Ski holiday with 3 yr old

[Happydreams]

Looking for recommendations for a ski holiday ( my first time) with our 3 yr old. Would prefer half board, a beautiful location ( in case skiing is not for me!) and some childcare would be useful. It all looks so expensive, but we can only go during the school holidays this December. Any thoughts?

You need to go to a high altitude resort in December- in France that would be Val Thorens, Tignes or Val d’Isere. Ideally one with a swimming pool and other activities for kids.

If it’s your first time then I would recommend going with a company that will plan the whole thing like crystal or ski world etc.

Get your 3 year old on skis as well, even if it’s just a private lesson or two. They are more than capable at that age and learn really quickly.

Most resorts have lots of nanny companies, we use them for half days in resort (from 8 months old) they have always been fantastic.

If you can, go to a ‘learn to ski in a day’ course or similar before you go, at a snow dome or dry slope, both for you and your child. it will familiarise you with getting your boots and skis on, terminology and standing up.

Take at least two pairs of gloves for all beginners. You will fall, and they will get wet.

The fitter you are before you go the better. Particularly leg muscles.

Ski school all the way or better a private teacher. As a beginner skier you will not be safe to ski alone with your child this time.

Cervinia is worth a look. It is snow sure and has a nice town with skating and a playground etc.

Maybe look at Club Med

Second one for club med!

You will struggle in December to find a resort with guaranteed snow, unfortunately - you'll need to look at the highest resorts but even then there's no guarantee.

What are your plans for your 3yo while you ski? You could do ski school but they may struggle at that age to be left with total strangers and if you've never skied before, you really can't take them with you - it's too dangerous as you will both inevitably fall a lot.

In terms of resorts I agree about Cervinia or Zermatt for a decent chance of snow.

I honestly wouldn’t get worked up about v high resorts. I’ve skied every year for 20 years in France… Vars, Risoul, Les Orres, Serre Che. Pistes, especially beginner slopes will be fine. December will be cold though which will make life harder with the 3 yo.