Please help with family ski holidays

[Siennasun]

Since DS was born we've been skiing in Morzine. We've self catered and DS has gone to the lovely local nursery while we skied. We go with a small group of adults and DS is the only child.
I don't think this'll work next year as DS will be three, therefore old enough to ski and it'd be better for him to have other children to ski/play with in the evening.
But all the different family ski holiday options are overwhelming, I don't know where to start. Is Austria a better option than France or Switzerland for very young children to learn to ski? I was thinking maybe Esprit in Obergurgl. Anyone been there? Any other suggestions?
Any suggestions on how to tactfully ditch our childless ski friends are also very welcome!

[Siennasun]

Thanks viva. Is that true in the chalet hotels too or do they work more like a normal hotel?

[VivaLeBeaver]

Kids have to eat before the adults in the hotels as well.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Yes, if you can afford to eat out every night I can imagine self catering is great. We couldn't afford Courchevel restaurant prices!

[trixymalixy]

We stayed in the sun vallee apartments. They are pretty basic but plenty of space. We bought the evening meal package at La Chaumiere but wouldn't next time.

It was a bit of a trek up the hill, the restaurants in the building had good value fixed price evening menus, plus you could hire fondue or raclette sets or get takeaway pizza. There were some nights the kids could have done with a bowl of pasta and an early night rather than having to go out for dinner.

[toocheekyforwords]

For the sake of your kids and yourselves I would totally say get your kids fed and watered asap, and then you can chill and enjoy your evening. Kids will be sooooooo tired and hungry after a days skiing they'll be quite happy eating then have a chill on the sofa then bed. When we've been it's means you can then enjoy a nice meal, which is cooked for you and cleared away, say no more!!! If you've got the budget, catered chalet all the way! Agree about half term, it's expensive and busy but easter is good, only done it once but had a fab time. We mostly go in Jan, quieter and cheaper x

[Artandco]

We always eat with ours later. They generally take a nap still with dh or I around 4pm once back. Sleep until 5.30, take a swim. In pjs ready for dinner at 8pm if in chalet. We have always taken whole chalet though as needed anyway for group size, so can choose.