We compare: Ski schools
Want more from your time on the slopes? From French classes to multi-activity breaks, these resorts' ski programmes are sure to hit the heights
Serre Chevalier, France
What: Superb-value ski packages and accommodation across the French Alps, via a non-profit partnership between Action Outdoors and UCPA. Shared rooms mean different families may have to bunk together, but Serre Chevalier is an excellent location for an Easter break, with its low prices and extensive skiing options.
Cost: From £447 for seven nights' full-board, ski pass, equipment hire, ski lessons (travel not included). action-outdoors.co.uk
Our verdict: Cheap skiing and neat and tidy hostel-style accommodation at seriously low prices compared with many other ski holidays on the market
Saalbach, Austria
What: This small, traditional village in Austria's largest ski area offers beginners programmes that make the most of the resort's excellent nursery slope, plus snow igloos, snowtubing and kids' snowmobiles for added excitement.
Cost: Six-day ski course with Snow Academy (ages 4-9) costs from €219 (£163). Children up to the age of 14 stay for free when one adult books, sharing a room with parents. saalbach.com
Our verdict: This little town in Austria's largest ski area is expertly kitted out for beginners and there are tons of new options for experienced skiers too
St Moritz, Switzerland
What: Ski Cool organises multi-activity breaks in the smartest of Swiss resorts, with instructors utilising everything from the nursery slopes to the Snow Park, depending on the child's age and ability (lessons from four and over). Other activities include horse riding, ice skating, tobogganing and night sledding through a lantern-lit forest.
Cost: Group ski lessons from 90CHF (£62) per child.
Our verdict: Ski chic rather than ski cheap — St Moritz is never a budget holiday option but it's definitely a first-class winter wonderland experience
Morzine, France
What: Learn French and ski in Portes du Soleil, where kids of three and over can attend ski school then French classes. GCSE and A-level French courses (February half-term and Easter) can also be combined with a day's skiing and après lessons.
Cost: From €899 (£671), including seven nights' self-catering, a six-day ski pass and five days of French lessons.
alpinefrenchschool.com
Our verdict: The smarter way to enjoy the snow. Next time the ski instructor shouts 'Plier les genoux' ('bend your knees') your kids won't be floundering"
Published in the Family supplement, distributed with the Jan/Feb 2016 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)
