Skiing
with the family...whether
you're a novice at skiing or experienced, France for Families is packed
with useful hints and tips for family ski holidays. If
you've never been skiing before there's no doubt you're best off with a
ski package operator. But to make
big savings
organise the skiing holiday yourself
using the advice in these pages.
Booking Accommodation... you
have a bewildering choice of skiing accommodation, especially in the
purpose built resorts. However, the choice is narrowed when you
start to consider your needs - for instance if the budget is limited then
you should choose self catering in a small apartment, beginners want to be
close to the nursery slopes, non-skiers need entertaining....and so on.
We provide
help
to make this all important decision.
Planning Travel...if you can
afford it then flying must be preferred.
Driving
is the cheapest option but has some downsides - mainly the traffic in
peak season and the weather! If you want your car with you but don't
want to drive then
Motorail is an option (but expensive). The other
choices are
Eurostar from Waterloo/Ashford or taking a
coach (a long
journey, not ideal for kids).
Skiing Lessons: For beginners
we strongly recommend that you take lessons on a dry ski slope before
setting our on your holiday - you will get so much more out of your
holiday as a result. On the piste you have the choice of group
lessons (typically 10 per group) or private lessons (expensive, booked in
advance).
ESF (Ecole du Ski Francais) is the main provider.
Ski Clothing: You
will need special clothes for skiing - skiing gloves are essential to keep
your hands warm; salopettes (a bit like dungarees) not only keep your legs
warm but also help to keep snow out if you fall over; a hat is vital if
the wind is up and the sun is not; the one item you can skimp on is your
coat - if you have a decent winter coat, this coupled with a good fleece
should be enough to protect you from the elements. Money saving tips
here.
For online shopping try
SkiWear 4 Less.
Lift Passes:
One of the more expensive parts of the
holiday. Get a multi day pass for a discount. Don't waste
money on extended area passes if you're novice skiers.
Choosing Equipment: Assuming you don't have your own
skis or boots then you will have to
hire these when you arrive at the resort. Make sure you allow
time for this as it takes time to get them fitted properly. You can
help by making sure that you know the height, weight and shoe size
(continental number) for all the members of your family before you go.
Make sure everyone takes time to get boots that fit comfortably as this
greatly impacts your enjoyment. And go back if they become
uncomfortable later.
How to ski links:
-
Ski Smarts - for all standards
Skiing
with the family...whether
you're a novice at skiing or experienced, France for Families is packed
with useful hints and tips for family ski holidays. If
you've never been skiing before there's no doubt you're best off with a
ski package operator. But to make
