Right, they're big enough, we're all going skiing!
Discussion
So my small ones are 3 and 4 yrs old, I've waited far too long (and seen too many "who's skiing in 20XX" threads), so I have decided we are all going skiing this winter!
So the plan is, we're going very early january, driving, via Eurotunnel, probably to Chatel (have been here before, suits what we want, reasonably close to Calais), renting a self catering apartment via ownersdirect or somesuch.
This is as much me & Mrs P trying to relax and get a bit of mooching in around the gentle runs in a quietish resort rather than try to bash round the Portes De Soleil or the Three Valleys in one day, though we do want to get the kids some time in a kindergarten/ski school to get them some early initiation and some respite for us.
So - I have a couple of questions for those who have done this, what tips are there for taking your little ones on their first ski trip? I guess hired equipment is fairly standard and simple (boots, skis, helmets etc), but do we need to think of anything that would make life easier and our experience better?
I've not driven to the Alps in winter so I guess beyond the usual French requirements (hi-viz, triangle, bulbs, breathalyser etc) we need snowchains in case of poor conditions, plus I guess snow shovel in case we get snowed in an outdoors car park. And no, I'm not investing in winter tyres for just this trip!
So the plan is, we're going very early january, driving, via Eurotunnel, probably to Chatel (have been here before, suits what we want, reasonably close to Calais), renting a self catering apartment via ownersdirect or somesuch.
This is as much me & Mrs P trying to relax and get a bit of mooching in around the gentle runs in a quietish resort rather than try to bash round the Portes De Soleil or the Three Valleys in one day, though we do want to get the kids some time in a kindergarten/ski school to get them some early initiation and some respite for us.
So - I have a couple of questions for those who have done this, what tips are there for taking your little ones on their first ski trip? I guess hired equipment is fairly standard and simple (boots, skis, helmets etc), but do we need to think of anything that would make life easier and our experience better?
I've not driven to the Alps in winter so I guess beyond the usual French requirements (hi-viz, triangle, bulbs, breathalyser etc) we need snowchains in case of poor conditions, plus I guess snow shovel in case we get snowed in an outdoors car park. And no, I'm not investing in winter tyres for just this trip!
I've been going skiing with my wife and daughter since my daughter was 3 (now 5). This is what I tend to look for:
- Self catering. If you go catered the meal times can be late for children especially if they are tired.
- Location as close to ski school as possible. This is very important for us and we aim to be within 5 minutes walk to ski school meeting points. It can be quite a mission getting the children ready and to meeting points in time so the closer they are the better!
- English speaking ski school. Check the Ski school has English speaking instructors. Its also good if there are other English speaking children at the school as its not as much fun for the kids if they can't communicate with each other.
- Ski in/out location.
- Pistes with lots of long green and blue runs. My daughter loves coming out and skiing with us (now that she is able to).
- Smaller family orientated resort.
Skiing with the family really is great. It will be hard work at times but is definitely worth the effort.
- Self catering. If you go catered the meal times can be late for children especially if they are tired.
- Location as close to ski school as possible. This is very important for us and we aim to be within 5 minutes walk to ski school meeting points. It can be quite a mission getting the children ready and to meeting points in time so the closer they are the better!
- English speaking ski school. Check the Ski school has English speaking instructors. Its also good if there are other English speaking children at the school as its not as much fun for the kids if they can't communicate with each other.
- Ski in/out location.
- Pistes with lots of long green and blue runs. My daughter loves coming out and skiing with us (now that she is able to).
- Smaller family orientated resort.
Skiing with the family really is great. It will be hard work at times but is definitely worth the effort.
Edited by KRL on Wednesday 22 October 12:45
If you are taking chains (which you should) then practise putting them on before you go and ensure you have some gloves you can work in at easily at hand. Get a tag for tolls.
Mine are too young at the moment but I skied with my family from a very young age.
IME being put in with an English speaking instructor was very important but also their personality; meet the instructor first if possible or take a recommendation. The best are people I still recall fondly now for the time and care they showed.
I would familiarize my kids with the equipment at the local snowdome. You don't want their confidence knocked on day one.
I don't know how you ensure regular applications of sun cream if you are off doing your own thing but this would be something I would consider as I was very badly burnt as a young child and narrowly avoided permanent facial scaring.
Sounds like you'll have fun, can't wait to do the same with my family.
Mine are too young at the moment but I skied with my family from a very young age.
IME being put in with an English speaking instructor was very important but also their personality; meet the instructor first if possible or take a recommendation. The best are people I still recall fondly now for the time and care they showed.
I would familiarize my kids with the equipment at the local snowdome. You don't want their confidence knocked on day one.
I don't know how you ensure regular applications of sun cream if you are off doing your own thing but this would be something I would consider as I was very badly burnt as a young child and narrowly avoided permanent facial scaring.
Sounds like you'll have fun, can't wait to do the same with my family.
I first took my two sons skiing at the ages of 5 and 7 respectively. At the time, 5 was the minimum age in ski school, although some resorts took kids from age 4. So check carefully whether the kids are old enough to actually go skiing. We waited. My kids are now 17 and 19, and having skied/snowboarded every year, they're at an excellent standard and give me a run for my money. It's a real pleasure to share your passion for the sport with your kids.
At age 3 they will be in kindergarden. - Perhaps they'll don skis and slide through the play hoops and cartoon characters, but more likely be sledging during the day - or colouring in! You'll know your kids best, but some kids would get very distressed being left with a stranger at an age as young as 3 or 4. My advice would be to leave them with grandparents for a year or two.
I don't know Chatel, I've only skied through it once, but will soon get to know it as I'm there with my family for New Year's week. It's not a resort that's big on the radar for British skiers, so English speaking instructors and fellow British kids may be difficult to locate. My advice with young kids would not be self catering; rather a tour operator club hotel with full nanny service and kids club. The nannies will also take the kids to ski lessions - great to pass this hassle to someone else.
When my kids were about 7 and 9, we went to the Viking hotel in Morzine (Crystal) - actually on the mountain above Morzine. A great club hotel with full kids club, indoor/outdoor swimming pool (which the kids absolutely loved swimming in the snow), cabaret show and kids disco in the basement. Ski-in, ski-out, and on the plateau with directly opposite the ski school meeting point. And it's in the Portes du Soleil, so you could still visit Chatel on skis, if desired (but not the kids of course). My kids still say this was the best ski hotel.
Of course this isn't as cheap as driving & self catering. I will be driving via Eurotunnel. Might drive through Belgium & Luxembourg and enter Switzerland from the North of lake Geneva, so as to avoid those nasty French motorway tolls. I booked a B&B in Chatel for New Year week for just £875. Tunnel £155, Diesel say £250, already bought lift passes early as were cheap in September at £703 for 2 adults, 2 youths, 7 days. Buy your chains and test fit - if you have a fancy German car with fancy sports suspension, then you'll need fancy chains to fit - could be £250. Standard car = £60. No need for winter tyres, although they do help for those transition times between chains or no chains. The only time I've used my shovel was to break up ice that the car was sliding on in the car park. Maybe winter tyres after all...
Above all, the pleasure of skiing with your kids for the first time, makes all of the planning, cost, hassle and stress well worth it. Enjoy!
At age 3 they will be in kindergarden. - Perhaps they'll don skis and slide through the play hoops and cartoon characters, but more likely be sledging during the day - or colouring in! You'll know your kids best, but some kids would get very distressed being left with a stranger at an age as young as 3 or 4. My advice would be to leave them with grandparents for a year or two.
I don't know Chatel, I've only skied through it once, but will soon get to know it as I'm there with my family for New Year's week. It's not a resort that's big on the radar for British skiers, so English speaking instructors and fellow British kids may be difficult to locate. My advice with young kids would not be self catering; rather a tour operator club hotel with full nanny service and kids club. The nannies will also take the kids to ski lessions - great to pass this hassle to someone else.
When my kids were about 7 and 9, we went to the Viking hotel in Morzine (Crystal) - actually on the mountain above Morzine. A great club hotel with full kids club, indoor/outdoor swimming pool (which the kids absolutely loved swimming in the snow), cabaret show and kids disco in the basement. Ski-in, ski-out, and on the plateau with directly opposite the ski school meeting point. And it's in the Portes du Soleil, so you could still visit Chatel on skis, if desired (but not the kids of course). My kids still say this was the best ski hotel.
Of course this isn't as cheap as driving & self catering. I will be driving via Eurotunnel. Might drive through Belgium & Luxembourg and enter Switzerland from the North of lake Geneva, so as to avoid those nasty French motorway tolls. I booked a B&B in Chatel for New Year week for just £875. Tunnel £155, Diesel say £250, already bought lift passes early as were cheap in September at £703 for 2 adults, 2 youths, 7 days. Buy your chains and test fit - if you have a fancy German car with fancy sports suspension, then you'll need fancy chains to fit - could be £250. Standard car = £60. No need for winter tyres, although they do help for those transition times between chains or no chains. The only time I've used my shovel was to break up ice that the car was sliding on in the car park. Maybe winter tyres after all...
Above all, the pleasure of skiing with your kids for the first time, makes all of the planning, cost, hassle and stress well worth it. Enjoy!
OP.
One thing to consider is driving such distances with Kids will not be fun and take far longer than you'd think - extra stops over what you could do yourself. (Our little one has now started being sick in the car which is a nightmare and can repeat).
Lots of DVDs for in car entertainment.
Personally given tolls ferry the time to drive out and back the issue that you will be totally shattered - the marginally higher cost of flying makes a LOT of sense.
One thing to consider is driving such distances with Kids will not be fun and take far longer than you'd think - extra stops over what you could do yourself. (Our little one has now started being sick in the car which is a nightmare and can repeat).
Lots of DVDs for in car entertainment.
Personally given tolls ferry the time to drive out and back the issue that you will be totally shattered - the marginally higher cost of flying makes a LOT of sense.
I tend to avoid France and ski in Austria where winter tyres are a legal requirement.
The drive is long, but DVD's, iPads and good tunes pass the time quickly but the main reason for taking the car, especially with younger kids, is taking the mountain of crap you find essential. Clothes, food, booze, tool kits, skiing gear, snowboards, sledges, boots all fit in the back and can make a self catering holiday very cheap if your not having to hire stuff or visit the supermarket every two minutes.
I had chains but found even in the worst conditions they weren't needed.
If you fancy a day of exploring other slopes/villages then you have transport available.
You'll have a great time, kids pick up skiing really quickly so start them as soon as possible.
The drive is long, but DVD's, iPads and good tunes pass the time quickly but the main reason for taking the car, especially with younger kids, is taking the mountain of crap you find essential. Clothes, food, booze, tool kits, skiing gear, snowboards, sledges, boots all fit in the back and can make a self catering holiday very cheap if your not having to hire stuff or visit the supermarket every two minutes.
I had chains but found even in the worst conditions they weren't needed.
If you fancy a day of exploring other slopes/villages then you have transport available.
You'll have a great time, kids pick up skiing really quickly so start them as soon as possible.
Byff said:
I tend to avoid France and ski in Austria where winter tyres are a legal requirement.
The drive is long, but DVD's, iPads and good tunes pass the time quickly but the main reason for taking the car, especially with younger kids, is taking the mountain of crap you find essential. Clothes, food, booze, tool kits, skiing gear, snowboards, sledges, boots all fit in the back and can make a self catering holiday very cheap if your not having to hire stuff or visit the supermarket every two minutes.
I had chains but found even in the worst conditions they weren't needed.
If you fancy a day of exploring other slopes/villages then you have transport available.
You'll have a great time, kids pick up skiing really quickly so start them as soon as possible.
But to drive what 800 miles plus each way firstly cuts down on the time you have on holiday as your driving secondly you will be done in for at least a day after each drive The drive is long, but DVD's, iPads and good tunes pass the time quickly but the main reason for taking the car, especially with younger kids, is taking the mountain of crap you find essential. Clothes, food, booze, tool kits, skiing gear, snowboards, sledges, boots all fit in the back and can make a self catering holiday very cheap if your not having to hire stuff or visit the supermarket every two minutes.
I had chains but found even in the worst conditions they weren't needed.
If you fancy a day of exploring other slopes/villages then you have transport available.
You'll have a great time, kids pick up skiing really quickly so start them as soon as possible.
Carrying Booze from here to a ski resort?
Personally don't think we could do that - not yet anyway especially with one child who gets car sick
Skiing:
- Hire skis, boots, poles and helmets out in the resort
- Book the kids into ski school, at least for the mornings. Gives you some time off!
- Make sure you've got all the other kit for the kids before you go (ski suits, gloves, socks etc.). These will be much harder (and expensive) to source in-resort.
- Chatel is lovely. I've skied in Morgins for 15 years, so know the place very well.
The drive:
I highly recommend driving, especially to Chatel. Flying, with kids, skiing, makes for enormous amounts of stuff. Lugging it round an airport, and into hire cars, makes the whole flying experience with kids that bit more painful.
Nonetheless, a few tips:
- iPads, DVDs etc. etc. are an absolute must, along with stacks of chocolate and drinks
- If you don't put winter tyres on, then you absolutely need chains, or you really do risk getting stuck. Know how to put your chains on before you go.
- If you're doing it in a day, start early. Really early. I aim for the 6:50am Eurotunnel crossing - minimise the amount of time you spend driving in the dark at the end of the day
- Ensure your windscreen washer bottle is full of really strong stuff (suitable down to -20), and have a spare bottle full in the car. You'll get through loads of it.
- Hire skis, boots, poles and helmets out in the resort
- Book the kids into ski school, at least for the mornings. Gives you some time off!
- Make sure you've got all the other kit for the kids before you go (ski suits, gloves, socks etc.). These will be much harder (and expensive) to source in-resort.
- Chatel is lovely. I've skied in Morgins for 15 years, so know the place very well.
The drive:
I highly recommend driving, especially to Chatel. Flying, with kids, skiing, makes for enormous amounts of stuff. Lugging it round an airport, and into hire cars, makes the whole flying experience with kids that bit more painful.
Nonetheless, a few tips:
- iPads, DVDs etc. etc. are an absolute must, along with stacks of chocolate and drinks
- If you don't put winter tyres on, then you absolutely need chains, or you really do risk getting stuck. Know how to put your chains on before you go.
- If you're doing it in a day, start early. Really early. I aim for the 6:50am Eurotunnel crossing - minimise the amount of time you spend driving in the dark at the end of the day
- Ensure your windscreen washer bottle is full of really strong stuff (suitable down to -20), and have a spare bottle full in the car. You'll get through loads of it.
If going by car you could buy ski boots and skis and helmet from Decathalon - possibly for less than or the same as hiring ( you could then sell on or give to someone) plus the kit will fit them properly.
Worth doing a price comparison - also as you've more than 1 child buy for the eldest and then the younger will grow into then so lots of use.
If flying is not hire a car out there let the bus/mini bus or taxi take the strain for you - you are on holiday so the holiday starts as soon as you are in the airport.
Worth doing a price comparison - also as you've more than 1 child buy for the eldest and then the younger will grow into then so lots of use.
If flying is not hire a car out there let the bus/mini bus or taxi take the strain for you - you are on holiday so the holiday starts as soon as you are in the airport.
Thanks for the advice all, some useful pointers!
We've switched from Chatel to Les Gets to get a bit more choice. And we've booked a self catering apartment with a pool c 400 metres from the bottom of the lifts and the ESF meeting point. May be a bit far, but we'll see. Hope to get a ski locker by the lifts at least to ease the pain of dragging kit back and forth.
So we have also booked the eurotunnel, 2.5 hrs a day of children's lessons, les gets & morzine ski pass for 2 adults.
If you add car insurance and breakdown,tolls and fuel to all that, we're spending in the region of £1600.
Going to think about renting kit, I can't work out buying from decathlon and the ownership hassles is better compared to the resort rental prices I am getting online from a local shop eg: skis, boots for all four comes to £175 if booked in advance.
So all this really leaves us is food and spending money.as with previous self catering ski trips pre kids, take some pre-cooked and frozen bolognese, shepherds pie, pasta, cereals etc to run up quick cheap meals and eat out a few other times.
Very much looking forward to this now, as are the kids, so will be doing my usual thing of being glued to the weather and snow reports for the next 2 months in anticipation!
We've switched from Chatel to Les Gets to get a bit more choice. And we've booked a self catering apartment with a pool c 400 metres from the bottom of the lifts and the ESF meeting point. May be a bit far, but we'll see. Hope to get a ski locker by the lifts at least to ease the pain of dragging kit back and forth.
So we have also booked the eurotunnel, 2.5 hrs a day of children's lessons, les gets & morzine ski pass for 2 adults.
If you add car insurance and breakdown,tolls and fuel to all that, we're spending in the region of £1600.
Going to think about renting kit, I can't work out buying from decathlon and the ownership hassles is better compared to the resort rental prices I am getting online from a local shop eg: skis, boots for all four comes to £175 if booked in advance.
So all this really leaves us is food and spending money.as with previous self catering ski trips pre kids, take some pre-cooked and frozen bolognese, shepherds pie, pasta, cereals etc to run up quick cheap meals and eat out a few other times.
Very much looking forward to this now, as are the kids, so will be doing my usual thing of being glued to the weather and snow reports for the next 2 months in anticipation!
[quote=Welshbeef
If flying is not hire a car out there let the bus/mini bus or taxi take the strain for you - you are on holiday so the holiday starts as soon as you are in the airport.
[/quote]
Yes, usually I've had 3 pints in departures before the flight, this time it's going to be a bit different, so we're taking the car, no Moosewirt or Rond Point for a few years... 
or is it 
? Looking forward to seeing the little ones on 2 skis anyway.
If flying is not hire a car out there let the bus/mini bus or taxi take the strain for you - you are on holiday so the holiday starts as soon as you are in the airport.
[/quote]
Yes, usually I've had 3 pints in departures before the flight
, this time it's going to be a bit different, so we're taking the car, no Moosewirt or Rond Point for a few years... or is it ? Looking forward to seeing the little ones on 2 skis anyway.I've ski'd from Chatel many a time, usually hire a car at Geneva and come out the French side. Only done Eurotunnel once. Usually go end of Feb, only had significant weather once, but the front wheel drive car coped well with snow tyres. The French are pretty switched on when it comes to snow clearance.
I've seen the end of a -8 blizzard first thing in the morning from the b&b window, by 9am the roads and pavements are pretty much sorted.
You'll need to check if the tunnel on the way up to Chatel is open tho, they quite often close it, so you'll have a detour.
I always stay at La Choucas, nice basic b&b, rooms are good.
PM me if u'd like more info.
I've seen the end of a -8 blizzard first thing in the morning from the b&b window, by 9am the roads and pavements are pretty much sorted.
You'll need to check if the tunnel on the way up to Chatel is open tho, they quite often close it, so you'll have a detour.
I always stay at La Choucas, nice basic b&b, rooms are good.
PM me if u'd like more info.
Sounds like you are sorted for 2015. Hope you have a great time.
..... But I'd seriously consider the "pacakage" option for future years as mentioned in a post above. We went with Esprit for 6 years on the trot. Yes, not cheap....but brilliant with the kids, giving them the best ski intro and holiday experience whilst giving you the option to enjoy the skiing aswell. We've now outgrown them with an 11 year old, but he left them with an ESF bronze ski level last year and 6 years of fantastic memories.
See how you get on this year, then consider if the funds allow.
..... But I'd seriously consider the "pacakage" option for future years as mentioned in a post above. We went with Esprit for 6 years on the trot. Yes, not cheap....but brilliant with the kids, giving them the best ski intro and holiday experience whilst giving you the option to enjoy the skiing aswell. We've now outgrown them with an 11 year old, but he left them with an ESF bronze ski level last year and 6 years of fantastic memories.
See how you get on this year, then consider if the funds allow.
You should get winter tyres.
Ours are 8, 5 and 3 now and we've been taking them since the eldest was three. Be aware that three year olds ge tried and cranky randomly and quickly.
However close you are to the ski school, you will still end up carrying children and their equipment. The morning trip to ski school is back-breaking. Allow more time than you think you will need, especially on the first morning to avoid being hopelessly late due to a tantrum over gloves that fitted perfectly back home no longer fitting.
It's all worth it though. My boys have skied the afternoons with me for the last two years (little sister stayed with Mummy), with even the younger one being capable of red runs. I skied La Face in Val d'Isere this year with the 8 year old (he was still 7 at the time) and he only fell once.
Ours are 8, 5 and 3 now and we've been taking them since the eldest was three. Be aware that three year olds ge tried and cranky randomly and quickly.
However close you are to the ski school, you will still end up carrying children and their equipment. The morning trip to ski school is back-breaking. Allow more time than you think you will need, especially on the first morning to avoid being hopelessly late due to a tantrum over gloves that fitted perfectly back home no longer fitting.
It's all worth it though. My boys have skied the afternoons with me for the last two years (little sister stayed with Mummy), with even the younger one being capable of red runs. I skied La Face in Val d'Isere this year with the 8 year old (he was still 7 at the time) and he only fell once.
Steve Campbell said:
Sounds like you are sorted for 2015. Hope you have a great time.
..... But I'd seriously consider the "pacakage" option for future years as mentioned in a post above. We went with Esprit for 6 years on the trot. Yes, not cheap....but brilliant with the kids, giving them the best ski intro and holiday experience whilst giving you the option to enjoy the skiing aswell. We've now outgrown them with an 11 year old, but he left them with an ESF bronze ski level last year and 6 years of fantastic memories.
See how you get on this year, then consider if the funds allow.
I am with you to an extent, I really liked the look of the Obergurgl chalets with Esprit and what they offer beyond just the basic 1/2 day ski kindergarten we're getting with ESF. ..... But I'd seriously consider the "pacakage" option for future years as mentioned in a post above. We went with Esprit for 6 years on the trot. Yes, not cheap....but brilliant with the kids, giving them the best ski intro and holiday experience whilst giving you the option to enjoy the skiing aswell. We've now outgrown them with an 11 year old, but he left them with an ESF bronze ski level last year and 6 years of fantastic memories.
See how you get on this year, then consider if the funds allow.
So if this trip works for us we may well do things differently next time to suit our preferences and budget, and perhaps not leave it so late this time. Hopefully we can encourage some friends to come along with their kids too, as going with a group of good friends is one of my favourite things about skiing.
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