BOOKING a ski holiday can be a tricky business – especially when doing it for the entire family.
And one skiing expert has revealed the three big mistakes people make before a trip that can make it a lot harder – and more expensive.
Mum Laura Hazell, who has three kids, is also the director Ski Beat, the UK’s leading package ski chalet company to France.
Her biggest tip is to make sure the resort you are booking is the best for the age of your kids.
She told Sun Online Travel: “Decide if the holiday is predominantly for parents, with the kids looked after in Kindergarten or Ski School or if the idea is to spend family days skiing and playing together.
"Make sure that childcare, nursery slopes and non-ski activities are close to where you stay.
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"Dragging a pushchair and small children through snow, or navigating ski buses with a family in tow is no fun."
"Check out options for some family time together. Most resorts offer a range of non-ski activities, such as sledging, sleigh rides, swimming pools, ice fishing, ice skating and space to build snow-men."
"For teens, in addition to pistes and snowboard parks, you won’t need to go far to find ziplines, superluge and bobseighs, or tables to dance on."
Laura suggests La Tania for a family-friendly resort which is less expensive than Courchevel and is just a two-hour transfer from Geneva or Lyon.
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She also says La Rosiere, on the French-Italian border, is great for kids, while La Plagne and Val d’Isere are livelier and better for families with teens.
But even when booking your resort, what kind of accommodation you book can cause problems as well.
Laura continued: "Self-catering can be a false economy, with dining out in ski resorts more expensive and supermarkets having to ship everything up the mountains.
"If it’s a hotel stay, check that meals are child-friendly, and mealtimes are flexible.
"Or consider a ski chalet shared with other skiers, which offer home from home surroundings, children sleeping close at hand, early tea times, and sociable evenings with other skiers."
One of the most expensive parts of a ski holiday can be the clothes, needing lots of thermals and layers.
But planning in advance means you can find a bargain.
Laura explained: "In the weeks before the holiday, invest in warm ski wear for the whole family.
"Vinted and Ebay are good places to find outgrown bargains, buy thinner layers, rather than bulky sweaters, make sure jackets and trousers are waterproof, and buy proper ski socks, gloves, headwear and sunglasses or goggles for all the family."
"Make sure the children always have good eye protection when out in the snow, and apply high factor sunscreen too."
Otherwise Laura said make sure to always pack tissues wet wipes and snacks before heading off to the slopes for the day – and then your holiday will go smoothly.
Ski Beat packages including cooked and continental breakfast as well as home home made cakes for afternoon tea, three-course evening meals with wine and early teas for young children.
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Laura recently revealed the mistakes first-time skiers often make.
This includes forgetting to book lessons, buying the wrong clothes and not doing any exercise before.
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