Dad & son 12-19 Feb

A snowHead

Hi,

I've not posted on here for a long time and probably asking this in wrong place. I've been trying to get a ski trip organised for 12-19 feb half term week. Was just goign to be me and my two boys 17 & 13. But the 17 year old has said he doesn't want to go as it would be "too boring" ... some people! That leaves me looking at options to go just me and the little guy (who would turn 14 whilst there). I haven't told the younger one about the trip yet as I knew I needed to discuss with the older grumpy awkward one first! I know if I ask the little guy he'll say yes of course ... but I'm a touch concerned on him feeling a little isolated and sad if its just the two of us the whole time.

I'm wondering if anyone knows any places I can look for groups we could potentially join up with, possibly in a chalet or half board hotel setup?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

A snowHead

I would see this as a positive, and am sure you will have a great time just the two of you. It’s a different dynamic being away just the two of you and a great opportunity to develop your friendship beyond parent/child relationship. I started taking my eldest on fishing trips when he was a bit younger than that and we both enjoyed it to the extent that it has become an annual event much anticipated. My other two sons have joined as they reached a similar age. I definitely have a closer friendship with my boys as a result. The eldest is now 18 and ready to leave home, which I feel a bit better about knowing we are friends who enjoy spending time together and that will probably endure.

Go for it is my advice. You will both get a huge amount from the experience.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

I’m going for the first time (a week today) with just my lad who is a similar age and we’re both looking forward to it. It probably helps that we both like some of the same music (Oasis, stone roses, NWA, etc) and enjoy playing the Nintendo. So when we’re not skiing, we’ll be in the pool, eating, playing Nintendo and blasting out music. Ideal.

I’d say just go with the flow and make sure to fill the evenings with things he enjoys.

You need to Login to know who's really who.

@zikomo thanks for that. I'm just trying to deal with the rejection from my 17 year old, and coincidentally I've taken him (both of them) fishing many many times over the years too ... and lobster foraging which is the best fun!

I'm looking at Champoluc because we've been there before and enjoyed it but as a family of 4 then ... would prefer to know in advance that we were going to be in a place where there were other kids. I'll maybe just talk to him and see what he thinks! He's quite a pragmatic little fella.

Thanks again.
Adam

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

@Timmycb5, thanks for that! where are you going? As mentioned I'm thiking about Champoluc which is really nice but maybe not lively enough with just the two of us. Booking this late I don't have a huge amount of choice and we're on a bit of a budget. Agree on music and evenings!

I'll keep looking and have a chat with him to see what he thinks.

You'll need to Register first of course.

@Adamski, going to Les Gets. We’re in an aparthotel which is close to town ans has a pool so perfect for post skiing activities.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

It will be good. The older one will be kicking himself that he cried off.

If I were you I’d spend the same on the two of you as you budgeted for three, you’ll end up going/staying somewhere you wouldn’t ordinarily. Check the business class airfares as well, even on one leg. Nice way to end a holiday with a bit of luxury like that, lounge etc..

After all it is free

I was this 17 year old once and boy did I regret it when I found out what my younger brother and dad got up to in France. Didn't admit though obviously. Hope you have a great time and the older one joins you if you do it again.

That is a bit sad - can understand you feel rejected; it's hard to be a grownup sometimes. Does your younger one have a mate he could take - obviously would need to be similar ski standard and preferably able to pay his own way!
If you could find a room in a catered chalet that might provide some company. So would Club Med but I gather they're expensive! But all-inclusive. Obviously that's going to be an expensive week, being half term; no way round that. But yes, it's late to book so maybe not a lot of choice. On the bright side, a room for 2 is easier to find than a room for 3!

If elder son is feeling grumpy he might tell little brother - something to be aware of. I would think there's a fair chance that once you start planning something (and it's already very last minute for half term) he will suddenly change his mind and throw spanners in the works.

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

Thanks all,

I've spoken to youngest and he's super keen. Have flight options that aren't actually extortionate despite it being half term. Also found a lovely little place self catering apartment in an traditional chalet in champoluc at top of first gondola in small Crest area. Youngest seems particularly excited about it being up the hill and a bit of an adventure. Flights and accomodation - £1100 total for the pair of us. Add in 600/700 tranfers, ski hire and pass and that leaves a few quid to not be penny pinching when there = lots of hot chocolates for him and same for me (plus rum).

I think this will work!

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

I did dad & 14 yr old daughter last year, just rented a 1 bed apt with me in the lounge, big mistake, the social dynamics were iffy to start with & it just got worse, the previous trip was on the snowheads family bash that was a big success with my daughter fitting in with the other kids & families very easily. My ex had a thing about "family" holidays where we were on holiday with each other as a family, twoddle!!! we were around each other all year round, the kids wanted other kids to socialise with & adults want other adults for at least some of the holiday. the best family ski trip we had was where we got together with two other families, 6 adults & 9 kids from 6 to 17.

snow reports

Well done @Adamski, hope you have a great. It so good when kids are still young enough to be excited about stuff. Though I'd be excited about staying "up the hill" too, and I'm 75.

Exactly this:

You know it makes sense.

Booked it! boom! Was a few quid more obviously by time added bags and paid for permission to breathe and use toilets on flight etc.

Can't wait now ... bit of an adventure!

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement.

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

A snowHead

@NickyJ, do they not have arrangements for later arrivals..e.h. skidoo with a luggage cage?

A snowHead

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

@NickyJ, thanks - yeah was thinking about that a bit but we'll be there via turin by early lunchtime and going home we'll be fine too.

You need to Login to know who's really who.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

@Adamski, So glad you are going for it, you will have an amazing time I am sure. We are in Champoluc the same week and I have kids a similar age so feel free to shout if you feel you really need it. Just drop me a PM. But I am sure you won't!

You'll need to Register first of course.

@zikomo, thank you, very kind! Probably bump into you at some point there anyway, not that big of a place!

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Awesome adamski!
One of the wonderful things about sking is multi-generational holidays.
It's also fantastic seeing your kids progress.
Don't forget, when you get back, to remind your elder one that he is a total and utter idiot! Very Happy

After all it is free

@Adamski, I've done a few ski trips with my son, just the 2 of us, when he was 11, 13 & 15. As you're busy all day skiing and off out to find a meal in the evening, there's not a lot of time to get bored really. He is as fascinated as I am being in a different environment and the adventure of exploring the mountains.

He's now 17 and still up for it this year at HT, but as his mum and younger sis are also coming, he definitely wouldn't want to be stuck at home and miss out on all the family fun we are going to have! snowHead

Though looking at the prices you're quoting, I'm hoping ours will cost similar for 4 of us!! Shocked

I bet when it comes to it and you're packing your suitcases, your 17yo will be kicking himself that he didn't sign up! wink

@Adamski, Great that you went for it. My 14yo daughter shares my love for skiing so she and I go several times a year, it's a real chance to connect, we take games to play. We also recognise that after a day in each others' company, sometimes we just want to read a book or watch a movie. My 19yo son stays home with husband and I do different activities like concerts and city breaks with him although I rather think I cramp his style now he's older so he's planning trips with mates Laughing

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

@Adamski,

Similar advice to all the above. I'm there at the moment with 17 and 15 year old.

Just make sure it's you that behaves younger and don't try to get your lad to go older, if that makes sense. Be prepared to go though the trees and on cat tracks, over bumps and jumps etc. As much as you'll be tempted to go for a pint after, he'll be bored. Unless there's a band on.... etc

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

I took my daughters throughout their teenage years - just me and one of them (and both of them to Les Arcs once). The connection was amazing.
They were never bored.
As Luigi points out above: you ski all day and then go out for a meal......or go to the sports centre or watch them skate, then take pizzas back.
I found that if I let them pick places to go - runs, places to head for lunch, dinner venues that they really bought into it - over the years I went to some great places I would not have picked.
I also involved them in the resort choices and didn't just glibly announce we are off skiing - it was more "I'm going skiing, would you like to help me pick a resort and would you like to come"

I still go with my eldest and her husband and this year grandchild

snow reports

Can only add to what's been said above.

I've only taken MiniCF skiing in the mountains since I spilt from his mother, and every trip has been different, but also rewarding in strengthening our bond - especially as things at home can sometimes be difficult. This year will be no different, and he loves the Dad and Son road trip to the Alps. I'll make sure he picks the areas we are off to ski in (with some 'guidance' Razz

) and he'll have a blast.

Here's hoping that at 16, he doesn't get to the 'I don't want to hang out with his dad' too much for the evenings.

Have a great time. snowHead

really appreciate all the support and thoughts guys ... that's great!

Just realised we're going in 2 weeks woo hoo!! and he can't wait too!!

I think we will have a blast!

Help!!

Dad & son 12-19 Feb

snowHeads Forum Index >>> The Piste