How to improve holidays with children

It's cool for kids on the slopes

This colder weather has got my kids all excited: they've started dreaming of a white Christmas, preferably in an Alpine ski resort. I've told them to dream on, but if we happen to win the lottery in the next few months, we won't be short of places to spend our money: child-friendly luxury above 1,200m is all the rage this season.

Scott Dunn (020-8682 5000; scottdunn.co.uk) is luring families to Val d'Isère with its cool new kids' club and a brand new family hideaway, Chalet Blanche. This little gem sleeps eight and comes with nanny, private heated swimming pool and steam room.

Not to be outdone, Just Soh (020-8830 1122; justsoh.com) is also opening a new luxury family retreat. La Mézon dez Aluès in Méribel sleeps up to 12 and features all the necessities: an outside hot tub, Jacuzzi, massage room and sauna, private chauffeur and a games room with table tennis and plasma screens, as well as optional one-to-one skiing lessons.

For true unapologetic luxury, though, you can't beat The Lodge in Verbier, the new addition to the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio (020-8600 0430; virginlimitededition.co. uk), opening in January. This chic retreat is perfect for families: it sleeps 18, with a luxury bunk room for up to six kids. And treatment rooms, a gym, heated pool and even a private mini ice-rink are thrown in.

Staying cool this winter has taken on a whole new meaning.