Choosing Your Perfect Accommodation
Ski chalets and apartments come in all shapes and sizes but the first step to finding your perfect match is deciding on how many rooms you need. Lots of chalets have a children’s bunk room that can sleep 2, 4 or even 6 children making a great use of space even if it does mean that on the first night you may have to read ‘the riot act’ to curtail the sleepover excitement. A separate TV or games room is always good with older children, giving everyone space to do their own thing.
Children and walking in ski boots are not always a perfect combination so think about the location and getting to the slopes – it doesn’t need to be ski-in/out as a driver service can work extremely well or think about hiring a ski locker near the lifts for the week, then children can walk to/from skiing in normal outdoor shoes and you don’t have to carry multiple pairs of skis!
Catered chalets are a truly wonderful invention and it is bliss waking up to someone else preparing breakfast and returning after a day on the mountain to cake and the knowledge that dinner is going to be served without you having to do more than open the wine. Chalets are great at preparing family friendly meals or serving an early children’s supper so you can dine in style and peace later. And it is always a revelation that your youngsters will happily eat their vegetables for someone else …..
There are also increasing numbers of beautiful self-catered chalets and apartments which give you complete flexibility in terms of meals and timings. And to ensure that it is still a holiday for everyone, we can arrange pre-cooked meal delivery or even a chef coming in to cook for one or two evenings. Many self-catered properties also have the option of additional housekeeping as well so everyone feels relaxed.
Pre-Trip Preparations
If your children are skiing for the first time, there are lots of things you can do to prepare them. There are some great online videos to show them children skiing and ski lifts so that they have an idea of what to expect. Make sure they have tried on their ski clothing and in particularly ski googles and gloves so they are used to wearing them. If you can, try a session at a dry ski slope – even just putting ski boots on once or twice before the trip can make a huge difference.
Ski School
Even if you ski well as a parent, we’d still recommend putting children in ski school or having an instructor - children will listen to an instructor; they may not (always) listen to their parents. There is also the safely element, with an instructor they will receive knowledge and up-to-date teaching which will help children progress to their best. If there are several children of a similar ski level, think about a private instructor as this can work out as cost effective and gives you more flexibility.
Book Early – Have Choice
If you are travelling in school holiday weeks, particularly February, you do need to book early to get the best choice. Particularly this season as many chalets are already booked with deferred bookings from last winter. It is also worth considering skiing at Easter – the weather is warmer and prices are lower- you just need to opt for higher resorts like Val d’ Isere or Zermatt.
Do get in touch to discuss further – we are always happy to send you some holiday options.
The following chalets/apartments are a selection that still have availability for February half-term:
The Penthouse (Les Gets); Vanoise (Val d’Isere); Chalet Cree (Chamonix); Pont du Cam (Meribel); Soline (St Anton); Nidus Penthouse (Lech) & Saana (Verbier)