Mountain choice mid March with strong skiing kids.
Hey all, annoying tourist question incoming. Looking for a trip in mid late March of next year potentially.
We are a family of 4 with 2 relatively strong skiing kids age 9 and 13 with lots of North American off piste experience / skills. Kids are very comfortable in our typical double black avy controlled steep chutes , bowls , trees . Ive skiied off piste and backcountry in the Alps before and am fully aware of the differences between NA. We have avy gear but I wouldn't consider going into seriously consequential terrain or conditions w the kids, no serious mountaineering terrain ,and plan on getting a guide for at least part of the trip .
Our easiest gateway is ZRH as we can get direct flights there easily ,but could potentially try for GVA with more cost and difficulty. We have Ikon passes ,but given the cost of lift tickets in Europe, if we can use it part of the time , great, but Ikon only is not a necessity.
Kids definitely prefer ungroomed terrain (bumps, rocks , trees ,bowls ,moderate chutes ) over groomers. I know snow totals are lower and it could be all groomers given conditions, but I have gotten lucky w Alps powder and corn in the past and it was amazing. Like I said before , generally safe avy conditions would be a must .
Given these options , which resorts would have the most relatively accessable side piste , easily accessable off piste (no big long hikes or skin w kids) and fun challenging pistes , while giving the full first Alps trip ambiance. I figure mid late March limits us to higher elevations for the most part. Ski school a couple days for the youngest would be something we are looking at also, in addition to a few guided days for the 3 or 4 of us.
Thanks!