Newbe Family Trip

All, new to the site and love the info.

I was wondering if you may have suggestions for a family of 4
(1-3 yr & 1-6 yr old). We are looking for a place to go that is appealling to all of us. Looking for English speaking lessons for the kids and green/blue runs for us. Would like to be able to ski close to resort while kids to their thing. Extra activites for the kids would be a bonus. Was thinking France or Austria. Any help would be great.

I went to kitzbuhel on a school trip (I'm a teacher) and the pupils loved it, very beautiful town centre and great, varied skiing over a big area
Plus great pubs etc if you get the chance

Les Gets suited us brilliantly when we started skiing with friends & our little ones - (our son was 3 when we went for the first time). Initially we used ESF (Ecole de Ski Francais)for lessons, but then used BASS (British Alpine Ski School), who were fantastic.

There is a dedicated themed area for children to use & plenty of blues & greens close to the areas the ski schools use. We would often see our son as we passed overhead on a chairlift.

The village is pretty & has an outdoor ice rink & the local tourist office organizes plenty of activities for the family to enjoy & there is a free 'petit train' to transport you around the village. If you avoid the school holidays, it isn't too busy, and is only just over 1 hour from Geneva airport if you are flying.

From personal experience, I think Les Gets is an excellent place for a first family ski holiday. Enjoy your reserarch!

arinsal has lots of English instructors and will save on your pocket. My friend last year got a great inclusive deal as a beginner (ski hire + lift + Lessons £100)

Westendorf - has taught more British to ski than anywhere, great slopes in the village and an easy gondola ride high up, so even if you don't ski up the top, still worth going up with small peeps! :D

I also think it is here that they have a little ski train that picks the kids up and takes them to lessons, or that may be Saalbach-Hinterglemm?

With little kids in tow i would avoid austria until they are a bit older. Most resorts are in valleys away from the Ski area and require busses to get there. Doing it with your own kit is a pain, with all yur kids clobber its even worse.
I would look at the french resorts that have ski in ski out and accommodation close to lifts and ski schools.

From my experience i would say La Plagne, Alpe D'Huez (les bergers area) and Avoiriaz would fit the bill.
I have just got back from Flaine and that would be idea too and it also has a short transfer.

Have a look at Le Grand bornand, good for kids and parents, not rowdy you see afew Brits who come across from La Clusaz, a good all round place :thumbup:

I disagree, sorry, Austria is great for kids learning to ski - seen it - lots of happy little faces! :D