Rory Byrne, founder, Powder Byrne
Powder Byrne: 020-8246 5300, www.powderbyrne.com

“We take children from 3½, but I’d say any child can ski from five onwards. The most important thing is that they have to enjoy it, they have to be comfortable and warm. As long as a child is not cold or uncomfy they’ll take to it, but if a child is upset, then trying to get them to enjoy themselves is like pushing water uphill.”

Pascal Blanc, head ski instructor, Ecole de Ski, Méribel
Ecole de Ski, Méribel: 00 33 4 79 08 60 31, www.esf-meribel.com

“Three is a good age to start. Children should treat skiing as something fun, by playing games, sliding and skiing in the snow. So by the time they come to tackling the more challenging green and blue runs, they are confident and at home, plus experienced, on the slopes.”

Lynsey Devon, spokeswoman, Inghams
Inghams: 020-8780 4433, www.inghams.co.uk

“Most ski school experts agree that under the age of 4, children do not have the muscle mass or sustained attention span to ski. The best thing for younger children is to encourage snow play, which lots of ski resorts and operators offer.

“Some parents want their children skiing earlier. In the past I have seen children as young as 30 months sliding between their parents’ legs on small nursery slopes for an hour or so. They did not look unhappy and they probably enjoyed being outside as long as it’s seen as playtime. But our son Fynn, who is 2, is happy playing in the snow making snow angels, as he did in Whistler last winter, and I hope he will in this winter season in Verbier.”

Lisa Dance, director, Family Ski Company
Family Ski Company: 01684 540333, www.familyski.co.uk

“I would recommend starting children on skis aged 4 to 5 years. There are no hard and fast rules, but children are more likely to enjoy ski school if they are used to taking instruction and strong enough to cope with a few hours on the slopes.

“Never force your children to go to ski school. If they really cannot get on with it and are in floods of tears all morning find alternative things for them to do – it can take several years after a bad experience before you can persuade them to try it again and that is a lot of ski holidays spent away from the white stuff.”