Accommodation
Choices for a Family Ski Holiday
When
planning a family ski holiday booking the right accommodation is as
important as choosing which resort to go to. Make the right choice and
enjoy a holiday you’ll never forget – make the
wrong choice
and you may even wish you’d stayed at home! Below is a
summary of
the options available together with some of their pros and cons. Before
reaching a final decision also take into consideration your budget,
your kid’s ages, your skiing experience and what you want
included in or excluded from your ideal winter holiday.
Hotels
A
hotel can seem a tempting choice at first as they give you a welcome
break from making beds, cooking and cleaning. But there are some real
downsides to consider when taking young children with you such as lack
of choice in eating times & options and the worry that a
screaming
baby or toddler will annoy other guests.
Self-Catering
Apartments
Renting
a self-catering apartment is definitely the cheapest option for a
family ski holiday. It also means that you can be completely flexible
with mealtimes & bedtimes without any worries that your
screaming
kids will annoy anybody else. Of course there are downsides too - you
will have to consider such as the lack of social activities and whether
you will really have the strength to shop, cook, clean and baby-sit at
the end of each day on the slopes. Also remember that resort
supermarkets are not as well stocked or good value as your local
Sainsbury.
Family Chalet
A
catered chalet has all the benefits of an apartment with the added
bonus that you won’t have to clean or shop and breakfast,
afternoon tea
& dinner are provided each day usually with free wine in the
evening. Chalets come in different sizes and you can either
book the
whole chalet if your party is big enough or share with other groups but
be sure to book a Family Chalet or one that welcomes children!
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Chalet Hotels/Club Hotels
Some
holiday companies offer family orientated Chalet Hotels or Club Hotels.
These can offer a more personal service than a hotel but with added
flexibility to cope with your family’s demands. They also
often provide
kids clubs, crèche facilities, baby-sitting/listening
services
and in some cases their own ski school programmes for all age groups.
These types of hotels are also a great option on a social level as you
will be lots of other families and the staff will usually go out of
their way to make sure you have a stress free skiing holiday the whole
family will enjoy.
Other Considerations
- How
far is the accommodation from the pistes? Try to find accommodation
that is close to the slopes this will reduce the amount of walking and
ski carrying the kids will have to do.
- Is
the accommodation close to resort centre? If so you will be able to go
to the shops, out for meals and to other local amenities without a
long, cold walk home.
- What
extra facilities are available? Swimming pools, games rooms and other
onsite facilities will help keep the kids amused whilst you relax afetr
a hard day on the slopes.
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