Group ski trip with children

[SockQueen]

A group of us from uni have been going on an annual ski trip for the last 10 or so years. We've mostly been to the French Alps although enjoyed Bad Gastein this year. We've now got several small children in the group, and DH has volunteered to organise next year's trip which is proving more challenging than previously! There are 4 smalls (between 1-2.5 years) in a group of 10-15 adults. The challenge is to find somewhere child-friendly but without breaking the bank or charging those without children unfairly.

We have previously gone for catered chalets, usually exclusive use, but most of them are not able to manage more than 1 or 2 children with high chairs, cots etc, so I think we may have to go for something a bit bigger. We'd rather not self-cater.

I know I've seen Ski Esprit recommended, but they are quite pricey. Anyone got any experience of Ski2 or Neilson in comparison? What are the childcare facilities usually like? Any particularly good resorts or ones to avoid?

Are you one of the families with children? It’s easier if a parent organised ime. We skied in France, booked flights, accommodation and private transfers (I wouldn’t fancy coach transfers with a baby/toddler) and used the local crèche which was always excellent and much better value than other options.
It’s hard to compare ski2 vs neilson vs esprit as they all offer quite different things. Esprit has good childcare but would be awful for childless adults.
I don’t know about Neilson childcare. I’ve heard bad things about Crystal’s Childcare.
Ski2 has a reputation for having an excellent ski school but the kids are too young and Ski2 is expensive vs esprit.
Booking diy gives you more flexibility and it’s cheaper.

As for resorts, Les Gets, Morzine and Avoriaz are good for kids and adults, short transfer from Geneva and all have proper French crèches.

Thanks! Yes, we are one of the couples with children - our DS will be 2.5 and the oldest of the group. We went to a ordinary chalet this year which kindly found enough travel cots and provided kids meals in the evening, but we had no childcare and it was a bit stressful in places. I think with a 4th child in the mix, and them all being a bit bigger, it would be quite difficult to find a non-family oriented place that could accommodate them. In the past we've done a mix of full packages and DIY booking our own flights, transfers and chalet all separately, we'd be happy to do either if it worked out ok!

Have you ever used a local creche where your children didn't speak the local language? DS is already quite talkative and I worry he would get very frustrated if he couldn't communicate with the staff.

My son was 2 1/2 the last time he went into French Crèche so very verbal. It was 50/50 locals and tourists so there were other English kids but he made friends and played with a little French boy all week.
The lady who was his key worker for the week didn’t speak English but she remembered him from the previous year and he loved her. I think they had some English speaking staff too. I think kids that age don’t even notice the language barrier.

I promise I don't work for them but I just booked our holiday through Ski Solutions and they were great. They can book with companies like Inghams etc or can put something tailor made together. I rang them as I wasn't really sure what we wanted and was going mad with all the googling etc and they were very helpful.

I think maybe you need a catered chalet with a couple of private nannies (if money is no object!?)

We’ve booked through Chaletline and their customer service was outstanding. They will look at your requirements and find you the best options in your budget. They specialise in catered chalets but do hotels as well. They will also be able to find the best price too, usually cheaper than going direct through the tour operator.

Family Ski Company would be great for you.
Their childcare is fantastic, early evening meals for the kids, cots, high chairs, stair gates etc all provided. Child seats on coach transfers too.
No extra charges for your child free friends as all child related costs are optional extras.

What about hiring a nanny. T4 Nannies were excellent.