Ski Half Term

Chalet Ski have recently announced that in January they will be launching a dedicated Ski Half Term site using 'www.skihalfterm.co.uk' which they secured in the summer. Whilst many other agents have click through for quick checks on half term availability, this will be the first site dedicated to this week. Once its launched, we'll let you know accordingly.

Family Ski Resorts

Finding a great family ski chalet and a great family ski resort is a bit of an art, but with luxury Chalet Prarion in Les Houches it seems that the perfect match has been found. Four staff, including a Nanny / Childcare assistant, a ski in ski out location, and situated in the beautiful family friendly resort of Les Houches in the majestic Chamonix Valley. So for the perfect family chalet, check out their website.

Ski Half Term

Despite there still being 7 months before the start of the half term ski holidays, many chalets are reporting brisk sales and some of the best family chalets are being quickly filled and captured. If you haven't therefore booked your half term ski break, you may therefore want to make this one of your priorities before your summer vacation to avoid being left with the lower quartile chalets, if you're lucky.

Family Chalet

Not all families ski in just the half term ski week and one new site that is soon to launch is set to specialise in just Family Chalets. The site, strangely enough called Family Chalets will focus on family friendly ski resorts and family focused chalets. The latter we are told will be much more than just a label and chalets featured will need to have a number of family friendly ski features which may include children's entertainer, free toys, cots, high chairs, games, support with creche and ski school runs, close to the slopes etc. Assuming the intent is deployed, the concept certainly gets our vote when its launched later this year.

Family Friendly Skiing

If you are looking for a great family friendly ski holiday in a great family chalet, Chalet Prarion in the family ski resort of Les Houches may well be the chalet to place at the top of the list as it offers one of the best family chalets in the Alps, with its ski in ski out location, Games Room, cinema projection, sunken hot tub, and more importantly, not one, two, or even three staff, but four including a children's entertainer to take children to and from creche, ski school and look after them after skiing when you want that moment of R&R, some apres-ski or a spot of shopping! All in all, a great family friendly ski holiday.

Ski Half Term

Already many families will have booked their half term ski holidays with some of the best family chalets have already been snapped up, so if you haven't secured your half term skiing break, for this week in particular, it's never to early. So our recommendation is get the children's skates on and make that all important holiday booking, the summer villa will still be there, the family ski chalet for half term might not!

Ski In Ski Out

The best family chalets are always ski in ski out as they just take the pain out of getting the children to the ski slopes. Put on your skis, and just ski from the door? It really is that easy, your just wonder why you took so long to see the light!

Half Term Ski 2011

If you are looking to book a half term ski holiday in 2011, don't leave it to the last minute as yet again it already looks like its going to be another bumper week for ski chalet operators. People said there was a recession this year, but at half term it didn't show as family skiers came out in their droves.

Talking to operators, the 2011 ski half term weeks aren't going to be any different, and talking to one operator he suggested that it could be an even bigger two weeks for visitors as anyone who did miss out last year as a result of financial prudence, won't be doing so two years on the trot!  

Luxury Ski Resorts

If you are looking for one of the best luxury ski resorts for the ski half term holiday here's our list of the top 5 luxury ski resorts that are great for family ski holidays and the ideal family ski resort for the half term 2011 ski break:

1. Three Valleys (Courchevel and Meribel)
2. Espace Killy (Val d'Isere)
3. Verbier
4. Zermatt
5. Chamonix (Les Houches)

But we would suggest you don't leave booking to the last minute,as the best resorts and the best family chalets are always the first to go.

Ski Half Term and Easter Ski Holidays

Family ski groups are often torn between the ski half term holiday, and the Easter ski break. With the really luck ones enjoying both a half term and an Easter skiing holiday.

In our opinion both are great times for a family ski holiday. The ski half term week generally offers slightly colder days which means that although the ski day is shorter, the snow conditions are typically more consistent through the day. In comparison to the Easter ski week, the weather can however be a little colder, especially for the earlier half term ski breaks. In comparison, the Easter ski holidays typically offer warmer, sunny days, with good snow, but as a result of the warmer afternoons and weather typically, the snow conditions by mid afternoon often soften so skiing is typically mornings and mid afternoons mainly, followed by a relaxing beer or glass of wine on the terrace of your luxury catered chalet of favourite bar.

Family Chalet

If you are looking for a great family chalet, Chamonix Exclusive are offering a great six bedroom luxury catered chalet for the ski half term break. Situated on the piste, all bedrooms are en-sute and the ski chalet sleeps 12 in spacious luxury. High definition cinema projection, a large south facing decking, a luxury hydro therapy hot tub sunk into the terrace, and a Games Room are just some of this great family chalet luxury.

Family Ski

If you are looking for an alternative to the ski half term holiday, and putting to one side the obvious ski Christmas and New Year ski holiday, a great alternative to the ski half term week is the March ski weeks, schools allowing of course. For family ski chalets the price is typically exceptional value and many ski resorts offer great ski deals for family ski passes, but more importantly, the snow is typically great after the snowfalls of January and February, but with the sun that little higher in the sky, its a lovely warm sunny month to ski.

So, assuming schools permitting,  why not save some money and ski the best month there is to probably ski for family skiing holidays.

Half Term Family Ski Holidays

If you are looking for a great ski half term holiday for the family, you really do need to choose carefully. In our view there are certain key factors that to look for in making a great family ski chalet choice. Here are our top 10 that hopefully will make sure your half term ski holiday with the family is a great one:

1. Make sure the ski resort you are choosing has a good snow record and ideally has skiing in the region above 2,500m for the best ski conditions
2. Check that the resort has family friendly skiing. This can be done by using ski resort reviews and also by assessing the runs and surveying the official pages of the main resort sites. On the latter, does it have a family friendly feel to it or is it really more for the expert skier
3. Is the chalet a family friendly ski location, either a ski in ski out chalet, or one that is close to the slopes, ski lift, or ski school
4. Is the local ski school family friendly in terms of their reputation (people's reviews if available) and again on the ski school's local website
5. Does the ski chalet operator have a family friendly site with lots of informative family friendly ski information
6. Is the ski chalet family friendly in terms of its facilities (garden to play, games or even better, a dedicated children's room or games room, as well as one that you can relax in without worrying about the children knocking over the priceless antique vase
7. When you speak to your chosen half term ski chalet operator, were they both helpful and knowledgeable regarding family ski advice
8. If you are skiing with younger families, do they offer children's menus, especially if it is a luxury catered chalet which might serve rich food that is unsuitable for younger ones
9. Are private airport transfers included, this might sound a strange one but when arriving with the family, a dedicated driver and vehicle to help with your luggage and whisk you away is a god send
10. Are the staff experienced in dealing with family ski groups, and don't be afraid what this experience really is

Luxury Catered Chalets Val d'Isere

For the ultimate holiday for the truly discerning family ski group, a Val d'Isere luxury catered chalet has to be top of the list for the ski half term holiday. Val d'Isere has it all, sophisticated bars and restaurants, fabulous luxury chalets frequented by the rich and famous, and probably one, if not the best ski resorts in the form of the Espace Killy.

Whilst Val d'Isere isn't a low cost option, it retains that certain j'ne sais quoi as a consequence and really is a great family ski chalet destination as a consequence. So if for your half term family ski holiday, you don't need to ask the price, choose Val d'Isere for all the right reasons.

Chamonix Ski Holiday

A half term family ski holiday in Chamonix might seem a strange choice with Chamonix's reputation for extreme skiing, but if you choose your location well, it will be a surprisingly good option. First things first, yes Chamonix does have the best off-piste skiing in the world, and yes it does deserve its reputation as being the mecca for extreme skiing, however, this is only half the story.

Chamonix is a very large valley with peaks that shoot over 4km into the sky, it has four main ski areas that are Les Houches, Flegere, and Brevent, the Grands Montets, and Le Tour.  So if you are skiing Chamonix, and want to be close to the slopes that suit your family ski group, you may want to read on in terms of choosing the best half term ski chalet.

Les Houches

Starting with Les Houches, this has to be probably the favourite family ski destination for family ski groups. The skiing is best suited for younger family ski groups with great nursery slopes, including a travelator (moving carpet), blues and reds, which make it ideal for beginners and intermediates of all ages. Les Houches is a big area and some chalets are some way from the slopes. If ski in ski out isn't an option, make sure you choose something around the Bellevue or Les Chavants area to avoid long walks or annoying transfers.

Flegere and Brevent

Flegere and Breevent, close to the centre of Chamonix is great for older family ski groups where the group are competent skiers and this is probably their sixth or seventh half term ski break as the runs are a step up from Les Houches in respect of the technical aspect and mainly of a 'red' standard. If this sounds ideal for the half term ski break, look for chalets either in Chamonix centre, close to the Brevent or Les Praz, the latter close to the Flegere cable car.

Grands Montets

Then there is the Grands Montets in Argentiere, not for faint hearted and not typically the ideal family ski  chalet location. That is unless the children are now teenagers, have several weeks skiing behind them, and don't mind their slopes steep and challenging. So whilst Argentiere isn't the ideal location for young family ski holidays, it can be a good half term ski choice for older family ski groups with truly confident and competent advanced intermediate skiers. If this sounds ideal for your half term break, look for catered chalets and apartments in Argentiere.

Le Tour

Le Tour isn't ging to win a beauty contest in comparison to Les Houches, but it is a great family ski resort. The skiing has a great mix of blues and reds and is ideal for beginners up to good intermediates. As it isn't the prettiest location, catered chalet prices are typically good if you search on Le Tour. So, if functional, at a good price is you ticket, rather than style and good looks, Le Tour might be a great family ski holiday for the half term ski week.

Family Ski Chalets

This week I thought I would bring to you a selection of great family ski chalets for the ski half term week to suit all budgets, from great value catered chalets, through to the super luxury catered chalets in Val d'Isere.

If you are looking for great family ski half term catered chalets, that won't cause the bank manager to have a nervous breakdown, then La tania in the coveted Three Valleys is a great option and Ski In Ski Out have a Chalet Balkiss and Chalet Titania that offer great value for money. Alternatively Les Menuires, also in the Three Valleys  Chalet Delfina, Chalet Estelle, Chalet Flora, and Chalet Gabrielle are complex of chalets, right by the ski lift, that can sleep 14, and 16 respectively, or as a group of chalets that sleep up to 70 guests for the very large family ski groups!

If you are looking for a fantastic ski in ski out luxury catered chalet in Chamonix for the ski half term break, Chamonix Exclusive are offering Chalet Prarion at just 14,500 GBP which sleeps up to 12 in six en-suite bedrooms and with its ski in ski out location, and exceptional facilities (Games Room, Projection Cinema, Hot tub, etc) has to be one of the best family ski chalets you'l come across.

Finally, if you are looking for a super luxury family ski chalet for the half term ski break, Ski In Ski Out again have something for you with undoubtably some of the finest luxury catered chalets Val d'Isere has to offer with Chalet Bergerie, Chalet Kilimanjaro, Chalet Lafitenia, Chalet Le Chardon, Chalet Mistral, and Chalet Yeti.

Ski Half Term 2011

Well this weekend sees the end of the ski half term holiday week and judging by the smiling family ski groups on Friday and the end of the ski day, this half term skiing holiday was a fantastic success with some really good skiing with the snow conditions excellent, helped by the clear skies creating cold night time temperatures.

And if you are thinking of skiing half term in 2011, you might want to get your skates on to secure the best half term ski chalets. One ski in ski out chalet in Chamonix, Chalet Prarion has already reported being booked for next year, as have other luxury catered chalets that have great family ski locations. So to secure the best, our recommendation is don't hang around unless less than the best is good enough!

Ski Half Term - Ski In Ski Out

As many family ski group return this weekend from another great ski holiday here in the Alps, many of you will be already thinking about and getting ready to book next years ski half term week. Having seen many a parent struggle with the children down snow and ice ridden paths, carrying at least two sets of skis, poles and helmets, whilst trying to avoid getting the children run over as they step on and off the paths, you might be forgiven for questioning whether there is an easier way! Well the answer to this question is of course there is, next year if you are thinking about the family ski half term holiday, try a ski in ski out property. Here the whole family can ski from the door and back again at the end of the day, avoiding unnecessary carrying, sliding, and endangering your pressure little ones!

So for ski half term ski in ski out accommodation, click on the link for one of the best specialists of such chalets and make it easier next year!

Family Friendly Skiing

This week, with the ski slopes full of half term ski guests, the importance of family friendly skiing resorts, and family friendly ski chalets takes on a new importance. Therefore over the coming months we will take a look at some of the best family friendly ski resorts and some of the best family friendly chalets.

In the mean time, particularly if you are a ski chalet operator, you may want to take a look at Chamonix Exclusive's view on what makes their chalet one of the best family friendly ski chalets in the alps by clicking on the following link: Family Friendly Skiing.

Family Ski Half Term

By now many family ski parents will be torn between the excitement of their impending ski half term  break, and the trauma and panic of getting everything ready, including the children, and packed. You probably won't, but if you do have 5 minutes Mother's you may want to take a look at the Family Ski Advice's lighthearted look at what a family ski half term holiday is like for Mum's.

But don't worry, it will be worth it as conditions are outstanding at the moment having snow on and off for the last three days prior to the half term skiing! So have a great family ski next week!

Half Term

The ski half term week is now just a few days away, and therefore the new ski outfits will have been tried and tested on the living room floors, and the family by now will have started pulling out all that's needed for a great ski half term chalet holiday. If you are pulling together the ski clothing for the children, don't forget the family ski advice blog has a great article ski clothing for children.

The main thing to remember for half term skiing being, bring lots of layers, thin is often better than thick, a good thermals, fleeces, and wind proof outer layers (coat, gloves, etc). And within reason, remember it is better they are warm than cold during than ski half term break. So a minimum of a thermal, mid layer, fleece and good jacket and trousers, possibly one more layer on colder days. Also a turtle neck and don't forget to bring or hire that all important helmet. We have two very competent children on skis, but they can still fall, and what have found is that the better they get, the faster they ski, and subsequently faster and harder they fall. So when the older family ski members suggest they are too good to need them, ask them if that is the case while so many local children have them on.

So have a great family ski holiday this ski half term week, stay warm, and ski safe!

Last Minute Half Term Ski Chalet Availability

If anyone has any last minute ski half term availability then please use the comment box below and we will post your availability below. Please advise your email, website, etc.

For family ski groups that haven't booked this year, but now wants to getaway at half term for that family ski break, please pop back regularly to get the latest updates on availability.

The Suns Shining Ahead of the Next Snowfall Prior To The Half Term Ski Holidays

As the 2010 ski half term break draws ever closer, thousands of parents will be eagerly watching the snow report for the latest ski forecast and snow depths. Well it certainly looks good at the moment with new snow forecasts Friday and early into next week.

Interestingly we are still getting enquiries for catered chalets for the half term skiing week but currently we have no accommodation to offer. If anyone has any last minute half term ski chalet accommodation available, please post us a comment with your email address, website, price, resort and how many the ski chalet accommodation can sleep and we will update on a 'Last Minute Half Term Ski Chalet Availability' blog.

For those that are looking to ski next year, keep posted on the Ski Half Term blog for ongoing updates, but most importantly, we would advise you don't leave it to the last minute!

Great Snow Ahead of Half Term Break

It certainly all bodes well for the half term skiing holiday. The snow at the weekend, with more forecast tonight, has left the slopes in tip top condition.  And with cold temperatures forecast this week, the slopes should be just right for the family ski break.

Today we skied in Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley where they have recently upgraded the children and beginner area with a new short chair lift, a new magic carpet (travelator) and were very impressed at the family friendly facilities. The area is ideal for children with beautiful pistes, few concerning drop offs for the children to disappear over, and the local ESF Ski School really geared and focused on family skiing.

If you are looking for a friendly family ski chalet, where luxury catered ski chalet accommodation is affordable, Chalet Prarion may just be the ticket. Recently the headline news for a recent celebrities visit over the New Year, Chalet Prarion boasts so of the best facilities in the Chamonix Valley, and without doubt is the number 1 ski in ski out chalet for luxury.

Snow Ahead of Ski Half Term Week

Family ski groups, many who will be heading to the Alps to ski for the half term week, will have taken heart from yet another snowfall. Similar to last year, this year has seen continuous light snowfall rather than the big dumps every other week which has been seen before with some seasons.

The snow pack as a result in most resorts has been very good and as families get ready for their family ski vacation during the half term break, many can rest assured that the conditions are likely to be very much family friendly. If you haven't booked your ski half term vacation, you may be cutting it a little late as most companies have had the 'sold out' signs up for some months. We will certainly keep our ears to the ground on any 'late' availability and if any operators do have accommodation available, please forward us the details and we can keep potential ski clients looking for half term accommodation regularly updated. 

And for those that are looking to ski half term in 2011, it is after all never too early to book such a sought after ski week, we will be listing some of our favourite family chalets to stop at, so please join our list of followers to ensure you get the latest updates.

Ski Half Term

Welcome to the first blog of the ski half term blog site. A blog that will focus specifically on identifying great ski half term accommodation, up to and including the last minute (we know, last minute deals are a big ask as ski half term weeks are always popular), and general family ski advice as we recognise that the majority of the half term ski clients are dictated by the fact that they have a family and the family skiing holiday must fit in with the childrens ski holidays, therefore ski Christmas, Ski New Year, and Ski Half Term weeks are the only options!

If you would like to feature your chalet on here, and it is a family ski friendly property, please drop us a line and we will look at featuring your chalet on this blog.