| In the second of our articles about booking the | | | | before committing to a holiday package to make |
| perfect family ski holiday, we look at how to choose | | | | sure the lessons you want will be available. Larger |
| the most suitable ski school for your children. | | | | organisations such as ESF and International ski |
| Many resorts have ski schools for groups and private | | | | schools based in France will take children from 4 |
| lessons starting from the age of 3 upwards. The little | | | | upwards and will offer a range of group and private |
| ones can start at a children's ski garden with a club | | | | lessons in the main ski areas. Check the group sizes |
| house, toilets and refreshments and indoor play | | | | and drop off points as these factors will affect your |
| activities should the weather turn cold. The ski areas | | | | lesson preference. |
| offer a range of ski terrain to suit all first time skiers. | | | | For younger toddlers and babies, most ski resorts will |
| They are well staffed with English speaking ski | | | | offer a local grave facility for babies starting from 3 |
| instructors and assistance to help get the little ones | | | | months upwards. Children used to a nursery set up |
| on their feet, or skis. | | | | will get the most out of this and should settle quickly. |
| Children progress through various levels of skiing and | | | | The childcare facility will want to see proof of medical |
| can proudly return home as fully fledged professionals | | | | records and vaccination certificates and these should |
| clutching their award medals. The ski schools should | | | | be presented to the crèche when you arrive. |
| have a range of ski lifts from small rope tows to | | | | Families often bring their own nanny or better still |
| Poma drag lifts to teach the children the basics of | | | | obliging grandparents to help cover the childcare |
| getting up the mountain. The snow coverage is often | | | | allowing the parents themselves a few hours ski time |
| guaranteed as many ski schools will have added | | | | knowing their children are in safe hands. Little ones |
| snow making facilities and their own piste bashers. | | | | can be entertained with a bit of sledging and |
| Check the location of the children's ski school in | | | | snowman building to make sure that they too are |
| relation to the main ski slopes as it is easier to drop | | | | able to enjoy a winter holiday. |
| children at the same location you will be skiing | | | | Regarding ski hire it is best to hire your equipment, |
| yourselves. Often the children's facilities are based in | | | | boots, skis, poles or boards when you arrive in the |
| the village centre away from the main ski areas and | | | | resort. This ensures all boots and equipment fit |
| you will find yourselves running around to collect your | | | | correctly and you have the best possible range of |
| children. Check also that the ski school is accessible | | | | equipment and expertise to hand. Children learning |
| by the free village ski buses and nearby bus stops. | | | | from scratch will not need poles to start with and |
| It is important to point out that not all three year | | | | often find that they are an added distraction and get |
| olds are ready to listen and learn in a foreign | | | | in the way when learning to the lifts, take advise |
| environment. Some children's ski schools can be | | | | from the hire shop and |
| oversubscribed during holiday periods and factors | | | | Ski hire companies can offer some good online deals |
| such as the weather and large group sizes may play | | | | with early booking discounts and free children's |
| a big part in the child's enjoyment of outdoor | | | | packages. Check that deals include helmets to hire |
| activities. If your child is physically confident and is | | | | for children, poles will only be needed by older |
| used to a childcare facility there is no reason why | | | | children who have progress beyond the beginner |
| they shouldn't come away with the ability to perform | | | | stages of skiing. It is important to make sure ski |
| an elegant snowplough by the end of a week's | | | | boots are worn with ski socks to avoid discomfort |
| lessons. | | | | and cold feet. Check that boots are comfortable |
| Some parents may of course prefer their little ones | | | | after the first day's wearing and report back to the |
| to have private lessons. In this instance it is good to | | | | shop if you are not happy with the equipment and |
| share a private instructor with some friends to | | | | need to change it. Some shops will offer a system |
| spread the cost and make the lessons fun and not | | | | whereby boots and skis can be left at the shop over |
| too much of a challenge. | | | | night to store and dry until the next day. This works |
| Good English speaking private instructors can be | | | | well if you are using the local ski buses to get around |
| found in resorts and details should be available | | | | the resort and do not want to carry your equipment |
| through the local tourist office or resort websites. It | | | | backwards and forwards every day. |
| is advisable to pre book lessons and check availability | | | | |