Share and save
For many families, the sheer expense can often be the biggest challenge of a ski holiday. One way of keeping costs right down – and adding to the fun – is to team up and share with another family or relatives of your own. Go for a family-friendly resort like Valmorel in the Tarentaise, France, which has plenty of well-equipped apartments designed for groups
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Peak Retreats (023 928 9310; peakretreats.co.uk) offers stays at La Grange aux Fees, a ski-in/ski-out residence with indoor heated pool. From £599, self-drive, based on eight people sharing a three-bedroom self-catering apartment, including Eurotunnel crossing. Departs February 12.
Limit the exposure
For young skiers, a full day on the slopes can also be overkill – especially for a first holiday on the slopes. Specialist operators cater for this problem by offering kids clubs which allow plenty of flexibility – ski lessons, but also supervised play and activities indoors for those that prefer it.
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Esprit Ski (01483 944516; espritski.com) offers stays at Chalet-Hotel de Champoluc in the Italian resort of Champoluc where onsite options include a nanny service as well as children’s clubs for ages 17 weeks to 12 years, from £1,034. Childcare from £270 for six days. Departs April 3.
Free up the day
Family holidays aren’t just about the children. How do parents make sure they have enough time to do some decent high-mileage skiing and enjoy the odd long, child-free lunch? You may have checked the kids into ski school, but after two or three hours it will be time to pick them up again. Lunchtime supervision – filling the gap between morning and afternoon lessons is the answer. And it’s more fun for the children too.
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Le Ski (01484 548996; leski.com) offers stays at Chalet Marmau, a spacious, family-friendly chalet in Les Trois Vallées resort of La Tania sleeping 23, from £1,561. Lunchtime supervision from £150 per week. Departs April 3.
Keep the teens happy
Having to police teens in the evenings – or frankly during the day – is never easy. But if you have given up and are happy to wave them off into the night or are up for some partying yourself, then how about coinciding with the Snowbombing Festival in Mayrhofen from April 4 to 9. Fatboy Slim performs this year and events include street parties, live DJs and “Party in the Pines” an open-air concert in the forest.
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Inghams (01483 944 526; inghams.co.uk) offer stays at four-star Alpenhotel Kramerwirt, in the centre of the resort with spa and wellness area, from £1,244. Departs April 2.
Sophie Butler
Unless stated otherwise, prices quoted are per person, based on seven nights’ chalet board for two adults and two children, including flights and transfers, and are subject to availability. Accommodation is in shared or adjoining rooms.
