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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Am I too late to book a family ski trip for February 2018. First time skiing.

96 replies

littleroots · 22/12/2017 10:07

Hi

This isn't really an AIBU but I am posting here for traffic.

Our kids are agreed 3-8 and there are 4 of them. We have never been skiing together though DP has taken his elder children before.

I have heard Italy is less busy, less expensive, and friendlier for children so that's where we'll start looking. DP says we are too late and all ski school places/good accommodation will have gone. Is he right?!

I think we need to book a package as I couldn't begin to know where to start otherwise - ski passes/lessons/kit? I am sure I would forget to book something or end up booking a hotel that's a mile away from the ski school ....

Can anyone please help with recommendations for package companies, which resorts to ski at (quiet is good for us), child friendly resorts. What to pack. Any advice would be hugely appreciated. Thank you.

OP posts:
welshweasel · 22/12/2017 10:09

Do you need to go at half term? What’s your budget?

welshweasel · 22/12/2017 10:10

Esprit would be my go to for a package with kids. What dates do you need?

NanFlanders · 22/12/2017 10:14

Hi, We went first time skiing a couple of years ago to Pamporovo in Bulgaria with Crystal Ski. Excellent tuition for beginners. (My sis is an expert skier, who came with us and agreed). Beautiful area. And rather cheaper than any alternatives...

BubblesBuddy · 22/12/2017 10:19

The flights will be the big problem I would have thought.

Personally I would plan it properly for 2019. We have not been skiing in Italy but I guess it’s not better or worse than anywhere else. With children, my big issue was airport to resort time. You don’t want a lengthy journey. You also need a handy ski school and good transport to the ski school if it is not nearby. Long walks are a definite no no.

I would definitely go with a company. They will arrange transfers, ski school, any hire of gear and lift passes. Get talking to them today but I would be flexible about destination. Avoid Norway because it’s uttetly freezing and not enjoyable! My DD did ski training there years ago and DH said one run and then inside for hot choc. Just too cold to stay out for long.

Powder Byrne are a family ski specialist company if you have money. Other companies use the same hotels but have less child care.

If you delay, could you get to an indoor ski school to get started with lessons. We found this invaluable years ago.

Original poster
littleroots · 22/12/2017 10:23

Hi, thank you for all the helpful responses. I don't mind where we go although Norway doesn't sound like it's for us if it's utterly freezing!

We would happily go to Bulgaria - I've heard the mountain villages are very pretty.

February half term is the obvious time to go but I would consider taking them out of school for a week. We have never had unauthorised absences for holidays before - always go in the school holidays - and I'd have to be honest with school and tell them we're going on a holiday.

OP posts:
Original poster
littleroots · 22/12/2017 10:25

I hope we can book for the 6 of us with ski school etc for £6-7000

OP posts:
Mrsdraper1 · 22/12/2017 10:25

Norway is really expensive, esp for food and drink.

Original poster
littleroots · 22/12/2017 10:29

I've heard Cervinia in Italy is great. Also looking into Bulgaria!

OP posts:
semideponent · 22/12/2017 10:29

I run bookings for a ski chalet. It's still available 17-24 Feb and 24 Feb-3 Mar. Does your £6-7000 budget include travel/flights?

BigGreenOlives · 22/12/2017 10:31

Easter is early this year, why don’t you go the first week of the holidays (23/24th March) and resorts won’t be as cold or busy as in February.

BubblesBuddy · 22/12/2017 10:38

Good idea about Easter. I think taking them out of school is wrong for this. Mine have skied from Zermatt to Cervinia. Check transport and flights to Italy though. There is no such thing as cheap skiing and you gave to add in all the costs. £1000 (if that includes flights) each in school holidays sounds a bit light to me unless you do self catering.

Original poster
littleroots · 22/12/2017 10:39

That's an idea, we could go the first week of Easter hols. School breaks up on 29th March but we could go the week before - I think we can get away with one term time holiday without repercussions from school (!)

semideponet - yes I am hoping to include everything in that budget. Where is your ski chalet and is it catered or self catering?

OP posts:
lastqueenofscotland · 22/12/2017 10:43

Bulgaria is cheap
Andora Is meant to be really good for beginners
Madonna de campigglo is nice, has a good ski school and is fairly reasonable, only really has one bunny run though.

Original poster
littleroots · 22/12/2017 10:49

Thank you. I'm going to start ringing round Club Med and Crystal Ski and see what's left! I think we really could do with a chalet though as opposed to a hotel as we're unlikely to get a family suite now and the kids are not old enough to sleep in a room on their own.

OP posts:
idontlikealdi · 22/12/2017 10:49

We went to Bankso in Bulgaria a few years ago.

It was FREEZING. Really really freezing and I've skied In loads of places. The infrastructure was also pretty shit so I wouldn't recommend it anyway.

welshweasel · 22/12/2017 10:51

Honestly, for that budget you’d get fully catered including flights and probably lift passes and lessons with esprit. Your 3 year old will need some childcare as won’t be able to ski for long and their childcare is ace. Give them a ring and price it up. You can generally fly from your regional airport too which cuts down travel time.

HermionesRightHook · 22/12/2017 10:51

I think Eastern Europe too - the skiing is supposed to be much easier than the Alps which is good for learners.

Just be careful if you then go alpine next year - we've seen people edging their way down runs in France because they thought red would be fine having done it in Bulgaria!

HermionesRightHook · 22/12/2017 10:53

Oh I've just seen your budget. Phone Esprit and go somewhere perfectly set up for kids.

We've had lovely experiences with Crystal and Neilsen but we don't take the children (girls only!)

Original poster
littleroots · 22/12/2017 11:07

Thanks again for responding with advice and recommendations! I had thought we would need to spend £10k+ to go anywhere decent. Complete novice at this. I am calling Esprit now!

OP posts:
Original poster
littleroots · 22/12/2017 11:40

Ouch. £12,000 from Esprit to go to Belle Plagne during February half term

OP posts:
welshweasel · 22/12/2017 11:42

Yeah, your budget would be fine for term time (which is what I’d do with primary aged kids) - otherwise your best bet would be xmas week next year (the cheapest holiday week) or look at booking it all separately and go self catering.

Original poster
littleroots · 22/12/2017 11:47

I wouldn't be confident booking it all separately until we've been at least once, so that I know what I'm doing. I'm now on the phone to Club Med and hoping they're pricing will be better!

OP posts:
welshweasel · 22/12/2017 11:49

I agree package is the way to go for your first trip. Club med are pretty good and usually all inclusive of tuition, ski hire and often lunch too so bear that in mind when comparing costs.

juddyrockingcloggs · 22/12/2017 12:17

I'd go to Norway! But then I am biased! Wink

Italy is brilliant for good family skiing - my fave is he aosta valley.

Personally, I'd save and go late 2018 or 2019 and make it incredible.

hiyasminitsme · 22/12/2017 12:20

That budget is nowhere near enough for France at half term.

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