skiing lessons for 4/5 year olds - how did yours find it?

[Nettee]

I am just back from a great trip to Belle Plagne with Crystal (Turquoise). Weather was not so good sadly but definately would return with fingers crossed for a bit more sunshine. DS - just 4 - and DD - 18 months - were in creche which worked out well and DS did a very little bit of skiing but really wasn't up for more than about an hour at a time. Anyway I am probably being a bit PFB but I am already plotting next year's trip and wonder if he will change so much in a year that he will then be fine to go off with the Wizz Kids nannies for a 3 hour ESF ski lesson. I spotted some esprit classes out and about and I thought I saw the nannies following them which impressed me. Any experiences or recommendations about nice gentle introductions to skiing for littlies?

Claviere sounds great from what you have said and great value too. How was the snow? We tend to go late in the season too and I wondered if it was a bit low. What about the walk to ski school for your 4 year old? Was that walk better than at St Louis? We went to Courchevel last year and I remember the 4 year olds walking down the hill and then there is a bit of a hike from the top of the lift to the magic carpet isn't there.

I am impressed with the Ski school at Claviere having such small class sizes and only from the hotel.... Do you think that was the norm there? They don't really advertise it like that. Oh Well we are booked up now and looking forward to it but will definatly consider Claviere for another year - We did the dolomites once years ago and enjoyed the skiing and the views - really different from the Alps isn't it.

the walk back to the hotel at claviere took about 3-4 mins and is a very gentle incline an dhte kids club staff carry all the childrens kit for them. my 4 year old managed it fine. the lessons in claviere are apparently always organised so that the 11-13 slot is for crystal guests. so basically the groups are always small and everyone knows everyone from the hotel already. added to this claviere is a tiny resort and never busy or crowded means that often the ski school groups are skiing empty pistes. the snow was great last week, we had a day when 1.5 meters fell !!!! the next day it was magic.