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Ski and snowboarding

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Original poster

First family trip

14 replies

NotToYou · 29/12/2023 20:52

DP and I haven't been skiing since having our DC, but now they are 5 and 3 I think they are ready for their first ski holiday!

Where should we go? A family friendly resort, English speaking ski instructors, not excessive length transfers. Is it best to stay in a hotel? Any tips or things we should be thinking about?

OP posts:
supersalmon1 · 29/12/2023 21:25

We went last Easter (and have booked again for next year) to Solden in Austria. Our children were nearly 4 and 7 at the time. Both DP and I have skiied pre DC but not since our youngest was born. I can't recommend the area enough - friendly ski schools at all levels and really wide, (quiet-ish) pistes. Our 3 year old was off on blues by day 4. We did cut the cost by flying to Munich and then driving 3(!) hours but you can get flights to Innsbruck and then easy transfers which we have also done in the past.

Original poster
NotToYou · 29/12/2023 21:27

Havanananana · 29/12/2023 21:19

Lots of good advice already on this thread ...
Non-skiing family booking first ski holiday? | Mumsnet

Thanks, will have a look at this.

DP and I are competent skiers so will only need ski school for the children (we will probably get a private lesson one day to brush up on technique). I assume it's very different going with small children compared to the holidays we used to have!

OP posts:
Original poster
NotToYou · 29/12/2023 21:29

supersalmon1 · 29/12/2023 21:25

We went last Easter (and have booked again for next year) to Solden in Austria. Our children were nearly 4 and 7 at the time. Both DP and I have skiied pre DC but not since our youngest was born. I can't recommend the area enough - friendly ski schools at all levels and really wide, (quiet-ish) pistes. Our 3 year old was off on blues by day 4. We did cut the cost by flying to Munich and then driving 3(!) hours but you can get flights to Innsbruck and then easy transfers which we have also done in the past.

That sounds good, will have a look at Solden! Not sure I fancy driving up the mountain roads myself with the DC in the car but DP might not mind.

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supersalmon1 · 29/12/2023 21:36

If you fly to Innsbruck then you can get a direct transfer so wouldn't need to drive - and no need really in the resort; has everything you need there. I am counting the days until we go because we had such a fabulous time last year. Weather was incredible all week and both children took to it immediately. They were off in ski school every day so DP and I felt like we actually had some time together 😂

Original poster
NotToYou · 29/12/2023 21:40

supersalmon1 · 29/12/2023 21:36

If you fly to Innsbruck then you can get a direct transfer so wouldn't need to drive - and no need really in the resort; has everything you need there. I am counting the days until we go because we had such a fabulous time last year. Weather was incredible all week and both children took to it immediately. They were off in ski school every day so DP and I felt like we actually had some time together 😂

How do you structure your days? I was assuming the DC would be in ski school in the mornings so DP and I could ski then we would do other snow type activities with them in the afternoon. Does that sound about right?

OP posts:
supersalmon1 · 29/12/2023 21:49

We were in a chalet hotel so would have breakfast then get ski stuff on and head to the Giggijoch lift (really short walk) for kids' lessons at 10. They had 2 hours in the morning and then a break for lunch (which they wanted to stay in their group for) and then lessons continued from 1-3. Once they finished (for the last 90 mins until lifts closed) I took our youngest to either the restaurant for snacks or took her up on the button lift for a bit of practice, depending on how tired she was. DP took our 7 year old out with him for a bit because he made super quick progress and I would have been less confident taking him on my own. Then it was lift down, baths and dinner and bed. It was, hands down one of the best holidays we've ever had. Yes, different to skiing as a couple but seeing the kids loving life on the mountain was a wonderful moment.
As an aside, we use Yellow Power for their lessons and can't fault them.

Amc44 · 30/12/2023 09:39

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doubleshift · 30/12/2023 11:00

For our kids 1st ski trip we kept it simple with a package booking with Esprit Ski - specifically for families!
It was such a positive 1st experience for our children and also meant my husband and I had adult time to ski and enjoy the time away without worrying about the children. Brilliant trip. www.espritski.com/

Original poster
NotToYou · 31/12/2023 09:59

doubleshift · 30/12/2023 11:00

For our kids 1st ski trip we kept it simple with a package booking with Esprit Ski - specifically for families!
It was such a positive 1st experience for our children and also meant my husband and I had adult time to ski and enjoy the time away without worrying about the children. Brilliant trip. www.espritski.com/

Will look at Espirit, thanks!

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backinthebox · 01/01/2024 10:34

Ski Famille another good one to check out. I’ve stayed with Esprit and Famille, would say Famille ever so slightly better but both very good. I normally organise our own transport, accommodation etc, but for the years my kids were very young and in ski school (aged about 4-8) it was so much less fraught staying somewhere where the nannies and instructors just sorted out the kids getting to and from ski school, and the chalets and food were aimed at the typical child. You can do DIY but as an experienced DIYer I’d recommend a family package any day for your first time.

LIZS · 01/01/2024 10:37

At 3 many ski-schools will not teach them as such but do snow activities with maybe games on skis in the nursery area and daycare. It can be off putting fir them if weather is cold and wet.

Original poster
NotToYou · 01/01/2024 16:35

backinthebox · 01/01/2024 10:34

Ski Famille another good one to check out. I’ve stayed with Esprit and Famille, would say Famille ever so slightly better but both very good. I normally organise our own transport, accommodation etc, but for the years my kids were very young and in ski school (aged about 4-8) it was so much less fraught staying somewhere where the nannies and instructors just sorted out the kids getting to and from ski school, and the chalets and food were aimed at the typical child. You can do DIY but as an experienced DIYer I’d recommend a family package any day for your first time.

Thanks, will check out Ski Famille too! Would be great to have reliable childcare as well as the ski school lessons.

OP posts:
Original poster
NotToYou · 01/01/2024 16:36

LIZS · 01/01/2024 10:37

At 3 many ski-schools will not teach them as such but do snow activities with maybe games on skis in the nursery area and daycare. It can be off putting fir them if weather is cold and wet.

I just want him to get used to moving around on skis really, I don't expect a huge amount of progress at age 3! He goes to forest school so is very used to being outside in cold wet weather, that shouldn't phase him.

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