Where to go, how to go, which companies to go with and what to take when skiing with children are all questions that parents may well ask. Here we try to answer all of the worries you may have when considering taking the little ones on the piste!

Where to go
The most important consideration is finding a "child friendly" resort. These should have short transfer times, be not too far from the lifts and good nursery slopes. Car free resorts are obviously a safer bet.

When to go
Obviously there are going to be restrictions if the children are in school. Late in the season avoids the very cold weather especially for younger children. Try to avoid the last two weeks in February as the resorts become very busy because of the European half term school holidays.

Travel arrangements
Try to keep the transfer time from the airport as short as possible. Alternatively the Snowtrain can be fun with children who are a bit older but there is no food on board so take a picnic and drink. The biggest advantage of the Snowtrain is you leave Britain on Friday night and arrive in the resort on Saturday morning.

On the return journey, the train leaves on the Saturday night so you get an extra 2 days skiing. Unless the children are older, don't consider driving unless you make a lot of stops on the way.

Accommodation
Chalets and apartments are best. Either take over a whole chalet or choose one which is advertised as a family chalet. Apartments are cheaper but not as convenient, and someone still has to do the cooking. Resort supermarkets can be expensive, too. There are a number of specialist family hotels.

Clothing and sunscreens
Helmets are recommended for younger children. Remember that goggles should be big enough to fit over the helmet. A one-piece ski suit is the most convenient but at least with a two piece the child can wear the jacket at other times. Mittens or gloves should always be worn and hats most of the time.

A vest and cotton polo neck underneath should be sufficient except on very cold days and thick tights may be needed. Sunglasses or goggles and suncream should be worn even on cloudy days. Make sure the children have access to drinks - altitude is dehydrating.

Ski schools and creches
The biggest problem with ski schools can be the language. If you find that the Ski School instructor doesn't speak much English, you do have the right to ask that your child be transferred to another class. Make sure you check the times. Unfortunately, the children's Ski School times might not coincide with your own lesson so you may have to be late for a class or leave early.

In some places they will organise childrens lunches which is great for you but again, make sure you know. Most places should have indoor recreation if the weather turns bad. Some UK tour operators have now set up ski schools purely for British children and these are well worth considering as are British run ski schools which can be found in the major resorts.