We’re all on a roll at this Swiss swish ski resort!
WHEN you’re 5ft 10in there’s a long way to fall. But it’s not just my height that gives rise to skiing anxiety. With two children, Jago, seven, and Georgia, four, in tow, plus a baby of just ten months, the worries tumble down the mountain.
There’s the nervous pre-skiing tummy in the mornings, the sweaty palms on the ski lift, the blessed relief of making it down a nursery slope without falling over.
Thankfully, the ski company Powder Byrne are used to this. What’s more, they have promised to tailor a ski programme to help me build my confidence.
This is our second visit to Flims in Switzerland, where we opt for self-catering at Casa Flumina, an apartment with four bedrooms and a TV room packed with books and games.
Each morning, a bakery basket is delivered before the children are scooped up and taken to ski school. Georgia spends hours practising her parallel turns in Snow Wonderland. Jago learns to ski backwards and is soon hurtling down red runs.
My husband Jack, an excellent skier, joins a Powder Byrne guided group each day with those of similar ability and with a similar love of vin rouge.
Which leaves me. On my first day, I meet my ski guide Ben. He’s seen many snowflakes over the years. We start tentatively, which includes frequent stops for hot chocolate. Knowing my children are being so well looked after allows me to fully focus on what I’m doing and, by the end of the week, I’m confidently skiing blues and reds.
Off the slopes you’re well looked after, too, as Powder Byrne allocates a representative for the week, who goes above and beyond to meet your needs. I’m talking everything from finding Arnica for our bruises in a local chemist to booking restaurants.
One morning we go to Lake Cauma, with its turquoise waters surrounded by woodland, and take a horse and cart ride through the forests of Flims, snuggled up beneath huge sheepskin rugs.
None of this comes cheap but skiing is a bonding family activity and it’s worth getting it right. All of us are looking forward to our next trip — miraculously that includes me.