Great winter family holiday (photo: Archives)

Children are hardly an uncommon sight on the slopes, and many resorts have someone at the top and bottom of ski lifts in order to help the little ones get on and off. All the larger resorts also offer lessons, and in the Czech Republic young skiers are not confined to the bunny slopes for long, but generally head out onto the adult slopes quite quickly. Thanks to their affordability and friendly environment, Czech ski schools are often more attractive than their Western European counterparts.

And no need to worry about the language barrier. Most instructors speak English or German, although it is always a good idea to call or write ahead.

One particularly child-friendly resort is Janské Lázně. Beginners should avoid Harrachov, however, and Bedřichov (although easily accessible from Prague) has the least-friendly atmosphere.

Sledge runs are very popular in the Czech Republic and offer great fun for all ages. One of best, the 3.5km “Zvonková cesta”, starts at Janské Lazně and is accessed via cable car. A 4km trail starting at Špindlerova bouda follows the Malý Šišák ridge to Dívčí Lávky.

Want to hear the wind whistling past your ears on a high-speed downhill run? Then try the bobsleigh runs at Špindlerův Mlýn or Harrachov.