Esprit Sprite Beginners or Spritelets for DC turning 5 on ski holiday?

[PrincessOlliander76]

I am in a bit of a dither as to what to do and would really appreciate any advice! DH and I are taking the two DCs (4- but will turn 5 on the last day and 6) skiing for the first time in Austria in the Easter holidays this year and we are going with Esprit. They advertise Spritelets class for 3-4 year olds and Sprite beginners from 5. Esprit have said DS2 could go into a Sprite beginners class as he is so close to 5. I really am not sure what to do, I took him skiing for the first time today on a dry slope and he seemed to cope ok and said he enjoyed it, although it was only a half hour and he fell asleep in the car on the way back which is unusual! Instinctively I would prefer the sprites class as its in the morning and he is so much better at doing anything in the morning and he could then be in snow club in the afternoon with DS1. Do they ski solidly for 2 hours in Sprites or do they have breaks and is there still some playing involved in the sessions? I really want him to enjoy his first experience and don't want to get it wrong, i.e. Be bored in Spritelets when he could manage a bit more skiing and a bit less play or overstretched and tired in Sprites. Any advice / experience would be gratefully received- thanks.

[dontcallmethatyoucunt]

Definitely the higher class or he'll be moving at the pace of a 'just' 3 year old. My DD turned 3 on an Esprit holiday and she was in the class. It's all loo breaks, falling over and hanging around. They arent coordinated (often) have no stamina and do everything one at a time. The 5 year olds are much quicker to pick it up.

My DD, the one that turned 3 that first time, will turn 5 in Feb. At Christmas she was skiing Red runs. The difference between 3 and 5 is massive, it's much greater than say 8 and 10. I honestly think he'll be much better and enjoy it more with the older kids.

[PrincessOlliander76]

Thanks so much for replying, that is really helpful advice- much appreciated.

[Umbrelladilemma]

I agree, go for the Sprites class. DD was in it at just turned 5 and it was perfect. I think they actually started in the Pioupiou bit (depends on the resort I guess) then progressed to blue runs during the week. Also easier to have your 2 DC having lessons and snow club at the same time.

[trixymalixy]

I agree with sprites. DD was in the spritelets (or sproutlets as she called it!) when she was 4 and she was bored stiff as she was doing less skiing than she had done at the snow dome. They just tramped round the piou piou and she didn't progress at all. Esprit wouldn't move her up to Sprites as she was too young.

[PrincessOlliander76]

Thanks all for the replies and advice! I will definitely change ds2 from Spritelets to Sprite beginners before we go. I had a good chortle over 'sprout lets' Trixymalixy very funny!

[Blowninonabreeze]

Agree sprites. But would phone and change him ASAP. Don't wait until you're there as they may not have space.