Family Ski News was at the British Ski & Board Show at the NEC in Birmingham this weekend getting in the mood for the holiday season and hunting out the latest family holiday deals and products.

With resorts and tourist boards from Andorra, Austria, France, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, Canada and the USA all promoting their resorts and facilities, there were plenty of bargain holidays to be snapped up by eager holidaymakers.  Even India and Japan were represented – both offering culture combined with crowd-free sking in stunning settings.  For advice on which destination to choose for your family this season, see our Resorts Section.

Many of the skiing giants, including Crystal and Inghams, were present.  Some of the large family operators, including Esprit and Powder Byrne, were noticeable by their absence.  Nonetheless, there were a host of small, independent hotels and chalet company owners present, offering an invaluable wealth of local knowledge and some superb bespoke holiday offers.  

There was plenty to entertain all the family.  The Big Air Freestyle Show wowed the crowds on the big Kicker with their incredible acrobatics and aerial tricks on both skis and boards, while the Animal Bike Tour demonstrated astonishing skill and balance with their dare-devil bike tricks. 

Little ones enjoyed making ‘snowcastles’ in the Snow Dome’s ‘snowpit’.  There was even a chance to ‘have-a-go’ at skiing, boarding and ringoing at the purpose-built Skills Slope; or to try out the latest craze – skikes – multi-terrain roller-skis which require a combination of skating and cross-country skiing techniques.    

The show was brimming shopping opportunities, with plenty of stands offering all the latest skiwear, gadgets and gizmos. 

There were a surprising number of new products to appeal to families, ranging from wacky childrens’ helmets, Skibob toboggans and Nippergrip toddler ski-reins to trendy hand-knitted beanies.  You can find these and other accessories featured in the FamilySkiNews Kit Section.