Self drive with novice 5-year old - where to?

[Jonas25]

Looking for an inexpensive week at half term (ha ha - I know) to get the 5-year old started. Any recommendations for a drive-able resort with a good English speaking ski school? Preferably not too low as would worry about the snow levels. Alternatively I have just seen some very reasonable flights to Salzburg which would work out at 300-something for the two of us.

I think the main difficulty you will have at this stage is finding a ski school with space for half term - it's the busiest week of the year and lessons get booked up well in advance - so suggest you check availability of lessons first before you book anything else. You may find that this is your limiting factor given that half term is only 6-7 weeks away.

February is pretty snow-sure everywhere but I would avoid France as it's rammed at half term and their holidays coincide with ours. Don't have experience of Austria but am sure someone more informed will be along to help soon

@stringbean very good point about ski school. Need to get my skates on.

Having said don't go to France, the resorts in the northern Alps close to Geneva are probably most accessible if you're driving - Portes du Soleil, La Clusaz or Flaine/Grand Massif maybe. No idea how easy lessons will be to find at this stage, but these resorts might be a good starting point. We've had great experience with Evolution 2 ski schools in France - all English speaking and limit classes to 8 children - but personally would avoid ESF (classes will be at capacity - have seen class sizes of 14-15 children with one instructor).

Take the Salzburg flights. The half term drive is a grim one, very congested to the big French resorts (and further to Austria). Worse this year with everyone on holiday the same week. And you will need winter tyres or snow chains and to know how to fit them at that time of the year (French law). Either take the 5 year old out of school and go in March or do the first week of Easter holidays. Easter is much more driveable and less busy. We had better conditions end of March last year than in Feb anyway!

The Salzburg flights are more like 600 quid today by the time you add a tiny bag. I thought it was too good to be true.

I want to take my own snowboard and feel and I'm sure there will be tons additional luggage so seriously considering driving my EV. Am I crazy?? I could leave Friday night and aim to arrive Sunday in time for lessons on Sunday. I have found ski school availability and good value accommodation in Rauris based on some recommendations I have read here.

We drive with 2 kids (eldest 9, 4 weeks experience, youngest 5, 2 weeks experience) and tend to go to France. We go in term time though and just suck up any fines.

Realistically driving from the UK is fine as long as you have more than 1 driver. We alternate drivers, get a late-ish Eurotunnel crossing and drive through the night to arrive Saturday lunchtime.

You will definitely be limited by where has capacity for ski school in half term and the lifts will be absolutely rammed.

Check out snowheads.com for EV and half term driving threads - they are experts and will tell you like it is. From my experience of driving outside of peak time, with older kids, I suspect it’s a hard no but they will tell you for sure! Also remember your winters and chains in case of snowfall.

It’s a long way to drive on your own. I’d advise stopping overnight near Beaune if you’re heading to French resorts. With a 5 year old you won’t get value out of a mega 3V type resort so I’d suggest somewhere smaller. How experienced are you? If not very I’d call up an agent. If you know what you’re doing you could get an Air B&B somewhere like Bourg St Maurice or Guillestre which will keep cost down.

Just to update that I managed to book ski school with Adventure Ski in Rauris. And also a hotel. Jury still out on how to get there!

Excellent! TBH I would fly if you’re the only driver. For context we left home at 3am and are now looking at snowy mountains in the distance somewhere near Grenoble. 3 hours to go. 🥱

Well done! Rauris has had some great reviews on here - am sure you'll have a fab time