The week we visited (12th December) was the first week of the season that the Three Valleys was fully open and thus we had the chalet to ourselves. Having never been to Les Menuires before, but having heard a lot about it, we were expecting the 60′s styling of the resort, but as we headed up towards Reberty the buildings got more aesthetically pleasing. Reberty itself at 2000m is a development of traditional chalets, many of which are used by British Tour Operators. Once in Reberty, you really have no need to go down to Les Menuires at all, there is a fabulous bar / restaurant 30 metres from the chalet, La Ferme du Reberty, a Sherpa shop around the corner and a ski hire shop pretty much next door to the chalets.

Chalets Katie 1 and 2 are similar in layout and work really well for families. With a good mix of family suites, doubles, twins and triples, all ensuite, all families can be accommodated in either of the Chalet Katies which sleep 12 / 13. Alternatively Ski Famille also have Chalet Eva in Reberty, just across the road and this sleeps 21.

The Ski Famille service is perhaps what sets out this company from other non family specialists. Everything is set up to ensure that parents and children have a great ski holidays. I don’t have children myself, but have organised and been on many a ski holiday with friends that do have children, and understand the issues that are faced before and during the holiday. With our groups we’ve experienced problems with ski company creches, resort creches, ski classes, parents spending more time with children than on skis, evening meal issues etc. But no longer will this happen, as Ski Famille shall be our new saviour.

Within the price you pay for Ski Famille they provide childcare between 9 and 5 for 5 days of the ski holiday. For younger children the time is spent playing in the on site Ski Famille creche with the childcarers (carers are a mix of qualified nannies, teachers and nurses). For older children they are taken to and from the local ski school and whilst not in ski school entertained. This all means that you can have a worry free days skiing knowing your children are being well looked after. No traipsing back and forwards to ski schools! One day a week the childcarers have a well earned day off so you can have the opportunity to see your childrens new skills on the slopes! All this activity is eased along by the extremely experienced resort manager Kirsty, so you can ensure that everything will go exactly to plan.

On our week we were looked after by chalet host Frankie, who at 18 was straight out of school. However, boy could she cook well, having gone on a cookery course over the summer. I simply have to mention that we had the best scones ever on our last day! Ski Famille offers half board including breakfast, cold and a choice of eggs, afternoon tea, a pre-dinner drink and a three course dinner with a choice of wines. Children can be catered for in an earlier meal setting as required. All the food was fresh and compared to other ski companies I’ve stayed with seemed more nutritious. However even despite this I’m sure I had to let the belt out a couple of notches by the end of the week!

I’ve not even had time to mention what great skiing you’ll find in Les Menuires itself and in the rest of the Three Valleys. The link over to other Three Valleys resorts is easy by the Bruyeres 1 and 2 lifts at the bottom of Boyes blue (which runs 40m from the chalet), this lift and following ski down can take you into Val Thorens in less than half an hour and Meribel Mottaret (via Plan des Mains chairlift) in around 40 minutes, assuming no major lift queues. You can find more about skiing in all the Three Valleys ski resorts in our #twiskitrip ski reports here.

All in all we had a great week at Chalet Katie, with a great location and great staff really making this week such good fun. I’d recommend Ski Famille to anyone looking to holiday with children, this could possibly be the best ever ski holiday decision you make. Thanks Ski Famille for a great stay, and expect a call next time we’re off skiing with friends (and children)!

Should you want any further information on Ski Famille, just visit their website www.skifamille.co.uk, phone them on 0845 64 437 64 or check out their best deals on their twitter feed www.twitter.com/skifamille.

Meribel skiing holidays can be great for families as they offer stunning scenery, variety of runs and plenty of nursery slopes for beginners and younger skiers.

Children booked into a ski school will learn from English speaking instructors and nannies will escort them to and from the slopes and supervise over lunchtimes. There are also fun activities such as sledging, snowman building and woodland walks. Adult ski schools will run at a similar time meaning that you could opt for free afternoons to spend together exploring the Alpine towns.

Meribel have introduced the Magnestick system this year. The Magnestick is a vest with a metallic back protection in, this is worn over the ski jacket. A magnet also exists in three of the chairlifts in Meribel so when a child sits on these lifts it is automatically activated and ensures the child stays “stuck” to the seat. It automatically releases on arrival. Chairlifts equipped with this system are Combes, Arolles and Chatelet.

Magnestick system in action

For the younger child there are crèches (with a garden full of snow!) open from 9am – 5:30pm for babies aged from four-months, allowing Mum and Dad to have a full day on the slopes or a drop-in crèche during the evenings.

If you want to take your family skiing to Meribel then we recommend Mark Warner. Mark Warner has over 25-years experience in organising family ski holidays and introducing children to skiing. This year there are money-saving offers including free child places, discounted child-share deals and free ski and boot rental for children. Have a look at the Mark Warner ski holidays to Meribel here.

If you do opt to take your children skiing for the first time here are five top tips help keep little ones safe and for you to have a stress-free time.

• Cooler temperatures can cause batteries to run out more quickly so remember to pack spares
• Remember to keep moisturiser and lip balms handy, flavoured balms are great for kids
• A few thin layers are better then one think jumper. Vests, cotton polo necks and fleeces are lightweight and comfortable to wear under a thicker jacket
• Remember to pack essentials like spare pairs of gloves and hats, in case they get lost en route to the slopes!
• Sunlight is strong so it is vital to use high SPF on any exposed areas such as the nose during skiing and for children to wear protective sunglasses

©Virtualboy

French ski resorts are well-practised in catering to family holidays, with a whole host of activities on offer to keep youngsters entertained.  The”Famille Plus” label is given to resorts that offer much more than just the traditional snowball fight, toboggan rides and traditional skiing… nowadays it’s all about offering activities and services across the board, at the same time providing inspiration for their parents and ensuring happy families all round!

The “Famille Plus” label: a guarantee of efficient, friendly service . Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, this label is awarded to tourist sites and those working in the tourist industry for their considerable efforts in co-ordinating an extensive range of activities, reduced prices and services specifically targeted to children.

These resorts have 6 unique selling points

1. A friendly, personalised welcome for families
2. Entertainment specifically geared to visitors of all ages
3. Tailored prices for children and adults
4. Individual and family-based activities for youngsters and adults
5. Nearby medical facilities in the event of minor illness or injury
6. Supervision and tuition by professionally qualified staff
Resorts which have been given the “Famille Plus” classification

Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon, the jewels of the Vercors (Isère).

Superbly situated on the high plateaux of the Vercors mountain range, where visitors can enjoy limitless Nordic and downhill skiing, this “traditional town/high-altitude mountain resort” combination offers younger visitors a number of dedicated facilities including a toboggan run with full safety features, a kids’ centre (for children aged 3 to 12 with a full schedule of activities) in Corrençon, and a kids’ village in Villard.

Vaujany, at the heart of the Oisans (Isère)

©Virtualboy

Situated at an altitude of 1,250m, this discreet village linked via a fast cable car to the huge ski area of Alpe d’Huez, boasts an “aquatic centre” (with a swimming pool, slide etc), organises “fairytale” evenings, and offers reduced rates for skiing and free admission to its three museums (heritage, Hydrelec, fauna).

Combloux, a pretty village close to Megève (Haute-Savoie)

Linked to the Megève ski area, and built in the same, well-preserved architectural style, this quiet village resort, with its superb views of the west-facing slopes of Mont Blanc, has long championed activities for children, with options that include horse-drawn sleigh treks, farm visits and tastings.

La Clusaz, with its decor of beautiful chalets (Haute-Savoie)

Nestled amid the superb landscapes of the Massif des Aravis, this charming resort offers a wide range of facilities and an extensive programme of activities specifically geared to children. One particular example is the Christmas “Pestacles” festival.

Samoëns, the pearl of the Grand Massif (Haute-Savoie)

Situated in the Haut-Giffre, Samoëns is unique in being the only ski resort which is officially classified as a “town or village of art and history”. With its traditional village feel and wonderful regional heritage (e.g. farm visits), it is the perfect family destination. Not forgetting the superb skiing opportunities in the nearby Flaine, les Carroz and Morillon ski areas, which can be accessed using the reasonably priced “Pack Famille” ski pass.

Les Menuires, at the heart of the 3 Vallées (Savoie)

One of the four main resorts in the huge 3 Vallées ski area, Les Menuires has made significant steps to halt its urbanisation, which now offers a more practical feel for visitors and an extensive range of après-ski activities. The resort also organises an impressive calendar of shows and events, such as Carnival Week, the Boule de Notes festival etc.

Serre-Chevalier, a leading Alpine ski area

This major resort in the Southern Alps consists of three urbanised sites in the Guisane valley (as well as plenty of picturesque villages nearby), with links to the listed town of Briançon, the “Cité Vauban”. Facilities for kids here include the inexpensive Piou-Piou clubs in Chantemerle and Villeneuve, the Jardin des Neiges in Le Monêtier, as well as specially designated and safe “beginners’ areas” located throughout the ski area, both in the valley and in the surrounding mountains.

Orcières 1850, in the sunny Hautes-Alpes

With its remodelled ski area (making it easier for families to get around), igloo village, where youngsters can experience traditional “Eskimo adventures” (including a magical night “under the ice”), and an extensive and fully equipped sports complex featuring an ice skating rink, swimming pool, spa etc, Orcières 1850 in the Champsaur Valley is an ever-popular winter destination for kids.

Massif du Sancy: Super-Besse/Mont-Dore, the jewels of the Auvergne

Both resorts offer good leisure facilities for youngsters, including a ski rink (each with their own appearance and style), a safe and secure area for toddlers, hiking paths that are suitable for pushchairs, plus discounts on “Pack Famille” ski passes.

Saint-Lary-Soulan, an attractive resort in the Pyrenees

Nestled in an unspoilt valley, this small town full character comes to life in winter as visitors flock to the high ski slopes above the town (Soulan, Plat d’Adet). The Maison de l’Ours (Bear Centre) and the “Spa and Well-Being” complex are popular alternative options for children and parents alike after a day or two on the slopes!

Other new ideas and initiatives in the Savoie and Mont Blanc areas

- Le Monde de Vardachou, a snowshoe trek for kids, following the trail of the little squirrel, Vardachou, in Arêches-Beaufort (Savoie).
- Le Territoire du Grand Cry in Les Gets (Portes du Soleil), with its re-creation of an Indian village (suitable for children aged 5-12).
- Toboggan runs for specific age groups (2 to 6, 6+), in Châtel (Portes du Soleil).
- Build your own igloo in Megève (Pays du Mont Blanc)

Travelling

1. Many families choose to drive to the Alps, and for this we suggest definitely buying portable DVD players. Believe me the cost will be well worth it and they can be used in the chalet for evening entertainment

2. If flying, ensure the transfer time is as short as possible, if flying to Geneva choose resorts like Morzine / Les Gets, or Flaine. There’s plenty more.

Sleeping

3. Choose your accommodation carefully, a few pounds saved here will really not pay dividends. Pick accommodation close to the piste and preferably with an area to play in the snow outside. Believe me you’ll thank us when you’re sitting with your vin chaud watching the children happily playing.

4. Choosing family friendly chalet companies will go a long way to help you enjoy your holidays. They will provide early meal times, will help arrange baby sitting and basically help you out where needed, plus if you choose a larger company there will no doubt be plenty of other children for yours to play with.  There are plenty of family specific companies, such as Family Ski or Snowbizz.

Skiing

5. Don’t forget the following if the cbildren are old enough to ski. An extra pair of gloves, sunglasses, extra warm layers, there’s nothing worse than cold children, lastly carrying a bar of chocolate always helps for cheering up tired, grizzly children!

6. In fact speaking of the cold, we’d recommend going later in the year when it gets a bit warmer so forget Christmas and New Year and go at Easter.

7. Make sure your children know their way around the mountain, explain piste markers, the piste map, and ensure they know their way home.

8. Last but not least, tuck into the free wine if staying in a catered chalet, and if in self catering, go and buy lots of wine!

At the end of the day, the success of your ski holiday relies on the whole family having a good tine, make sure that includes you too. I’m sure that the list of tips is endless but we hope this will give you a good start.