It can be tricky keeping all ages happy during a week’s snow holiday. You will find plenty of children’s activities in Nendaz and scope for Mum and Dad to enjoy themselves too.

The strong franc has come down from its dizzy heights, there are discounts on offer and a huge amount of snow. Time for a rethink.

Check out what is planned on the slopes this season

Snowjet’s London flights return this ski season

Along with the extreme comfort of Secret Alps comes extreme competition in March

FAMILY FUN FOR MARDI GRAS

Family alert: for those searching for a suitable ski holiday in February take a look at what is on during the week commencing Sunday, 19 February in Nendaz. This is not the whole programme but should give you an idea of what you can expect.

Sunday: Carnival in Siviez from 11am through to 4pm that will appeal to young children who like noisy trumpets and drums.

Monday: Freeride with mountain guide from Montagne Loisirs. This is an all day activity for the adults who want to escape.

Pancake Tuesday: Fun and games for all the family in the Mardi Gras parade. There will be a fancy dress competition, clowns, musicians, performances and a torchlight descent in the early evening in Nendaz.

Wednesday: Want to be a clown when you grow up? Here is your chance to join the circus (at least for an afternoon). Learn all the tricks at Nendaz Sports Centre.

Thursday: Arc-en-Ciel children’s ski school organises a fairy-tale torchlight descent in Siviez, starting at 4.15pm OR there is the weekly crafts meeting in the nursery in Nendaz

Friday: Giant slalom competition in Nendaz open to everyone. The chance for children to ask, “Just how well do you ski, Dad?”

Saturday: Western Duel at the Woodpark in Tracouet. This is a freestyle contest for skiers and snowboarders and suitable for older kids. It is not for young children who can enjoy themselves safely elsewhere on Tracouet.

Here is the really good news: there is a new Secret offer for the week. Sshhh

ALL CHANGE

If you thought that Switzerland had been priced out of the ski market because of the strength of the currency, it’s time that you realised that things have changed. Ever since the central bank intervened last year, the exchange rate has been moving back into foreign skiers’ favour. The Swiss Franc is no longer eye-poppingly painful, just a little on the pricey side. But remember, no-one ever expects Switzerland to suit “budget” skiers. High quality comes at a price.

The gradual but relentless decline of Swiss competitiveness in the international ski market over the past 3 or 4 years has finally resulted in some local fight back. There are deals to be made on transport (from the Swiss rail company), ski hire, ski lessons and the lift pass if you know where to look. Start by turning to our own Special Offers.

To top it off, there is snow in abundance. Mont Fort, the peak of the 4 Valleys ski domain, has over 300cm of cover. What are you waiting for? It’s time to wax your Stöcklis and head for the slopes.

RED LETTER DATES

If you have a blank diary and are looking for the ideal dates for your ski holiday, take a look at these key days. All the events listed below have proved their popularity. Whether you are a competitive racer or a recreational skier, you should find something to suit. Everyone, of course, loves skiing by moonlight.

You need to register for some of these events. Please enquire for details.

SNOW FLIGHTS

Snowjet returns this winter with regular weekend flights between London Stansted and Sion. The service will run from mid-December through to mid-April. Flights for the 2011/12 winter season are already on sale.  Only 15 km away from Secret Alps, it takes less than 30 minutes to drive from airport to apartment. Flight times vary a little in the course of the season but travellers coming from London should always arrive in Nendaz in the early afternoon. Even better news for Secret Alps guests is that the return flight departs in the afternoon which means that you can enjoy a morning on the slopes and still get back to London in time for tea.

Our own Secret agent can arrange taxi transfers to and from Sion. There is also a good, reliable bus service between Sion and Nendaz.

NENDAZ FREERIDE

Registration for the next Nendaz Freeride competition opened on 1 January 2012.  The event will take place from 16 to 20 March 2012.

The next competition will be the 6th time that Nendaz hosts the contest, a qualifier for the prestigious Freeride World Tour. Names of the 2011 winners of the men’s, women’s, ski and board competitions along with photos and video highlights are all here.