Winter Snow - DS is 4 and I'm pregnant

[dixia]

We are thinking about booking a proper family holiday this winter, for the first time in many years, as we are a bit more lucrative than in previous years.

We want to travel at the beginning of January. We definately want snow, as we live in Spain and our son has hardly seen any. But we don't want to be stuck on a ski resort with nothing for me to do - I'm pregnant. I'll be 7 months pg in january.

DP is a keen skiier, so a bit would be good, but we need other things around too. Anyone got any good tips for snowy holidays in interesting places, where our ds will have other children around?

Could do long or short haul, but would probably prefer not to do extra long haul

We were thinking about Finland, but thats v expensive isn't it?

All suggestions welcome

How about Sierra Nevada? Near Seville and nice places, good snow record, lots of things to do apart from ski. either that, or if you are in northern spain how about Andorra? have some nice hotels with spas, pools, aqua parks and things, so lots to do for little one and you.

Want to go further a field really, and experience a bit of a different culture. Like to get out of Spain for a holiday.

What about French alps - near Switzerland.
Fly into Geneva. St Gervais is resort we use.
www.Brittanybreaks.co.uk is website.
It's a small company in Devon, and they take people to farm house in Brittany - and also to alps in winter.
It's a new property that they are using this year, so haven't been to this one - but it's 2 mins from the one where I have been.
It's 2 mins walk from ski lift - and from there you and non skieers can take cable car to top of mountain and walk to pub for mulled wine etc. and watch the skiiers. Not a great deal for kids to do - apart from enjoy snow, be near ski lift, use ski school (not sure if too young) but it's great value and great fun. A brilliant spot. ALso go out in minibus with the group (there would be another few people all sharing accomodation with you - and all meals are done for you including wine etc.. .kids catered for) and can request where you go... e.g all go to Chamonix for the day or Megeve. Really beatiful. Views of mont blanc from window!
I loved it. Would do it again - but will wait til twins are older. Currently 18 months.
Hope this helps.

Thanks very much twinmumma, we will definately consider it

Have a look at Austria, for independent travel look at www.tiscover.at and www.kinderhotels.com.

I went to Val D'isere a few years ago while pregnant and found things to do in town (mainly shopping, though!) - we put our three-year old in a ski school (Snow Fun and ESF take them from 3)which worked brilliantly. Try Mark Warner or Ski Esprit.

We also went to Finland this last winter to visit Santa, which our chidlren (now 4 and 7)loved - but it was extremely cold (-13) and very dark for most of the day. We took a four day trip with Esprit holidays and there is a bit of downhill skiing, but not an enormous amount - Sweden or Norway would propably be better. Also, as you guessed, Finland is really expensive if you leave the hotel!

Good luck!