 Poster: A snowHead
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I'd like to take my 5 year old son away for half term (my wife isn't too fussed about skiing so leaving her and daughter behind for this trip).
I've been having a look online and it seems that Canada and the US aren't that much different in price compared to Europe during the w/c Sat 11 Feb so I'm open to anywhere. Any suggestions for somewhere I can get good lessons for my son, I can ski and where we're not too isolated in the evening? I'm an intermediate skier and he has spent a week on snow (last season) and a few lessons at the Snow Centre.
Any other parents out there in the same boat and want to join us?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@headtothehill,
Canada is a long trip for a 5 year old. I would recommend Europe with a short transfer from the airport.
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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?
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@headtothehill, +1 on Canada being so far, and you will get the jet lag as well — that will take you a week just to get over!
There are just so many resorts in France or Austria that fit what you are looking for. The main thing to look for is ease of access to the learning slopes; e.g.: you don't want to be catching a bus or walking half-a-mile etc.
Many resorts also have a fun "Kids Club" or such like, with fun activities and mini-competitions.
Others here will be far more helpful, as they have actually possessed these strange creatures called "kids" and have taught them how to ski. 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I wouldn't do a trip that long with a 5 year old, but I guess you know how well you guys travel. Personally when skiing with a child I'd go for the easiest faf free option, ideally ski-in-ski-out.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@headtothehill, I would stay in Europe as well. Have you thought about Soldeu, Andorra? Only thing against it for you is a longish transfer.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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+1 for Andorra at half term. Flights to Barcelona are less susceptible to the usual Family tax applied by the UK TOs and airlines.
I have booked for Feb Half term Family of 4 £550 for flight inc luggage/ski carriage + £1800 for 4 * HB inc lift passes.
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@headtothehill, we skied in USA when my son was 4. I must say the quality of instruction and customer care was excellent. Three resorts we visited were Steamboat Springs, Park City and Durango. However we were already there and travelling around for a month.
I agree with others that N. America is too far from UK with a young child for 1 week. I'd stick to Europe. I'd also think about seeing what one of the specialist family tour operators can offer, eg Esprit. Many ski resorts could meet your needs. Medium sized area, not too expensive, not too long a transfer and accommodation close to main ski school meeting area is what I'd look for. Also a lift system that can cope well with peak mid Feb crowds.
That should narrow the field down a bit.
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@headtothehill, have you considered going at Easter?
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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.
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Arc1950
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@headtothehill, +1 for Esprit, used them a few times, they do some good one adult and one child deals, which combined with great child care will give you both a great holiday.
Soldeu is another good choice, they have a lot of instructors who have English as their first language.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Some good ideas. So far on the post.
I've done this several times- with one or 2 of my kids when wife was pregnant and or the smallest was very small.
I've been very happy going with Esprit last minute- they usually have very good 1 adult 1 child prices even at half term, if you can stand the mental strain. Lots of other kids and adults in the same boat- lessons and child care excellent. I've usually had the little one in lessons in the morning- then either let him have lunch with the others and if possible skied with him in the afternoon- all depends if they are too tired. Some kids can ski am and pm at 5- some can't.
An alternative is Mountain Sun in Tignes les Boisses- but they might be full already. Also as said previously Andorra.
Whilst the Esprit headline prices are quite dear the discounted last minute prices are more than reasonable.- i.e. 1 adult 1 child Feb half term, less than £1000 for flights transfers half board.
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