choosing the perfect ski destination can be a tricky prospect especially if you want to take your family the first instinct is to think about the alps but if you want to go away in february half term   which we did   then the snowiest parts of france, italy and austria can be busy and a little expensive we happened upon an alternative norway fill your snow boots: norway can be an inexpensive alternative to the alps  the slopes are snow sure well into april, prices are reasonable and families are exceptionally well catered for my wife and i have two children, maisie, five and imogen, three that's young to start skiing, but i was told that trysil would do the trick after an easy transfer from oslo airport, we arrived at the radisson blu, one of two ski in ski out hotels there is ten pin bowling, an american style diner, a soft play area and a vast multi pool swimming area that would prove to be a huge hit with my lot it is also right by the nursery slopes   our first morning found us riding the magic carpet to ski school maisie was in a class of five, imogen was with three others and by a happy quirk, they were being taught by two sisters, both delightful by the second day, she was riding the mini drag lift and imogen was padding around on her skis, searching for stuffed toy lions and monkeys around the kids area easy does it: trysil can be a perfect ski destination for families with young children  by the end of the week, both were skiing better than i could have hoped trysil has four main ski areas, all with excellent nursery slopes   with easy routes down from all points the ski school also runs a drop in creche from 1045am to 3pm for £8 an hour per child, with a 30 per cent discount for siblings we used this for our own ski time the slopes are surprisingly extensive hogegga is an area with mostly black runs   and new for this season is the first of a series of new gladed trails through woods skihytta is a charming mountain hut serving its own beers, and moose shot by the owner knettsettra is another must visit mid mountain restaurant and bar it hosts free concerts for up to 5,000 people in march and april the one sting in the tail is the cost of alcohol a draft half litre of beer cost me £650 and a bottle of wine £35 but the well priced food balanced this out over the week and it was not just about the skiing downhill all the way: trysil has slopes for skiers all abilities, within quick reach of oslo  we also took the girls dog sledding across a beautifully scenic plateau, and our highlight of the week was a horse sleigh ride with a stop off in a nordic yurt to cook hot dogs over an open fire the girls definitely developed a taste for skiing, and we have a new love affair with trysil we are already thinking about going back for half term next year roll on february 2016 ski safari (01273 224 068, wwwskisafaricom) offers holidays for a family of four (two adults, two children) from £3,100, based on a seven night stay at the 4*+ radisson blu resort on a half board basis   including flights and transfers packages are now on sale for february 2016 half term children's ski hire costs £30 for a week; a five day package of 90 minute group lessons costs £100 children under six ski free a one week adult ski pass costs £160
norway alps slopes france
norway can be an alternative to the alps for a half term skiing break . slopes tend to be less crowded than in france, and are snow sure to april . plenty of nursery slopes mean (very) young skiers can also feel at home 