help with hubby and kids and where to go

Hi Karen
Don't take any notice of Tony H )- get yourself to Sauze D'Oulx, Italy
We went there last year with friend who had her 7yr old with her - neither of them had ski-ied on snow before. They had a few lessons on dry slope before we went and then enrolled in ski school when we got there. The Italians were fab with the kids and there were no tears at all from any of the kids when she dropped him off.
Ski school was every morning until lunch then we all gathered for the proper slopes in the afternoon.
We had a ball - the runs were great - plenty of challenges for us and loads of really good runs for us with J.
On fitness - I weighed in heavy at 18stone and I only learnt to ski in 2006 - go for it girl!

If you want more from me email me - glad to share

Cheers
Kath

Just for the record, I am going to Sauze next Sunday, and went last March, and I can only endorse it is a good place to visit, but beware as the snow record is not the most reliable, and may not be great for 1st time skiers.

Don't know where in the North east you're based but the Xcape at Castleford is OK and very easy to get to (just off the A1).

When I learn't I did have a few lessons on a dry slope first and then found the whole thing a lot easier when I got onto the snow!

If you want to go further afield the new Chill Factory is open in Manchester but I will admit the trek over the Penines puts me off!

I would be another one to sing the praises of Les Arc, nice wide blues around 2000, lots of mileage and some brilliant blacks and reds if that's your thing!

Have fun!

Another suggestion to add to the list...

My boys (5 and 9 at the time) and I learnt to ski in Obergurgl and would highly recommend it as a starter resort - high altitude, easy slopes, not too big so undaunting, extremely friendly, perfect english-speaking austrians, 1.5 hour transfer.
I will also rave about Les Arcs but don't stay in 1800 because there is a distinct lack of nursery slopes.
Good luck, enjoy :D

As the trip is primarily for beginners; it really dosen't matter where you go but forget the over-priced Alps and head for bargain Eastern/Central Europe. Why pay top dollar just to learn?
Only the real low resorts have a lack of snow in March. April can be the best time to go, with warm, sunny days.

Dry slopes are must-only. They are unrealistic and to a degree a bit dangerous. But the indoor slopes are a bit of a ripoff.

Save your pennies for a cheap n' cheerful holiday. If the family all get on with it, then you can think about 'upgrading' next year.