Where can I get a cheap family skiing holiday?

Ski holiday- Where to start?

• I have posted this elsewhere but don't seem to be erring replies so I've changed the category. I'm sorry for asking what may seem a very silly question but I've never been on a skiing holiday before so I genuinely know NOTHING about them. I basically want to know how to go about booking one. I've found accommodation and flights to one resort but need to know how do I actually go about getting on the slopes? Do I gave to buy some kind of pass? I've heard of lift passes, would I just be able to go up the lift and use the slope all included in the price of a lift pass? As I am a complete beginner I'd rather have some kind of instruction so how would I go about getting this and any idea what all this would cost? (So far flights and accommodation to a resort in France are setting me back £600 for 2 of us) Thanks and please feel free to add any tips/extra information as I need all the info I can get :)

• Answer:

  If you have not actually paid for the trip then check the information for the resort. Look for a resort with a dedicated ski school and a noticeable percentage of beginner (Green) slopes. Don't buy skies, boots, or poles (ski sticks) - rent them at the resort. You may even be able to rent ski clothing at the resort. Do buy your own ski goggles. Every resort will have a base area that contains the lifts & lift ticket office, equipment rental, restaurants/cafes, shops, ski-school, and usually hotels. Try to stay at a hotel close to the base area, or at least one with shuttle service. If you are a beginner then > don't < choose a ski-in, ski-out hotel without first verifying it also has good non-skiing paths to/from the lifts, etc. Once you are checked in at the hotel then go to the ski-school. Lift tickets are normally included in the price of lessons, but ask. You may be able to get a combination that includes lessons, lift tickets, and equipment/clothing. Lessons are normally half-days (morning or afternoon), or full-days (morning + afternoon). If you can, choose lessons with fewer students per instructor. Learning to ski can be strenuous and frustrating. For most people, it takes three (3) full days of lessons before it even begins to be fun. Don't try to ski on your own until > after < you have several days of lessons. Finally, check with your medical insurance to make certain it covers you abroad + covers skiing injuries and medical transportation home. If yes then take proof of coverage with you. If no or not sure then get trip medical insurance, which is cheap and sold by airlines & travel agents. EVERY skier should do that - not just you/beginners.