This article has been written by Ski Famile who are experts on skiing with families

Skiing with young children may seem a daunting prospect, but don't be put off. Families who take the plunge say a ski holiday can be a huge success.

The key is to follow three basic rules:

• Make sure your resort is only a short distance from the airport
  
• Choose a resort that's family friendly
  
• Make sure you arrange good quality childcare if your children are too young to ski all day
  

This article has been written by Ski Famile who are experts on skiing with families

Skiing with young children may seem a daunting prospect, but don't be put off. Families who take the plunge say a ski holiday can be a huge success.

It may seem common sense but it's surprising how many people ignore these basics according to family specialist Ski Famille; "We've heard too many stories of people enduring four hour transfers to stay in a chalet mixing up families with all adult groups and then having to traipse through the snow every morning to a disappointing local crèche" says the company's Chris Thompson.

It doesn't have to be like that. With good planning thousands of families enjoy ski holidays year after year. Specialist operators are a good starting point. They usually offer a childcare service and family friendly accommodation.

Other factors to bear in mind are ski school arrangements for children. The availability of English speaking instruction will make children more relaxed and enable them to advance far more quickly. If you are travelling with a tour operator you should check that they provide a ski school drop off and pick up service as part of their childcare package. If they don't it could mean frustrating interruptions to your skiing day.

Packing for a skiing holiday is difficult enough without having to find space for a full set of child related kit. If you are travelling with very young children a specialist company should be able to provide feeding bottles, nappies and sterilisers as well as more obvious items such as buggies, cots and highchairs.

Skiing is rarely a cheap holiday but there are ways of keeping the cost down on a family trip.

• If you can avoid February half-term and New Year do. These are the busiest and most expensive times to travel.
  
• Look out for free child places or reduced childcare offers. Some operators, such as Ski Famille, include childcare at no extra cost.
  
• Check to see if child prices only apply in rooms shared with parents. This varies from company to company and can make a huge difference to your holiday cost if you want separate rooms.
  
• If you are making your own flight arrangements try and book flight seats as far in advance as possible for the best prices.
  

A skiing holiday should be enjoyable for adults and children alike. If you follow the basics outlined here and research the best option for your family, you will all want to go back again and again.

For offers and further ideas please visit the Ski Famille holiday page.