My wife and I have just adopted two sisters aged 2 1/2 and 5 1/2, I missed my annual ski trip this year as obviously we had other concerns, but I am resolved to ensure that we go next year, probably at Easter.
I am thinking that we should start them out at the snow dome and get them lessons, but I assume that will only work for the older one?
Also, can anyone give some suggestions about resorts that are good for kids but also good for snow shoeing and other non-skiing activities as mum doesn't ski.
Any advice gladly taken, want to make sure that we get the kids off to the right start with skiing as I believe it is one of the best confidence builders available and I wish I had started a lot younger.
Thanks
K
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Hmm. 5 1/2 is absolutely ideal for starting skiing, but the little one not so much - she's much more likely to enjoy toboganning, building snowmen etc, with maybe just a tiny go on (tiny) skis. The older girl will probably be absolutely fine starting in a beginner class with others the same age - and the Snowdome alternative is quite expensive, though it certainly makes for a good head start if she enjoys it (and they don't all - I recall some heartbreaking sobbing and moaning, trying to get changed whilst a littlies class was being got ready by enthusiastic parents!)
What's your budget? The specialist children's companies such as Esprit would be ideal if it's big - especially if you go out of school holidays. If you can't take the older girl out of school I'd recommend Easter - much cheaper, less crowded, warmer and longer days than February.
Almost all resorts will have snowshoeing, walks (on pisted paths), many will have swimming pools etc. Getting the kids happily settled is probably the most important goal. Les Gets would be very good, though definitely not at half term when it'll be even more rammed than most French resorts because of its huge popularity with Brits.
People will show you videos of their 2 year olds shredding the park - but IME it's too young for many kids, especially the "one week a year on snow" brigade. More important to ensure that she finishes the holiday thinking snow is the most fun in the world.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
I think the snowdome is an excellent idea. The little one is probably too little for "ski lessons" per se, but I'm pretty sure that at Tamworth for example, there are snow play type activities to get kids into it, without it being big and scary and outdoors. A couple of good fun sessions there to prime them for the excitement of real snow would undoubtedly help.
Some older little ones can still get rather intimidated by ski school. I would suggest looking at resorts where there are some native english speaking ski schools who guarantee smaller classes. I can only speak in detail for France though, and I am sure there are some really good set ups in Austria in particular. In France you could look at Courchevel 1650 and La Tania in the 3V.
Having said that, we went to Champoluc in Italy with Ski2 last Christmas, and, if you can afford them, that might be a really good option for the children-see- www.ski-2.com. We don't have children-but they get very good reviews.
I second the benefits of an easter trip as it is much better value and so much warmer.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
I would always recommend getting a lesson or two in at the snow dome or other local slope just to see if they enjoy it. Now is a great time to do this as a lot of the slopes will have offers on their lessons. The Snow Centre at Hemel (declaration of interest: it's where I teach) for example has half price beginners lessons running at the moment I think. As Pam says 5 1/2 is a good time to be starting, especially as by that age they should have a bit of experience of lessons at school and so they will be better able to join in a group session. There is a wide range of abilities at that age though, so although it might be a good age for some it could be too soon for others.
For the 2 1/2 year old you shouldn't have very high expectations. Playing in the snow, with some of that involving skis, is a much more productive way of thinking about it at that age, and the experience they get will mean they can progress more easily as they get older. Hemel do private half hour sessions for children from 3 years old, and that works pretty well in my experience. Having an older sibling doing it is likely to motivate the younger one. But take it easy as a bad experience could put them off wanting to try it again. I'm very much in agreement with Pam that teaching them to love skiing is more important that teaching them to ski when they are very young as that way they will want to keep doing it, and that is the best route to success.
Small groups are important too. Maximum 6 is good, though obviously more expensive. Any chance of getting mum
going? Good for future family ski trips.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@kosciosco,
First of all congrats!
Both my kids started at 3 to 4. 3 is a bit marginal and to be honest we only took her because the rest of were going. 4 is good.
A few pointers:
1. Heartedly recommend a few snow dome lessons. I would splash out on 1 on 1s (or 2 on 1 if the instructor thinks they can manage the younger one). When our daughter was 3 she had a fairly tough time in Jardin de Neige. We decided to give her a boost with three 1-on-1s before the next season and she just flew. Some of the best money I've spent.
2. Do be realistic about your first holiday and how much skiing you will manage. They will tire easily and I would assume that they only manage mornings in lessons, a chill out with DVD after lunch then perhaps nipping out for an hour with you in the afternoon. If they manage more then great but don't bank on it. Definition of success is that they come away having had fun and wanting to go again next year. Think of it as an investment in all the great skiing you will do with them later. My two are 10 and 12 now and their skiing is lovely now. Technically they can cope with anything - constraint is only the off-piste hazards I'm prepared to expose them to. I LOVE the time I spend skiing with them - both the skiing itself and the time we spend chatting on ski lifts, it is real quality time.
3. Given that, picking somewhere ski-in ski-out and/or with a bit of child care to help getting them to and from ski school is sensible. It will mean you can make the most of your morning and allows the "relax at lunch time but get out for an hour in the afternoon" thing to work. I have three suggestions from personal experience:
a) Fleche D'Or Hotel in Le Bettex, St Gervais - it is on the piste with beautiful views, has family rooms (recently refurbed) and is a short walk across the piste to ski school, hire shop and main lift. No child care at the hotel (crèche at ESF) but proximity reduces the need for it. Nice snow shoeing and cross country from the door of the hotel. Can get the bubble down to St Gervais which is an elegant spa town (pampering options, swimming pool) with interesting shops and restaurants
b) Ski VIP La Plagne. They have several catered apartments aimed at families (chalet style) with their own nannies. A lift from the apartments drops you on the piste next to the ski school and hire shops.
c) Mark Warner most places but we used them in Tignes and Alp D'Huez. Chalet hotels are always a bit shabby but the child care is reliable and both of those were easily accessible from piste/ski school. Again nannies will walk the kids to ski school, collect them and feed them lunch until you get back.
4. Recommend Easter - warm weather helps and the shorter days (between boiler plate and slush) won't matter given how tired the kids will be
Good luck and have fun
J
After all it is free
After all it is free
St Gervais would be a great town for a non-skier and being up the bubble on the snow but with access down sounds perfect.
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This may seems a little simplistic, but it worked for me and my two young-uns.
Just take them on a trip to a ski resort and put them in ski school. They'll be fine.
As for the 2.5 year old. I took mine at that age down to chill factor's play area. I always made sure she was fully dressed for skiing, suits, boots, helmet, gloves and they we just had a play in the snow. It got her used to being in the cold and she associated that environment with the "gear" she was in. When she arrived in her first resort (megeve) it was nothing new.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
I have to agree with @Lisa_BrentaSki. We went to Courchevel 1550 at easter this year with our two little ones (boy 2.5, girl 5), so I thought I'd share my experiences with you.
It was my daughters second week she was in ski school with Ski New Generation - who were excellent. Lessons were 9:30 to 13:30. Classes were a max of 6 kids.
My son wasn't in ski school as ski new gen only take kids from 4, ESF take kids from 3. He spent the morning with mum in the sun, and playing. He had a free ski pass and mum had a pedestrian pass and they went on rides on the ski lifts (all the bubble lifts are accessible to pedestrians). I would them meet them both at 12:30 and we would head up to Jardin Alpin for a picnic, where there is lots of tables and a sectioned off beginner area. This gave us opportunity to play in the snow, build snowmen, bum board, and take my son into the beginner area for an hour or so.
We found that at his age an hour was the max he would do on skis. He would then want to play for a bit then want more skiing. We didn't expect anything from his skiing other than for him to enjoy the snow and have fun.
Neither of my kids went to an indoor slope before hand. In my opinion they can be a bad thing at this age. Kids are pretty stubborn at times and we certainly didn't want them to have any bad experiences and not want to ski once we were on holiday. By us having a non-pushy and relaxed attitude to their progression, I feel they actually progressed more. Everyday they couldn't wait to get out skiing and that was the aim. My daughter especially progressed more than I could have possible imagined and on the final when she came out with me I felt comfortable to take her on any blue run.
I've added this link which shows me skiing with my youngest in the Jardin Alpin area to give you an idea of what a 2 yr old can cope with.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
If the youngest is 2 1/2 now they will be over 3 by the next ski season and therefore old enough for ski lessons. March is a good time to go with younger children. Have a look at Snowbizz in Puy St Vincent who offer hour long lessons plus crèche for 3/4 yr olds and normal ski school for 5 upwards. We went with Snowbizz when our children were 5 and 3 and they both loved skiing from their first trip.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
An option that may be easier/cheaper is ice skating. Our local rink, being council run, has very reasonable lessons for young children from age 2.
My daughter started skating at 2, and by the time we went skiing when she was 2.5-2.75 she was very comfortable on skates which translated brilliantly to skis. By then end of a couple of weeks of 30-60 mins a day skiing with us she was happily using an easy poma on her own and going down the baby slopes.
Similarly her older brother skates all through the summer and starts each ski season better than he finished the previous one.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Quote:
Neither of my kids went to an indoor slope before hand. In my opinion they can be a bad thing at this age. Kids are pretty stubborn at times and we certainly didn't want them to have any bad experiences and not want to ski once we were on holiday.
I can see your thinking but we found that the chance of a bad experience in one hour with an English instructor with us nearby was rather less than in a full morning in a mainly French speaking ski-crèche! The point, IMO, of some time in a snow dome is it makes them so much more confident when they are left with skis in a ski school. It is just more familiar and less stressful. We've made this recommendation to other families with 100% success rate to date.
It is totally possible for kids to flip out after their first day in ski school and not want to ski for the remainder of the holiday. Fortunately not that common.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@kosciosco, we have used Esprit for our children when they were 4 & 1, 6 &3, and 8 & 5. We also used Mark Warner when they were 7 & 4.
Personally For younger children I definitely prefer the Esprit setup as they have an esprit nanny with them in there lessons, and they do baby listening service in the evening letting you put them to bed while going to dinner downstairs.
We are going with them again next year in April to Gressoney.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Yup the 2 1/2 yr old will be snow playing rather than skiing but the 5 1/2 should crack into it. Our youngest (girl) was about 3 1/2 when she really got sliding and it clicked and the odd private lesson was great for her. Old enough by then to have a bit of leg strength and stamina and able to listen and follow instructions. Oldest was 4 1/2 when he started and just into group lessons for the morning. If he was still keen then up for a few green and maybe blue runs in the pm. They do get tired quickly so when you think about how much skiing they will do you can do halve it.
Make sure you dress them warmly and waterproofed, not much fun having cold and wet kids to haul around.
Wouldnt worry about indoors too much. Just get them up a mountain, far more fun than some gloomy shed to start off with an outdoor sport.
The biggest time killer is all that to'ing and fro'ing with kids and when you only get to ski in between it all you dont get much of your own done but as your OH doesnt ski guess she will do most of the dropping/attending and pick up from ski school leaving you free to ski .
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Sounds like a great holiday for Mrs K. I'm sure the OP
won't shoot off skiing and leave all the hard work to her.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Congrats!
We've used Esprit several times (Selva and Gressoney) and had really good experiences, starting when our girls were 3 and 5. We're in Gressoney with them again next Jan. When they were younger the kids loved having the English snow rangers with their groups as well as instructors, also other families in the hotel/chalet etc. They did half day lessons/snow fun which allowed us to get some decent miles in. Some days they wanted to stay all day with the snow club. The Esprit setup really suits us as a family, but appreciate not everyone's cup of tea. Have also heard fantastic things about Snowbizz from friends.
Neither of ours had any indoor slope time before we went. All the other kids seemed in the same boat and they all just got on with it together. I think the key thing is to find a resort setup you feel comfortable with. When kids see relaxed adults they tend to be more relaxed too! Family skiing is definitely very different, but a fantastic experience!
Another Espirit evangelist here. We've been with them every year since the kids came along - Sideways_Jnr had his 1st birthday in an Espirit Chalet. We also went with Family Friendly Skiing last season for an Easter trip and I can't fault them either - kids loved it, we loved it and we've already booked for next season.
I understand your keenness to get the young'uns into skiing, but a note of caution, if your wife isn't into the whole alpine scene, a winter holiday can be pretty demoralizing - all the spa trips in the world won't make up for a week trudging through slush and sleet to the Sherpa to buy washing up liquid.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Quote:
if your wife isn't into the whole alpine scene, a winter holiday can be pretty demoralizing - all the spa trips in the world won't make up for a week trudging through slush and sleet to the Sherpa to buy washing up liquid
though that would be pretty restful compared to getting two kids all kitted up to go skiing, then unkitting the one who decides they need to go to the toilet again, by which time the first one has been playing in the snow and got gloves soaking wet. Then putting their ski boots in a lumpy backpack, tucking two pairs of skis under arm, hauling them along to the ski school meeting place (another pair of wet gloves en route, plus 6 runny noses), getting their boots on (little one stands in socks in snow).
If your wife IS into the alpine scene but not into skiing, that would be better - though the groups meeting for guided snowshoe walks might be in a different place at the same time..........
Self catering is quite hard work for caterer no 1 too. I like it, but it's not everybody's cup of (nasty French Liptons) tea and cleaning an apartment on your last morning can be a challenge, too.
MOST IMPORTANT remember that things can go wrong, so you MUST (for ALL kids) attach a laminated card to the ski jacket with your contact details on.
I'm not sure how to link to a word Doc on here but there is an example on our site on the Other Tab then select Packing list. If you download the PDF or Word Doc list you'll see an example.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
kosciosco, I'm very surprised that Sunglasses/Goggles have not been mentioned, they are essential even when the kids are out playing on the snow. We found those elastic tie things helped keep sunglasses on the very youngest.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
@CaravanSkier, I forgot the bit where, having taken child 1 back in, removed 3 layers of clothes and been to the loo, you go out to find that child 2, playing in the snow, has not only soaked his gloves but found the bit where some dear little French doggy's cr@p was lightly buried under an inch of new snowfall. And you discover that when the stink pervades the ski hire shop (after he sat in his car seat, of course).
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
I'd just like to echo the views that the top focus at this stage needs to be 'having fun with/in snow'.
Different kids take to things differently: I've brought 3 of them into skiing and they are all so completely different in their attitudes to it. One (started age8) got himself ready first each morning and badgered anyone he knew leaving the hotel to take him up to the slopes. Another, was quite nonplussed and needy about the whole affair unless 'a friend' was there, when she'd suddenly become an unstoppable force of independence and enthusiasm
Some 6 yr olds will ski all day with gusto while others will be totally wiped out by lunch: character has so much to do with it.
So a trip to a snowDome is probably most useful as 'fun & research'. Maybe go around Christmas time - see how your older one takes to it and gauge expectations accordingly.
The optimal scenario IMHO is mornings in ski school/snowNursery then a relaxed family lunch during which to gauge how tired/enthusiastic/excited everyone is and hence plan the afternoon on snow, in the swimming pool or asleep!
Beware ESF though - due to the ubiquity of the brand there's no great necessity to make an effort so there is a huge variance in quality and class size. While some are fine, some do little more 'herd' the kids around the mountain like they do their animals in Summer. Independent schools generally try harder.
Is this not a good stage to get Mum into skiing? Surely she doesn't want to miss the 'best hot chocolate ever!!!' which IME usually necessitates the descent of a blue run
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
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I'm sure the OP
though that would be pretty restful compared to getting two kids all kitted up to go skiing, then unkitting the one who decides they need to go to the toilet again, by which time the first one has been playing in the snow and got gloves soaking wet. Then putting their ski boots in a lumpy backpack, tucking two pairs of skis under arm, hauling them along to the ski school meeting place (another pair of wet gloves en route, plus 6 runny noses), getting their boots on (little one stands in socks in snow).
