1 beginner (aged 8), 1 snowplough queen and 2 rusty old intermediate parents - Jan12

We want somewhere for mid-Jan which is going to be reasonably snow sure (OK, most places should have some snow by mid Jan) which is good for the two kids (one beginner and one with a week under her belt) and has plenty of easy blues and some easier reds for me and Mrs D.

Somewhere with a good English speaking ski school for the two girls and preferably good private instructor for an hour or two with us crumblies.

Cost of about £800-1000 pp (not including beer money), but including accommodation, ski hire, ski school for kids, lift passes etc.

Here are a few ideas to think about:
Les Menuires - right in the heart of the 3 Valleys.
Les Arcs - a bit obvious but would provide the great family holiday you're looking for.
Or for somewhere a bit smaller and friendly try Les Saisies - in the shadow of Mont Blanc and gets surpisingly good snow. Good skiers can also ski the Espace Diamant circuit given good snow conditions. Check for English speaking ski instructors before you book.
You don't specify an area so how about further south on the Italian border at Montgenevre - fantastic snow, family friendly, and the lure of cheaper lunches across the border in Italy.
Happy hunting!

Arinsal is ideal for beginners and is cheap ..they have beginners inclusive packs and the cost of living is affordable..

I would also suggest Les Menuires and/or Les Saisies.

Belle Plagne or Alpe D'Huez, perhaps.

I would have thought that the key criteria is accessability to the slopes from the resort, so maybe a ski station rather than village would be a better choice.
Children will need dropping off and picking up, so for M&D to get a few runs in means some slopes right close by and not a long lift, bus, train etc etc away.
There are loads of resorts like this.
Certainly; Les Arcs, La Plagne, Mottaret (rather than Meribel), Les Menuires (as has been mentioned, but I don't like it, always seems soulless to me) and loads of others.
Been looking at Les Saisies, could be a good choice as could Valmorel.
Avoid towny places where buses and walks are needed such as Val D'Isere, Morzine etc and lower villages in big resorts such as Courchevel 1300, Meribel Village, St Martin de Bellevile (below Les Menuires).
Plan Peisey between Les Arcs and La Plagne could work well.
My drift here is accomodation etc. right on the pistes to make all the tooing and froing (how is that spelt?) as painless as possible to maximise everyones enjoyment.
My knowledge is limited to france really, I'm sure others can comment on other countries.
You have a great advantage in going low season and will have a huge choice.
dobby - give us some more info. on what you like/don't like.
Language, transfers, where from in UK, hotel/chalet/self-catering etc etc and you should get more suggestions.

Alpe D'Huez defiently - we did a few trips there in our early days with similar abilities/ages in the group.

My youngest is currently trying to perusade me we should go back when her school is there in late February 2012.

Something for everyone and accommodation on or near the slopes.

Dave

LOTA wrote:Belle Plagne or Alpe D'Huez, perhaps.

Les Gets/Morzine is fab for all levels and has the brilliant British Ski School out there too

https://www.britishskischool.com/morzine/