Leading family ski company, Esprit Ski, has launched its First Edition brochure for 2004/05, which is packed with new chalets, much-requested new resort St Anton in Autria, a range of early booking incentives and a host of child care options that make this the most comprehensive Esprit brochure ever produced. The early booking offers apply until 30 September 2004, when the Second Edition brochure will be published, so it pays to book early.

Andy Perrin, Managing Director of Esprit Ski, comments: "Following the best snow season in the last decade, many people are already eager to book their next ski holiday. By booking before 30th September, customers are assured outstanding value for money by taking advantage of our First Edition's biggest child reductions and lowest possible prices."

A number of new chalets have been added to Esprit's portfolio in the following French resorts of Peisey (last year's most talked about resort, at the heart of the Paradiski area combining Les Arcs with La Plagne), Tignes, La Rosi�re and Les Arcs.

A new Austrian Special for New Year has also been introduced, to avoid flying on the Saturday of New Year's Eve itself, commencing Thursday 29th December with nine nights' accommodation for the price of seven, coupled with eight days' child care for the price of six. Prices start from �729 per adult with free child places and discounts of up to 90% available.

Other offers include free children's ski equipment and lift passes in many resorts; half-price Snow Club at any Austrian resort for the weeks of 16, 23, 30 December and 8 January - saving up to �72 per child; unlimited free entry for chalet guests to the Optimum swimming-pool in Kaprun an a loyalty bonus discount of up to 10% off for returning guests

Esprit offers the biggest choice of child care services in skiing, and for parents this means being able to ski all day, safe in the knowledge that their children are safe and happy in good hands. All nannies are fully-qualified and English-speaking and Esprit continues to maintain the strictest ratio of nannies to children in its nurseries:

- infants up to 12 months = one nanny for every two babies

- infants 13 to 24 months = one nanny for every three infants

- toddlers 25 to 36 months = one nanny for every four children.

Perrin believes that it is critical for parents to compare child care on a like-for-like basis. "Whether comparing on service or on price, it pays to really understand what is on offer", he says. "Apart from obvious factors such as number of days and hours per day, it is issues such as the carer to child ratio, the carers' qualifications, exclusively English-speaking care, and whether meals are included or extra, that make all the difference in the world to the child's actual experience. Esprit can rightly claim to offer the best value for money and the most seamless child care on the market."

Fully catered prices start from �299 per adult and include return flights, transfers, seven nights' catered chalet accommodation with breakfast daily, plus afternoon tea and four-course evening meals with wine and coffee included six nights per week.

To request a copy of the brochure, contact Esprit Holidays on 01252 618300 or visit www.esprit-holidays.co.uk for more details.