This is the perfect opportunity to discover some of the lower altitude resorts such as Morzine (100m), Les Gets (1170m), Châtel (1200) or St Anton (1350m). All of theses are fantastic with extensive ski areas but also offering a great range of different non-ski activities.  They also have the advantage of relatively short transfers from the airport, which will definitely make life easier. In fact until babies are around six months old, the Eustachian tube is quite large, so they are unlikely to experience pressure in the ear from the change in altitude but it can be more of a factor after that.

If you only have pre-school children, then carry on avoiding the key school holiday periods when the roads, resorts and airports are at their busiest and prices are premium.  It's worth going later in the season, when it should be a bit warmer at the bottom of the slopes. December and January, although good for skiing, can be bitterly cold. Although in the last few seasons, even in those months, we have had relatively warm temperatures.

Chalets tend to be very warm but ideally a baby's bedroom should be 14-18C so check the temperature. Alpine air is dry even without heating and the dry air can irritate the sinuses and could lead to a blocked nose and cough. If the chalet doesn’t have humidifiers, then a bowl of water on the heater will work just as well. You should also keep babies well hydrated at altitude - they will breathe faster because there is less oxygen in the air, so they will need more fluid intake.

Don’t be concerned about going outside with your baby - as long as they are dressed properly, they will enjoy the fresh air. Just keep the baby's head and hands well covered when out and as with adults, even when it looks dull sunglasses and sun cream are essential. I would advise taking your buggy – it will be a godsend at the airport and if it can’t cope with the snow in resort, it’s easy to hire one locally or use a baby backpack. If you want to go up the mountain with your child you may still need a lift pass but this will be free to obtain but you will need to have a photo and proof of age.

Let us know all your requirements when you book – everything from nappy sizes to formula milk or food. It is now possible to get most big brands in resort but if we know what you need in advance, we can source it for you or let you know if we can only get an alternative. That way you’ll have more space in your case. Likewise let us know about cots, stair-gates, potties and baby baths and we can make sure that everything is ready in the chalet for you.

Finally check your travel insurance policy to ensure that everyone is cover and you can also get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for additional security.

If you’re not bring a nanny or willing grandparents to help with daytime childcare, there are lots of other options to help you get the most time on the slopes. We work with a number of nanny companies who offer qualified and experienced nannies to look after your child. They can provide full or half day cover as well as babysitting services. For children from 18 months old there are crèche club options – again with the option of half or full day cover and from age 4 years there are specialised ski lessons to get them started on the slopes.

So there is no need to miss out on your weeks in the mountains – just let us know what you need or any concerns and we can do the checking and sorting out for you.