Ski holidays 2023 - advice for a novice family

[Jamalias]

So my DH and eldest DC (9) want to try a ski holiday. I’ve been, I’m useless, it’s not my thing BUT I do like mountains/ snow etc and don’t want to hold others back.

We don’t have an unlimited budget, but also I’d prefer to not have to provide too many meals (it’s my holiday too!). Don’t care what country it’s in, so budget friendly is very welcome. need a few good black runs for DH and good close ski school with easy runs for DC and I (6 & 9 when we go). Neither are particularly balanced but let’s give it a go or we will never know!

if you haven't been skiing before, there are a lot of extra costs to consider, particularly, ski passes and ski lessons. So ski holidays aren't cheap.
Have a look at Club Med but book through www.skiline.co.uk they are Club Med's biggest agent and they will give you a discount of up to 20%, if you book early. I always book with Liz, she is very helpful.

Club Med are brilliant for families, its all inclusive, so apart from travel insurance ( a must on a ski holiday) and ski rental, everything is included. The food is fantastic, even for the fussiest of eaters, (like my son) The ski lessons are for 5 full days, even bad skiers will have mastered the basics by the end of the week. But if you don't fancy skiing, or snowboarding, the resorts arrange mountain walks, to suite most fitness levels, or their is a lovely a spa.

The ski schools go back to the hotel for lunch, so if you are tied, you can skip the afternoon sessions... But stick with it skiing is fantastic

We have had a lot of ski holidays with Ski Basics in Meribel. I think they are great, and they offer kids dinner in their catered chalets, which makes my life so much easier, and the chalet hosts are excellent with kids!

The three valleys is also a great ski areas for all abilities.

www.skibasics.com/

We loved Folgaria (Italy), great range of runs to keep everyone happy and a very family oriented and safe little resort.

Ski holidays essentially aren’t cheap. Passes are pricey and resorts generally are too.

I like La Plagne for beginners, skipasses and accommodation is usually reasonable but food/drink isn’t when you are there. It also has the option to go on the other side of the mountain for some gnarly icy reds and a few backs.

Borovets is very beginner friendly but a touch seedy. Probably not great if you’re going with someone who wants really challenging stuff.

Sauze D’olux is nice (especially if you stay slightly out of the main area towards Jovencaux), it used to be known as the benidorm of the alps but I didn’t think it was that wild, and if you turn out to hate skiing it’s easy to get to Turin from. For experienced skiiers it’s a huge ski area and will keep you busy.

We learnt in Borovets because it was cheap and then went to Sauze D’olux which I liked.