Spring snow

I’m taking a very late season ski break this year, the last week that many of the lifts are open, in fact. Some years ago my brother Roddy awarded Flaine the accolade of being the optimum family resort. He and his wife Kate hit upon the genius plan of taking their ski holiday at Easter, self-catering to keep costs down. Flaine is high, so there’s always snow and, for anyone with children, the piste map is cleverly designed so that all runs lead back home, to the open bowl and the village, or Forum as it’s called here. 

Cate and Kate with Mont Blanc

Roddy and Kate still come every Easter, despite the fact that this year we’re missing Mo and Chloe, who are deep in A-level revision at home. And each year, they introduce an increasing number of buddies to this unassuming resort – this year we number 25, spread across five apartments. Ability ranges from absolute beginner to former Olympian. No, really.

I’ve had a bit of a break from winter sports, apart from the odd day in the Highlands. But if anything is tailor-made to get me ski fit, it’s bombing around the pistes with family and fast friends. That and the clear blue skies we enjoy all week.

The fast-cruising crew

It’s even fun taking time out to coach nervous newcomers, and try to temper the hot-headed teenagers who don’t realise they’re out of control. Or maybe they do and that’s the thrill. 

Three teen amigos: Rory, Patrick and Benjie

The youngest in our party is a little livewire, Isolde, who happens to turn seven half way through the holiday. It’s only her second week on snow and yet she decides to make it her mission to flatten Adrian, a pal of Rod’s who is making marvellous headway, but is snowploughing through only his second day on skis. She swoops down after him like a heat-seeking missile, jacket open, hair flying, all the while cackling like a witch. Rory is none too amused when she misses her target and mows him down instead. 

Isolde in a quiet moment

There are injuries, of course. The relentless sunshine turns the snow heavy and we ratchet up a twisted knee, a split lip, and a trip in the ‘bloodwagon’ for young Tiger, in a swoon of terror on an icy piste one morning. Our transfer driver Adele turns out to be a masseur and does some work on Simon and Hugo who, to be fair, have just run the London Marathon. We all make the most of the outdoor hot tub, for muscle revival (that post-lunchtime slush is tough on the thighs), until one day when a small child tells Isolde she’s just peed in it.

All joining in by the end of the week

There are two birthdays and a wedding anniversary during the week, a chance to improvise with the limited cake opportunities on offer at the Sherpa supermarket. 

Sasha and Simon's anniversary 'cake'

Kids tea is a lively affair

Cooking is a challenge – no ovens – so we split the adults and kids suppers and take it in turns to grapple with the hobs and grills.  

Bruschetta appetisers

Over the canapés, current affairs are discussed more than is usual on a ski holiday. That’s because we have Roddy and Kate’s journalist/broadcaster friend Anne along with us (mother of three of the fearless children). Whether or not you agree with Anne’s views, it livens up the after-dinner debate, and she does cook a mean asparagus risotto.