WE HAVE officially entered ski season, and with that, experts have revealed the best spots for young families to escape to.
Skiing as a child-free grown up is VERY different to when you have kids in tow, when the number of blue ski runs, ski schools and hotels that actually allow kids in the spa become more important than the quality apres ski.
Fortunately, experts at Crystal Ski have rounded up the best spots for young families and they include a lot more than just snow.
Flaine, France
Set within the Grand Massif area, Flaine is known for having great ski slopes for both beginners and experts.
There are even scenic runs, such as Les Cascades, which is accessible from Geneva.
Crystal Ski also offers Crystal Childcare, so if adults want to head off-piste themselves they can do with their kids in good care.
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Families can also head off ice skating, bowling or venture off on a dog sled ride, according to Crystal Ski.
The resort features a number of high-quality apartments, many of which have their own swimming pools.
The accommodation is then only a couple of minutes from the slopes.
A seven-night trip from January 10, including flights, to Flaine costs from £494pp.
Passo Tonale, Italy
If you prefer the Italian Alps, then head to Passo Tonale, which has a “relaxed atmosphere and just one main road – so you’ll quickly find your way around the accommodation, restaurants and shops,” according to Crystal Ski.
The resort also has Crystal Childcare too.
The resort itself is supposed to be one of the best places for children to learn how to ski as it has a great ski school, as well as 62 miles of quiet slopes, perfect for practicing on.
For little ones, just about getting to grips with their skis, there are more gentle runs and there is even an inflatable slide and tubing.
This super family friendly spot goes one step further on Wednesdays though – as families can get together for races, face painting and even a kids’ torchlit session.
The area is also home to a number of significant World War I sites where battles occurred.
A seven-night trip from January 10, including flights, to Passo Tonale costs from £540pp.
Hundfjället, Sweden
Hundfjället is a popular ski destination found in the Salen mountain range.
In fact, it is one of the shortest transfers to any ski resort at 15-20 minutes according to Crystal Ski.
Slopes at the resort feature all skill levels, but if you are an expert you might want to try the black slope named ‘The Wall’, which is Sweden‘s second steepest ski run.
Families can also head to Trollskogen (Trolls Forest), which is a tree-lined run with singing trolls along the way.
There are eight children’s ski areas, including a dedicated children’s learning area that features fun obstacles.
Other fun activities for kids include snow tubes, ice karts and mini snowmobiles.
And there is resort-run childcare and babysitting too.
For when families aren’t on the snow, they can head to the Experium Leisure Centre where they will find an adventure pool and spa.
A seven-night trip from January 18, including flights, to Hundfjället costs from £814pp.
La Plagne, France
Back over in France is La Plagne, which features 11 purpose-built ski resorts with traditional villages.
According to Crystal Ski, it is one of the top resorts in France and has a great ski school.
And there is even an ice grotto with sculptures, ice skating and an igloo village.
As for accommodation, there are lots of self-catering apartments.
A seven-night trip from January 25, including flights, to La Plagne costs from £430pp.
Ruka, Finland
Ruka in Finland is like a real winter wonderland, according to Crystal Ski.
Think traditional log cabins, snowy scenery and ‘marshmallow trees’ (pine trees but covered in snow so they look like giant marshmallows).
Lots of accommodation in the area can be found right by the slopes and the resort is only 25 minutes from the airport.
Ruka even has the biggest beginner area in Finland, which means this spot is great for perhaps more cautious kids.
There is a Rosa & Rudolf Family Park too, which has “magic carpets and fun obstacles”, says Crystal Ski.
Other activities that can be found at Ruka include dog sledding, reindeer safaris and snowmobiling.
A seven-night trip from January 18, including flights, to Ruka costs from £369pp.
Obergurgl, Austria
Obergurgl is a high-altitude Alpine Village found in Austria, that is home to a hidden gem ski resort.
In fact, it is the highest village in Austria which means there is usually a good snow covering.
At the resort you will find a great ski school and quiet slopes ideal for perfecting your skills without worrying about others whizzing by.
Once more confident, skiers and snowboarders can head on the Audi Quattro fun slope.
When off the slopes, the village itself is a vibrant destination at spots such as Josl Keller, where there is often late night dancing.
Surrounding the slopes are also a number of great hotels, many of which also have good family facilities such as playrooms.
A seven-night trip from January 10, including flights, to Obergurgl costs from £618pp.
Zell am See, Austria
Also in Austria is Zell am See, a town located on the edge of Lake Zell.
The ski area is home to one of the biggest ski schools in Austria, says Crystal Ski and a number of fun runs including Schmidolin’s Dragon Park.
For something even more thrilling, there is also an alpine rollercoaster which is a 0.8-mile-long toboggan track.
Or if you fancy something calmer, head off on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the town.
In the town there is a variety of places to stay, including half-board hotels.
And in the wider area you could also make a trip to Sigmund Thun Gorge, which is a natural gorge carved by the Kapruner Ache river.
There are a number of wooden walkways and bridges which visitors can explore.
A seven-night break from January 24 with return flights to Zell am See costs from £362pp.
Soldeu, Andorra
Finally, over in the small landlocked country of Andorra, you will find Soldeu, which is the best resort in Andorra for families, according to Crystal Ski.
The resort is part of the 130 mile Grandvalira area and there is a gondola that takes visitors up to the ski school and nursery slopes.
The green and blue slopes are then beautifully lined with trees.
There is also El Tarter which features a number of obstacles.
In the village itself, there are a number of hotels that have swimming pools and kid’s clubs.
And thanks to the small size of the village, you won’t have to walk far before you’re on the gondola.
There’s a number of spots to grab a bite to eat too in the warmth, such as Restaurant la Cort de Popaire, which has a cosy wood and stone interior.
A beginner-only week trip from March 1 to 8 in Soldeu costs from £1095pp and includes return flights, transfers, seven nights’ accommodation, breakfast and evening meals, ski or snowboard lessons, lift pass and equipment hire.
For more snow-based holiday inspiration, here’s what the inside the Arctic paradise of Lapland is like – a true winter adventure and slice of magic.
Plus, Eurostar Snow returns this month with trains to six popular resorts across France.