Family skiing holidays are always special, especially if you are taking your children to the slopes for the first time. On top of the various things you need to consider such as hiring ski boots, skis and ski clothing at the resort so you can then change them if they don't fit properly, you need to do some research into the resort's ski schools to help your children learn the basics of skiing. To give you a helping hand we take a look at the best ski resorts and schools for beginners.
Les Arcs 2000, France
Les Arcs has a range of nursery slopes, 24 to be exact, which are on the doorstep of many ski chalets and hotels. The resort has a free beginner's lift and a variety of harder and longer blue runs down from Arc 2000 to Pré St Esprit for when your children progress towards the end of your holiday. The ski schools instructors are very friendly and are extremely professional.
Saas Fee, Switzerland
Dubbed by many as just about the perfect resort for families the Saas Fee resort is a popular destination for beginners. It has a traffic-free village centre, whilst much of the resort's accommodation lies at the foot of the slopes and therefore very close to all the ski lifts. Children who are beginners are very well catered for with special lift passes available and an array of blue runs for faster learners to test themselves. Ski training schools boast instructors who speak a variety of different languages and offer lessons designed for children to make the most of their holiday. There are both group and private lessons available to children and adults for all different abilities, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced skier. Some popular ski training schools at the resort include: ESKIMOS Ski and Snowboard school, Optimum Snowsports Saas-Fee and Swiss Ski and Snowboard School Saas-Fee. If the ski schools are not enough to tempt you, then the leisure centre, ice-grotto and tobogganing that are available should confirm that the Swiss resort is a family friendly one.
St Anton, Austria
The Austrian resort offers a great place for children to learn the art of skiing. In terms of getting your children to learn the basics of skiing, the resort offers children the chance to join the renowned Arlberg Ski School. The school offers over 300 ski and snowboarding instructors with most speaking English as well. Ski schools at the resort offer lessons for all levels of skier and snowboarder.
