Orciere-merlette and / or ancelle- how much is it going to cost

Hi,
we have never been skiing before but have been recommended to go to Ancelle or Orcieres-Merlette.

There are 6 of us (2 adults and 4 kids)

We are hoping to fly to Nice and drive up. The dates are most likely 13 to 20 Feb (as that is when Ryanair are cheapest)

What I can't seem to find is how much it is going to cost to stay in an appartment, get skis, passes and lessons for us and to do it in English if possible.

Anybody with any suggestions as to who to contact for the above, or how to get a package for the whole lot, that would be most appreciated

best wishes,

Richard Sheil,
Dublin,
Ireland

RichardSheil wrote:Hi,
we have never been skiing before but have been recommended to go to Ancelle or Orcieres-Merlette.

There are 6 of us (2 adults and 4 kids)

We are hoping to fly to Nice and drive up. The dates are most likely 13 to 20 Feb (as that is when Ryanair are cheapest)

What I can't seem to find is how much it is going to cost to stay in an appartment, get skis, passes and lessons for us and to do it in English if possible.

Welcome to J2ski :D As you are beginners, and you want your service to be in English, it may be better for your family to book a package from a Tour Operator this time round.
The resorts you are suggesting are quite small, and you may find only French spoken within the tourist industry. As you seem to be needing English to get the booking sorted out, you may find it hard going. How would your children cope in a ski school class where only French is spoken? I have not seen any packages on offer either. Why choose these resorts, and I feel that to choose a ski trip based on Ryanair having cheap flights to Nice is a little shortsighted, but I'm sure you have your reasons.

I would suggest some additional criteria:
Easy big Beginnners area
English spoken
Short transfer
Ski in-ski out
Off slope activities
English speaking support (A Rep)
Childcare facilities
Dedicated childrens teaching

There are many facets to a ski trip. You are in a "don't know" situation right now. If you get this trip right, you will learn loads and can DIY next time. If this trip is hard work, you won't be back as a family.

Ok, I see your point.

Can you recommend a tour operator? and a more suitable resort?

The reason to pick those resorts was they were recommended by my sister who lives in Provence.

As you say, I am in a don't know situation right now. The problem is for me that with my wife and myself and 4 kids the costs are significant hence my question.

Okay, for openers, I would suggest looking at one or two of the big operators, say Inghams or Crystal.
For resorts, here's a few suggestions based on what you have posted above:
France = Valmorel
Austria = Alpbach
Italy = Bardonnechia
Switzerland = Villars

All of these resorts have good beginners areas, followed by gentle slopes on which to progress.
For your children, you will need to speak either to the resort, or to your chosen Tour Operator, to make sure that their tuition will be in English. There should be a choice of tuition on offer, some will include their lunches and supervision.
What you really don't need right now, is a "big" resort, as no-one in your party will be able to enjoy the range of slopes.
You should also enquire about a beginners ski pass, these are usually cheaper, occasionally resorts have free beginners ski lifts.
The big Tour Ops will also have complete Learn to Ski packages, which will see the whole family kitted out.
You may want to consider renting some of your clothing this time round, just in case you don't enjoy the experience, and also because children grow.For example....
http://www.skitogshire.co.uk/index.html
If that does not appeal, bargain kit can be had from outlets like TK Maxx and should save a little money on the outlay.
I hope this helps :D