Easter or Feb half term?

[Jane054848]

Hi, we are thinking of doing a family ski holiday for the first time. Kids 8 and 10 and have never skied. I like the idea of Easter, somewhere high up like Val Thorens, as it seems like it’s much cheaper and also the weather will be nicer - is that right? Or will it be icy and horrible? Thank you!

Val Thorens is perfect in April. Don't be tempted by cheaper prices to the nearby Méribel or other lower stations . The snow will be soupy .

Now sure however how much cheaper it will be.

That's really helpful, thank you! Yes I think you're right about it not being cheaper, flights are extortionate! Have now started looking at the high resorts in Italy as these seem much cheaper (Cervinia, Passo Tonale)...any views on those?! Thanks again.

I prefer Italy to France a zillion times! And I am French! A lot cheaper, not only all the ski-related stuff (skipass, ski rental, ski lessons...) but also the after -ski life, going in a cafe for hot-chocolate and cake, shopping, and the food is so so much better, on the slopes and in the hotel.
Cervinia will be nice in April. If it is a first - time ski holiday you don't even need to do the international skipass , as you will stay on the Italian side.
When looking at flights, Torino is closer, but Milano Malpensa will be cheaper. Milano Bergamo where a lot of Ryanair flights land is on the opposite side, so if possible, avoid.
Avoid again the lower villages such as Valtournenche even if cheaper (they will be cheaper for a reason) .
I never stayed in Cervinia but at Macugnaga which belong to the same skipass even if on the other side because we were staying with my parents who don't ski. With everyone skiing, Cervinia is better as you can ski into the village, whereas Macugnaga you only arrive at Monte Moro.

@Jane054848 I want to add something important which might make you change your mind about February or Easter .
With first time skier, your criteria has to be the length of the blue slopes. You should select a ski resort based on how many km of blue slopes they have. The higher up stations have usually more red and black than blue ( or even green). Go on some ski website and check that first. You don't want to be stuck on the same slope over and over again.
When the kids were very young, we were living in Barcelona and the kids learned to ski at Font Romeu which is perfect.

In Aprile, you will have a lot of red and black open especially if you are skiing on a glacier, so be sure to check online.

VT at Easter is glorious. We go every year with 2 young kids (under 9)

Lovely ski in/out accommodation and plenty of runs. Snow is fantastic late march/early april.

Go for it. We are going first week of April 2020 and 2021 (already booked!)

You’ll have booked by now, but Cervinia at Easter is mega. Loads of blues, easy resort, big, high, quiet. Loved it there

Passo Tonale at Easter will be just about ok in the mornings, but due to the south facing slopes, porridge from lunchtime onwards.

Sorry to resurrect this thread but do any of you have recommendations for catered chalets in Cervinia? We have been with Chilly Powder (Avoriaz) for the past two years. It’s brilliant with children but just so busy in school holidays.

We went to Club Med in cervinia. It’s one of their cheapest locations.

Hi VT sounds good but can I ask if it gets overrun at Easter? We were in Avoriaz at Easter two yrs ago and it was just too busy on the slopes with small kids in tow. Really dont want a repeat of that. Any suggestions welcome as we are still looking for this year😕

Thanks for resurrecting this thread. We're going to Austria the week before half term this year, but straight after half term I start my new job, which means no more term time holidays. So we're thinking Easter for next year.
Our trip this year is our first so realistically we'll want blues next year won't we?

We did VT over Easter week 2 years ago. Wasn’t too busy, my 4&6 year olds loved it and didn’t feel crowded.

This year we went in Easter holidays but not actual Easter week and it was really quiet! Barely any queues for lifts.

We've done Easter 2 of the last 3 seasons and are doing again this year - never found it particularly busy except around ski schools at drop off/ pick up times but we've tended to arrive Easter weekend so the latter part of school holidays.