Whichever resort you choose, expect to meet friendly people, who, while they’ll be delighted if you can manage a few words in Norwegian, will be more than happy to chat away in fluent English. So whether you’re asking the hotel reception for an early-morning call or leaving your little ones to the tender mercies of the ski instructor, you can be totally assured that communication will not be an issue.
Children are especially well catered for in Norwegian resorts, with exclusive clubs, activities and crèche facilities. The skiing is safe and gentle, with separate skiing areas especially for young children. Most resorts offer free children’s lift passes all season long. And the family-friendly vibe continues off the pistes.
Once upon a time all a ski resort needed to do was to deliver us up the mountain via gondola or chairlift and leave us to slip and slither back down. Nowadays, that’s just not enough: many skiers, especially those with young families, are looking for more than just a ski holiday. They want to give themselves and their children an all-round magical winter snow experience.
And for that, Norway is a tough act to beat. The country is an exciting paradise for families looking for off-ski activities – everything from sleigh and husky dog rides in the wilderness to tobogganing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice climbing, snow-rafting and ziplining.
For more information or to book a family holiday visit www.skisafari.com or www.crystalski.co.uk
