There is nothing like seeing your child whizzing down their first nursery slope. Staggering how, in such a short space of time, they crack it – low centre of gravity and no fear seems to be a winning combination.The pleasures of a family ski trip

Courchevel 1850 resort is the delightfully chic and sporty hotel Le Strato. With a modest number of rooms, the hotel has a friendly, family atmosphere. The piste-side ski room has its own champagne bar and on your return you can indulge in a range of blissful

Obergurgl is a much-loved family resort in Austria. This Tyrolean village, at the end of the Ötz Valley, benefits from having a superb snow record (quantity and quality), as a result of its high altitude, as well as a wide range of runs. Après

in the children’s club or on the slopes. Intermediate skiers are well catered for with a mixed terrain, and although there is a lack of black runs, there is ample opportunity for expert skiers to go off-piste. The superb Hotel Schweizerhof with Powder Byrne offers

In the French Alps, Les Gets is a family favourite, having won numerous awards for its excellent childcare and junior skiing facilities. The slopes around Les Gets are fairly gentle, making it a great choice for children and beginners alike. Don

Across the pond, head to Whistler, which has been voted the best ski resort in North America for eight years in a row and a firm family favourite. Snow-covered mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to the pretty pedestrian-only Whistler Village

and restaurants, and just a few minutes’ walk from the cable car. Mark Warner offers family breaks during school holidays (over-sevens only) for a week, including half board, flights and transfers, from £1,095 per adult and £1,035 per child.

If you’re travelling with another family, the Tivoli Lodge, Davos, Switzerland sleeps 12 and is in a private location, yet it is ski in/ski out and close to the centre of the village. Perfect for families with young children, the chalet boasts