Family ski holidays

Olympic Skier Ollie Davies reveals why kids should ski this half term!

Last updated 2nd February 2023

Half term ski holidays for families are always amazing. But this February Esprit Ski are making them even more exciting with the launch of their new Mountain Academy. Here, Olympic ski crosser, Ollie Davies – who learned to ski as a child on Esprit Ski holidays – shares the top five reasons he thinks kids should ski this February half term.

ollie-davis-olympic-skier-mountain-club-esprit-ski-la-rosiere-france

Olympic skier Ollie Davies and young Esprit Ski winners, La Rosière, France

This winter, Esprit Ski – who recently celebrated their 40th birthday – launched a new older-kids club, the Mountain Academy with an appearance from Olympic skier Ollie Davies at La Rosière, France: one of three Esprit Ski resorts with this new club for 6 to 12 year olds.

Here’s why Ollie Davies, who found his passion for skiing on Esprit ski holidays as a child, thinks half term ski holidays for families are such a  great idea.

ollie-davies-olympic-skier-family-traveller-interview-february-2023

Olympic skier, Ollie Davis discovered his passion for skiing as a child on Esprit Ski family holidays

Ski holidays for families mean time for the kids, time for you and time together

“Skiing provides time together as a family and time for the parents, especially if kids are also able to go off and enjoy themselves at ski schools or Snow Clubs. Skiing is an incredible family activity!

Choose a resort with great family-friendly runs like La Rosière in France. In fact, I’ve just spent a fantastic time skiing here with kids at Esprit Ski’s new Mountain Academy.

Esprit Ski Mountain Academy is an additional afternoon activity club for children aged 6 to 12. This club will have your kids solving lots of fun challenges and learning new skills, including orienteering, hide and seek with rescue transceivers and constructing survival shelters.

As well as being available on ski holidays for families at La Rosière, Esprit Ski Mountain Academy is also at Tignes and Val d’Isère, and run by dedicated, enthusiastic ski school instructors.”

line-up-of-young-skiers-on-piste-esprit-ski-holidays-for-families

Ski holidays for families develop confidence in kids of all ages

Skiing builds passion and confidence in kids

“Skiing holidays for families are an opportunity for children to find their passion and confidence while learning new skills on and off their skis. Plus, with Esprit Ski, kids even pick up a medal at the end of their week.

When I started skiing with my family I was lucky enough to ski on Esprit Ski holidays and discovered a love for skiing. That love then took me to the Olympics and I have made a career out of my passion for buzzing around the slopes.

Alongside their Snow Clubs and childcare, the Esprit Ski approach is to work closely with local ski schools and select the best English-speaking children’s instructors to run ski classes exclusively for Esprit Ski. Classes are guaranteed to be small and they’re also about having fun. At a young age, skiing and discovering the mountains should be a fun time and that’s how passion and confidence is built.”

ollie-davies-fist-bumping-young-skier-esprit-ski-holidays-for-families-la-rosiere

Ski holidays for families are great for building kids’ social skills

Skiing encourages social skills

“Skiing is a social opportunity to meet others. I remember meeting lots of new friends whilst on my Esprit Ski holiday and doing lots of fun activities together in the snow!

So, during your Esprit Ski family holiday, get involved with all the afternoon activities and age appropriate Snow Clubs and ski lessons. New Esprit Ski Mountain Academy is another great opportunity for that.”

kids-cheering-in-esprit-ski-jackets-snowy-mountain-france

February half term ski holidays for families make the cold weather fun

Half term ski holidays for families make the colder weather fun

“Half term in the UK can be rainy and cold and it’s difficult to blow off some steam inside, but in the mountains the cold snow and winter months become exciting to both kids and grown-ups.

Make the most of some of the other great things to try in ski resorts, from building a snowman as a family to sledging. Enjoying some of the local cuisine or even trying to spot the mountain wildlife are also good shouts.”

young-skier-using-rescue-transceiver-mountain-academy-esprit-ski-holidays-for-families

Learning valuable skills at new Esprit Ski Mountain Academy

They aren’t cheap, but ski holidays for families don’t need to break the bank

“There are ways to save on skiing in half term with brands like Esprit Ski, that offer free child places when booking ahead as well as loyalty schemes and last minute deals.”

Last minute availability for February half term with Esprit Ski

7-nights from 11 February 2023. Chalet Belina, La Rosière, France.

7-nights chalet catering at Chalet Belina, La Rosiere, France. from £1,939pp.

Based on a family of four, includes return flights from Gatwick.

Chalet Belina is also ski-in-ski out and close to Esprit Ski childcare.

Find out more about Chalet Belina and book for half term 

 

7-nights from 18 February 2023. Chalet Amelia, La Rosière, France.

7-nights chalet catering at Chalet Amelia, La Rosiere, France. From £949pp.

Based on a family of four, includes return flights from Gatwick.

Chalet Amelia is ski-in-ski out and close to Esprit Ski childcare.

Find out more about Chalet Amelia and book for half term

 

7-nights from 18 February 2023. Chalet Belina, La Rosière, France.

7-nights chalet catering at Chalet Belina, La Rosiere, France. from £999pp.

Based on a family of four, includes return flights from Gatwick.

Chalet Belina offers childcare on-site and is in a ski-back-to-chalet location.

Find out more about Chalet Belina and book for half term

Esprit Ski is the number one company for family skiing. With 40 years’ experience, Esprit covers ski holidays for families from every angle. Their dedicated, flexible childcare services care for children from 17 weeks to 12 years. Services include tailored infant childcare as well as exclusive Esprit ski classes and fun-filled activity clubs in Europe’s best family ski resorts. So parents can enjoy a mix of skiing and relaxing together while children are looked after and also enjoy spending quality time with kids, together as a family.