First Skiing Trip

warrenaldo

Myself and the missus are thinking of going skiing.

We wanted to go with a big group - but could not get the numbers. So i was going to book it just for ourselves. Is it a good holiday just going as a couple?

Overflow

I dont think you need a big group to go skiing, since its your first time you will both be in ski school together, you will probably end up in a larger group/class. People are usually pretty friendly in these groups and you can get to know each other over the week.

All in all it will be a great experience considering you have never done it before, i would definately go ahead and do it. You might want book somewhere now, its getting late in the year to be booking a ski holiday, most people book them early in the year or just after a ski holiday.

warrenaldo

Thanks Overflow - if we are going on our own. What would you say to the idea of bringing our son. He is 5. Would he be too young? Could he do it with us?

Overflow

Hi well i have never had a kid with me while skiing, although i do have a 1.5 year old now and i plan on taking him next season(2010) and putting him in the ski nursery. They can take them from 8-12 or 12-4 i think or all day if you want and teach them to ski.

There is another member here EileenG, she would know more, she has taken here kids for years since they were tots i think. Im sure she'll respond to this.

The only other thing with bringing your 5 year old is that you wont really get to enjoy the Apres-Ski. But kids love the snow and im sure he'll have a great time too.

loobylou

5yrs old will be no problem for skiing. Only thing will be that you will not be in the same ski class as him. Don't worry though, childrens skischool is very well organised, he'll be well looked after.
One thing to note, skischools in France are generally 3 hrs either morning or afternoon. This may suit as it will give you a half day each day to ski together.
In Austria on the other hand ski classes are usually 2 hrs in the morning, a break for lunch, followed by 2 more hrs in the afternoon. Getting back to your son for lunch may be awkward. That said, if he's happy enough, the kids skischool will often(for an extra charge obviously) provide supervised kids lunches and DVD's etc.
Wherever you choose to go there will be plenty of other kids his age, along with lots of people with experience of dealing with children of all ages. Restaurants and bars are also very tolerant of children, many resorts actively chase the "family" market.
Ian

EileenG

You'll have a ball. If you are taking your son, it's probably as well you are not going with a big group. I've been skiing as a couple or family more often than with a big group, and I prefer it.

Honestly, you'll have a great time. The fitter you are before you go, the better you'll enjoy it. Generally after a day's skiing, you will be pretty knackered and would like a little nap before dinner and hitting the bar, see if you can find a hotel with some sort of kiddie club so you can get a little peace to recover your energy.

Different resorts have different starting ages, but they pretty much all have ski classes for five year olds.

Bring some bar games like dominos or snap or pick-up-sticks that a 5 year old can play and people who might not speak good English can be invited to join.

warrenaldo

Well I am sold. I am not sure if we will bring the son - we are just considering it. But we are definetly going. Cant wait. I am booking it tomorrow.

Thanks for the help.