, an ice rink, a toboggan run, shops, a cinema, and if you're self-catering supermarkets and a few restaurants;
- look at the 'family specialist' ski holiday providers. You may decide they're not for you, but they can give you an idea of the best family-friendly resorts. I thought Les Gets (France) was a great little family resort with lots of amenities, supermarkets, etc. Google Mark Warner, Esprit, Scott Dunn, Ski Famille, Family Ski, etc, and the guide 'Where to Ski and Snowboard' also ranks resorts for family-friendliness. Its about £19;
- go for accommodation as close to the lift base as possible;
- you can buy ski gear from Aldi these days apparently. I've got really reasonably priced stuff from Verbaudet and Mountain Warehouse, but buy at the end of the season, if possible, in the sale, or borrow if you have friends with kids who are similar ages.
