Heading to Switzerland with my husband and five kids(13,12,8,7,&1). Looking for itinerary ideas. Places to stay, things to do. Was thinking about taking kids skiing they are all basically beginners. We will be arriving there in feb on a Sunday and leaving early Thursday morning. Where are the best places to go and how to get there. We are coming and going through Zurich.

Define "best" and what your budget is.

Many ski resorts require that you stay by the week in high season, so you may be limited in lodging, esp for 7 people. Also you are reserving very late.

Are you looking for just skiing - or to spend one day skiing and then seeing other places in Switz?

I thought two ski days and then some other touring. Might the best option then be an apartment rental? Is it late for that too? Are there different ski areas that are better for beginning skiers and have apartments to let?

I've never skied in Switz - and you might get more responses if you asked a separate question about ski resorts in Switz for a family with small kids.

Do note that Switz is very expensive and you might find much better deals in Austria.

NYTraveler- Thank you for the advice. Will try it. I have just discovered how expensive Switzerland is but I had booked flights first. Will hope for the best. Thanks.

Yes, you need to start looking for accommodations ASAP with that many people. Especially if you are going in mid-February since that is when Swiss schools will be out for Fasnacht/winter break and many people go skiing then.

I have only been to Flims-Laax which I found pretty family friendly and we are able to take a hike to Caumasee lake and the nearby canyon edge. My friends also like Saas-Fee, Wengen, Grindelwald and Brunni-Engelberg. Have only been to Wengen and Grindelwald for hiking but the scenery is absolutely spectacular in that region.

Here is a helpful website: http://www.swisswintersports.com

We did the same a few years ago with our two kids, fly into and from Zurich. We stayed in Lucerne which we thought was great because it still has a bunch of things to do but not as overwhelming as Zurich. (And Zurich is close by for day trips).

Here was our trip if you want to take a look:

http://sleepdeprivedinseattle.com/20...e-switzerland/