After regular skiing as a couple we took the plunge on a family ski holiday with a 7 year old and just turned 5 year old (the youngest they could go into ski school we could find). Matt (7) really enjoyed skiing with french instructors, but our 5 year old was much happier either on the slopes with us, skiing, tobogganing etc. We went with Ski Esprit to La Plagne and would say their child care is the best we have experienced on similar holidays catering for children, the food was excellent too, but the standard of the accommodation only around 2 star. Next ski trip we aim to go with friends though in a chalet, were we can share child care and realise we won't be skiing all day!

We took our 2 year old and our 8wk old! It was slightly more like an apline holiday than a skiing trip but we all had a great time. My husband a very keen skier was determined to get our 2 year old on skis and to his credit he did successfully. She skied on the nursery slopes between his legs holding onto his pole that he held horizantly. Her two main phrases of the holiday were 'Faster Daddy' and 'On my own' - in fact she still wakes up and says 'Skiing today Daddy?' We were blessed with fantastic weather - good snow, blue skies and sunshine - I don't think she would have been quite so keen if it had been cold and snowing. She had the smallest boots which were a european 23 - UK size 6 I think. Anyway a fantastic family holiday was had by all - and next year we plan to utilise the local creche and ski school and I may even get a bit more skiing in myself. The other bonus was that the Alpine air agreed with our young son's sleeping routine and he slept through the night on several occassions - however, unfortunately it didn't continue on our return!

We have skiied with our kids for the last 7 years all over the place. They are now 11 and 13. The best experience by far was at HEAVENLY Lake Tahoe, fab scenery, qreat atmosphere superbly well run resort and the best ski school, with upbeat smiley staff and the most incredible assortment of nightlife from huge casinos to cosy italian restaurants.Our kids were 8 and 10 and they still rave about it. If you can bear the flight it might be worth going at Easter and combining with Disney. We went with Ski Esprit one year. Instruction OK, but some of the accom is very grotty so ask lots of questions. Beware early starts for ski school with young children particularly hot on the heels of a long tiring journey. The first day can be very traumatic as they clump around in unfamiliar gear and are then deposited for hours with strangers as parents ski off into the blue! In the end we plumped for a couple of private lessons at first and then joining a ski school group later in the week. Private lessons are expensive but worth it for confidence and the amount they learn. I would say overall don't start kids skiing too early-leave them with granny and have a long w/e on your own rather than taking them before they are ready which can mean a miserable and very expensive week for all. All those tiny french kids that zoom around at 90 miles an hour have been going with Maman and Papa evry weekend for years-its not the same for little Britons!

Which Ski Esprit accoms were grotty, so we can avoid them? Booking before 11th Oct as prices go up when Esprit's 2nd edition ski brochure is released.

Hi We've skied with our kids for the last few years and think finding a good English "speaking" ski school is one of the main criteria for an enjoyable holiday. The 1st time we went with the Family Ski Company who send one of their chalet helpers along with the beginners ski group. That's great for the 1st years skiing but doesn't help when your kids have progressed to the next class. There are actually quite a lot of English ski schools in the Alps now. Bonus that your children also make some new friends that they can talk to! I've seen a list of English ski schools on a newish website www.skihomepage.co.uk which is worth checking out. Ours are joining one of the teenagers groups this year to give us a bit of a break.

Chamonix childminding crisis!! We have just heard that childminding arrangements for our 14th month old son in January have fallen through. We have tried the ones on the official (tourist board) list but they are all busy. I'd be very grateful if anyone out there can recommend someone they've used before.