First family ski trip Feb half term

[Jay1978]

Hi, we’re a family of 2 adults and 1 ten year old. We want our first family ski trip next February half term. We’re after a resort with lots of blues and reds and maybe a ski school for our son.
i know half term is going to be very busy but wondered if anyone had recommendations for somewhere with good snow and not crazy long lift queues? I like the lool
of Zell Am See if Austria

Zell am See is OK, but the accommodation can be a bit far from the lifts and the main beginners areas. Close to Zell there are better-located accommodation options in Saalbach or Hinterglemm, and the skiing is better in those two resorts than in Zell am See. Lift queues are managable, even at half-term, as the lift system and capacity in the Ski Circus is one of the best in Europe.

Your 10 year old will absolutely need to have lessons - either group lessons or private lessons. All of the ski schools in Zell, Saalbach and Hinterglemm (there are many schools to choose from) will have English-speaking instruction available - all of the childrens' instructors will speak English, German and either Dutch or Danish/Swedish and many 10 year old kids from Holland and Scandinavia can already speak pretty good English.

Puy St Vincent or Les Orres…. Both great. More Brits in Puy.

I came on here to ask pretty much the same question. Planning to take what will be my 12 year old next February half term. Just the two of us. First time for her, first time since having children for me. I am thinking Austria and just getting a package for ease. Any recommendations for ski companies / particular hotels?

For packages to Austria look at Crystal, Inghams or Heidi.

Resorts for first-timers: Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Zell am Ziller, Flachau, Wagrain, Rauris, Maria Alm, Westendorf, Ellmau.

See also the "Similar Threads" below for ideas.

Snowbizz in Puy St Vincent works very well for family ski trips, though the resort isn’t ideal for adult beginners.

Maybe ski lessons. Without ski lessons your child could kill themselves or someone else. Teaching them yourself, unless you are an excellent skier is also a tough call.

Queues and HT are bedfellows. I’d go at Easter as it’s usually quieter. HT can be crazy and it’s hard for beginners.

Soldeu in Andorra is great for beginners and great for families, plus usually a bit cheaper than France/Austria. Ski school is excellent, with lots of ex-pat British instructors so it's great to be learning in English with a native English speaker.

Wherever you decide, Crystal are great if you need your hand holding a bit more, have reps in resort, or Heidi can be a bit cheaper/more flexible but no reps (which can also be a positive). If you do decide on flexible travel dates just ensure lessons are available to fit your dates before you book the holiday.