OK so next year I think it will be March skiing... companies like Esprit?

[drspouse]

We have been horribly spoiled with Esprit but we will finally need no nursery care (DD will be 3) so I'm just wondering about looking around for a company that looks after you like they do, but that might be a TINY bit more reasonable for slightly older children in the school holidays.

I would probably be pushing for Norway but DH would probably want a higher level Alps resort.

I suspect we probably do want catered... we have as I say been spoiled! What companies are like Esprit?

Oops having said that we will probably need a company that provides add on care for the 3yo (and the 6yo) as neither of them will have all day lessons and we probably don't want to ski/play with them all morning and lunchtime every day - though some days would be fine!

Don't Esprit also do wrap around care like a kids club after lessons with collection service. There are also hotels which provide this service themselves, like Alphuebel/Waldesrueh in Saas Fee (see kidshotels.ch) or kinderhotels in Austria/Germany like Alpenrose in Lermoos with access to high level slopes. You may find local childcare is more relaxed in standards and with a more European clientele than with a UK based operator though. Crystal might be an alternative to Esprit.

They do - which is why we've been very spoiled!

I'll take a look at Crystal, thanks.

We went from esprit to inghams and used T4 Nannies. Worked brilliantly. We ensured she could ski and she came out with us in the afternoon a couple of times. We skied with our eldest and our youngest had the nanny for the PM after lessons.

I'd definitely do it again and in fact we felt it was better than esprit as we called the shots on times etc.

We did this in Tignes, but T4 cover other resorts.

Oh that's an interesting idea! Will look into that.

They are all UK qualified and they were really flexible and good. We are skiing at the moment and have booked a nanny for an afternoon to give my youngest a break. I think it works really well.

Have a look at Club Med, their prices include lift passes and lessons and all inclusive hotels.

Le Ski in La Tania, Family Friendly Skiing, also in La Tania. Ski Beat

Take a look st snowfocus, they've won mumsnet awards and do wrap around Care around lessons.