KEY POINTS:
Every parent knows that taking the children skiing in the school holidays has nothing to do with giving the children a taste of snow.
It's all about getting time out of the office to hit the slopes and, because the authorities frown on leaving the kids at home
with a can opener and a tin of beans, the offspring must tag along too.
Luckily, skifields also cater for the young 'uns.
Cardrona Alpine Resort offers comprehensive development programmes and purpose-built kids centres that cater for all ages, from three months to 14 years.
The nursery, at the front of the base facilities, must boast one of the country's best views, giving the 3-month-olds to 3-year-olds a prime view of all the activity that goes on at Cardrona. Make sure you book well in advance.
For children steady enough on their legs to handle a pair of skis strapped to their feet, there's a "Ski Korral", a licensed early childhood centre which also offers one ski lesson a day - more, if Junior is enthusiastic.
Ski programmes are personalised, emphasising confidence-building and allowing children to develop snow skills. It is a one-on-one experience with a professional instructor foran hour. Even better, ski equipment is supplied free.
Again, bookings are essential.
For more mature 4-year-olds, there's the Little Rippers programme. It involves three hours of lessons for 2-3 children per group, split by lunch, and dependent on weather and energy. Again, ski equipment is supplied free.
The Kids Club, for 5-14-year-olds, gives full-day lessons with lunch, care and activities.
The focus is on skiing morning and afternoon with fun instructors. The Kids' Club has its own place on the snow and is dedicated to making everyone's day on the slopes as good as it can be.
Bookings are recommended. Costs vary and multi-day packages are available, ranging in price from $95 for a single day's lessons, lunch, rentals and lift passes, to $630 for five days. Hiring clothes is extra.
Cardrona also offers accelerated development programmes, Skiwees (skiing for children aged 5-14) and Lowriders (snowboarding for children aged 8-14). The four-day programmes run every Monday to Thursday during the season.
Each day includes six hours of supervision with the same group - sorted according to ability - and the same instructor throughout the duration of the programmes.
Price ranges from $325 to $535.
So, with the kids sorted, it's time for the parents to get on the piste.
Go to www.cardrona.com for more information.
