To book a ski resort holiday....even though I can't ski

[threesecrets]

And basically because I want to get the atmosphere, take a toboggan and enjoy the snow with my DD? I am genuinely considering booking a ski resort for 4-7 days as a winter break. I can get half board for £650 which seems pretty reasonable to me!

How old is your DD? Learn to ski together

5 but she isn't someone who would be keen about skiing!!

Go for it
Book snow shoeing no experience needed

Can you just book adult lessons out there and hire the skis and boots?

Half board rather than full Board? Research the extra costs, they can be super expensive. Otherwise go for it!!

Yes you can book in a resort
But you might be better focusing on the toboggan snow shoeing (you just need to wear snow boots) and enjoying the scenery
Most resorts have cable cars you can go on foot up the mountain

You'll need proper ski jackets, hats, gloves, socks and trousers etc. It may be cheaper to hire them.

YANBU at all. The snowy mountain environment is special and there’s loads to do in most resorts except skiing. You’ll want salopettes, warm coat, snowboots, hat and gloves for most activities.
Don’t rule out skiing though! First time we took ds2 after he could walk (nearly 3) he saw the skiers and proclaimed, ‘ I want to do that!’

Thanks all- any recommendations of decent resorts? Going to research snow shoeing. I wouldn't rule out skiing but don't want to set myself up with more stress with it just being the two of us.

Check out avoriaz. It’s pedestrianised town (you park way from it and get bused in) so you can wonder around in a winter wonderland and lots of ‘non skier’ activities

You really won’t need salopettes. Rarely bought these days.

There are many hidden extras to consider even if you don’t ski. You might need a lift pass to get up the mountains for the views. Check where the snow is. Is the hotel in town or is there snow nearby? What is cost of clothes and suitable boots? Is there skating, toboggan, swimming pool, mountain walks or railways? What exactly will you do? Snow shoeing would be very difficult for a 5 year old. All other 5 year olds will be in ski school. Yours will be the odd one out.

Yes, snow can be fun but unless you have access to lots of other activities, ski resorts are geared up for skiers. I say that as a non skier with a family of skiers. There might not be enough to do for a week. It’s pretty though as long as you swerve the concrete new resorts! And it’s not too cold!

You want somewhere with purpose built toboggan runs, ice skating rink, maybe even some curling! Love the snow!

Ignore those harping on about equipment, it’s not prohibitively expensive anymore, source some second hand Or check out places like mountain warehouse who do packages of jacket/ trousers/ gloves/ socks from about £100

You will want ski trousers for sledging

Tk Maxx has some and snow boots or aldi or lidl may have some left.

Also- check out slightly more non traditional ski areas- pockets of Austria, Finland, Andorra- all cheaper than the french alps.

Meribel.
You can get pedestrian lift ipass
Pool ice rink etc

Why not learn together? At the bottom of the hil from Avoriaz is Morzine. this is more of a traditional town, and on the otherside of the town is les gets a smaller resort which is cheaper then Avoriaz. Andora may do some good offers, or even look at Bulgaria as often cheaper then FRance.

@BubblesBuddy I thought salopettes just meant waterproof warm trousers! What do people wear?! I am thinking maybe 3/4 nights just to give a flavour and get away. Everyone has been so helpful!

Some people say " salopette " to mean ski trousers ....yes warm thick trousers which are warm and snow proof .

Playing in the snow with a 5 year old would mean getting covered in snow. It’ll be cold.
Salopettes don’t need to be expensive, warm and waterproof is what you need as being cold and wet quickly makes what should be a fun activity very miserable.

Really exited now and will try and get something booked tomorrow. If it doesn't happen this year then I will definitely be organised and do next year (brexit dependent!!)

You will need salopettes. Alpe d’huez has lots of activities but I think you would be mad to go all that way and not try skiing-even just one private lesson.

Try to borrow ski clothing (ski trousers and a jacket) from anyone you know who skis, or get yourself to Aldi and pick up good stuff there quite cheaply. Otherwise a Decathlon branch if there is one near you. You'll also need some base layers for underwear and a fleece or two, and children can never have enough gloves as they keep getting them wet.

Skis, ski boots and helmets can be hired in the resort - the Tour Operator will take you to their partner shop in the village. They will also sort out lift passes and ski lessons for you. In my experience kids really enjoy group lessons in the snow, which at 5 are a mixture of skiing and playing around in the snow building snowmen etc and having fun. If you don't want to ski, some resorts have hikers passes for much cheaper rates than skier passes.

Where to go? British companies tend to go to medium to large resorts in France, Austria and Italy and are used to catering for families. Personal favourites - La Rosiere (Fra) or Saalbach (Aut) or Westendorf (Aut) are all traditional alpine villages. Beware - some of the large resorts in France consist of soulless concrete blocks on the mountain with little charm and not much to do for non-skiers.

Well you could take ski lessons.

If you plan on not skiing (or boarding), then if you want to go up the mountain for the views and the cafes, check before booking that there are cable car / gondola type lifts suitable for non-skiers. You'll also want skiwear, one time I went up on the gondola in just jeans and my normal coat and it was bloody cold.

None of that's a problem if you're OK with staying in the valleys.

You’ll have a great time. I went on crutches one year after breaking my ankle a few weeks before my skiing holiday. I was still able to use the chair lifts and enjoy the atmosphere. I would aim for a big resort, so you’ll have plenty to do x