Great Things For The Non Skiing Family Members To Do - Part 1

Have you ever wondered what else there is to do in a ski resort? Well look no further as there are various activities that will appeal to the young and old. Thiss week I wanted to suggest to non skiers and snowboarders, and for those that might like to try something different,snowshoeing.

If you like to be active and you love the outdoors then snow shoeing may well be for you. Many resorts have groomed pisted walkways which are great for beginners. Follow the signs to enjoy a marked circuit or perhaps take some time out to plan an itinerary. Not sure where to go or what to do then you can always hire a private guide or take instruction from a ski school. In the ski resort of Les Houches there is a groomed track which takes you on a scenic adventure and starts from the top of the Prarion Lift station. The path starts from the Hotel Prarion and from here you will find the sign posted circuit is easy to follow as it meanders through the trees and along the piste. If you don’t fancy walking the whole way you can cheat and cross the un-groomed snow to miss parts out.

The ESF ski school offers snow shoeing for as little as 32€ (snowshoes rental included). Lift passes for walkers can be purchased at a special rate. Interested, let me know and I cqn provide further information and contaacts.

Starting Them Young - Ski at Three

I am often asked whether a guest’s child is 'old enough' to ski and the ages vary in relation to this question. In terms of my view, it will depend of course on the child, but typically the age of three seems to be the ideal starting point. At three they are generally strong enough to ski, or at least find their feet on the nursery slope or garden (let them become Hans Klammer another year). Some parents do seem to want more, but we would suggest at it is important at this age just to let them get their balance, confidence, and practice snow plough stop and turns and most importantly have a smile on their face.

Some parents we know worry about starting them so young, but our experience is that it makes a huge difference as the time they spend on the skis at this age seems to give them a natural balance that is hard to gain at a later age.

The most important point here would be to make sure they are dressed well and I hve given some tips on a previous blog below. So assuming they are properly dressed and prepared, at the start you may still want to be prepared for a few tears in respect of separation anxiety, but this is normal. Having seen all techniques in cases where the child is initially upset, the one that we believe seems to work best, is the ‘drop and go’. It may sound slightly callous, and we are not saying some support and assurance is good, but this said, we would advise on avoiding too much fussing and move away relatively quickly. Certainly where the parents, or the operator ‘fusses’ it seems to disturb the child for longer periods, as well as make it difficult for the instructors trying to settle all the children. We often go back on the first day to check children (without them seeing of course) and in the cases we do we have always found that even the most hysterical child, within 10 minutes of the parents or operators staff leaving them, has settled in with the other children and is joining in the ski training. Contrast this to the fussing parents or overzealous operators where children often just won’t settle for a long time, if at all!

Luxury Catered Chalets Chamonix - Not Necessarily Expenseve

With last years exchange rate fluctuation you would be forgiven for thinking that this might not be the time to book a luxury catered chalet and look for the lower cost alternative. This however may well turn out to be a false economy however, many chalets such as our own have held prices either the same as the last season, or with only a small inflationery increase. Also, and more importantly, we for one price our chalet in UK Sterling, as we did last year, so despite the fall in the exchange rate, the price you will pay is still the same, as we have taken the 'hit' on the currency when we exchange.

But it is just not the price that makes a compulsive reason to book quality, not only will a luxury chalet choice, assumng you have chosen well, ensure you actually enjoy your ski vacation, when you start to add up what is and isn't included with the lower cost options, you start to realise that the price differnce is small indeed.

If you book with our luxury chalet we include airport transfers, high quality wine (yes you can drink and enjoy ours) that doesn't leave you gasping for the expensive bars, and simarly the food is fantastic and you will find that after our breakfast, the hearty cake, and a four course dinner, the most you will probably want for lunch is something simple and light! And with the HD Cinema, fantastic luxury hot tub, you'll find that you just won't want to go out from the chalet as it is amazing how many people complain they still have much of the money they exchanged for the holiday!

Luxury catered chalets really can be great value.

Getting Ready For The Ski Season With The Family

Here in Chamonix we are once again eagerly awaiting the ski season and with our first ski planned for next week on the Grands Montets opening day, the four of us are already like children waiting for Christmas. With Josh now 5 and Victoria 7, they have now skied for 2 years and 3 years respectfully and clearly they are already hooked as the mere mention of the phrase 'we are going skiing next week guys' gets a beaming smile and them both into an excited frenzy.

I guess living in the apartment that is short walk from our luxury catered chalet and also on the piste, they are quite lucky. But that is probably not the whole story, here in the ski region of Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley we have probably one of the best family orientated ski schools and the ESF team, who are also just below the ski run that passes the chalet, is second to none in our experience. Their support and family friendly approach with all childrens ensures most importantly the children have a great time and have always wanted to attend ski school and learn. The other important factor is probably the fact that Les Houches is probably one of the best family ski resorts in the region. With few steep drop offs the ski area has some great confidence building runs and the 'off-piste' is not too steep and the small jumps and bumps ensure skiing is great fun, especially for Josh who craves something extra (a real boys boy as my husband would say).

Right, bedtime for them both so will sign-off at this point but will try and keep this updated, especially after our first ski of the season!

Snow Reassuring For Family Ski Groups

I guess when you are looking to bring the family skiing then the one thing you desperately hope for is good snow. You are after all bringing the people that mean the most to you and when they step on the slopes you want that beauitiful soft powder both to practice their best turns on, but also for the younger members in particular, for snow play in the garden!

The recent snowfall across the Alps is therefore a very welcome factor for families that are looking to book or have already booked there ski holidays this year. Whilst no guarantee of how the season will unfold, it is looking quite good already with snowfall this weekend blanketing the alpine resorts as low as 800m.

We for one will be making the most of the opportunity and tomorrow therefore presents the opportunity to go and once more play in the snow, sledging, building snowmen, and giving Joshua, who is 5, a chance to throw a snow ball or two!