Top Tips for Planning a Family Ski Holiday
A family Skiing holiday is something we’d love to do at some point but I do think that skiing holidays need careful planning and the time needs to be right for your family. Ski holidays are not like beach holidays! Seems an obvious thing to say but I don’t know any kids who are not happy playing in the sand or splashing around in warm water under the summer sun with an ice-cream awaiting them in a beach café. However, the mountains are a different story altogether. Being cold and wet, tired or just plain bored is simply not fun – whatever your age!
Top Tip Number #1 is to get kitted out!
A Skiing holiday essential is getting the right clothing. For family ski holidays – key pieces of gear you will need to bring include goggles, suncream, gloves, ski socks, thermals, mid layers, ski trousers, ski jacket, and a buff or bandana. And also helmets for children. Try Simply Hike for excellent ski equipment. For a more comprehensive look at ski kit – see this post from Raising the Rings.
2. Get some practice in!
In the run up to your trip, try out some dry slope skiing with your kids to get them ready and used to skiing.
(Photo Courtesy of Pink Bear Me)
3. Hand Warmers!
Buy hand warmers – disposable hand warmers are a must! Children love snow and snowball fights, but kids do not listen to advice that their hands will get wet and cold! Make sure you have all the essential Ski Gear to help children stay safe, warm and dry.
4. Check out the facilities!
Check what are the facilities available for your little ones? Is there a crèche or dedicated children’s area? What are the prices for child-care? Are there reputable ski schools in the area with lessons for children in English? Some resorts offer free lift passes for young kids. How easy is it to get to the slopes? This can be a much more challenging task with children, so look into it.
5. Pack the Snacks!
Skiing can make you quite tired as it is an energy burner hence it is always handy to carry some energy snacks while the family is out skiing. Children become cranky and start to whine once they get tired however energy food like cereal bars, bananas, biscuits and drinks will keep them going.
6. Get some lessons!
If you or the kids have never skied before, it’s crucial to buy yourselves some lessons. Don’t make the mistake of so many before you and think you can teach each other – it’s a messy, stressful way to learn, and could be dangerous. Ski instructors are fully trained, and will have you up on your feet and whizzing down the mountain in no time.
7. Keep it part time!
Part-time skier
Kids attention spans can be limited. When booking ski lessons, keep them to just mornings or afternoons. This way they are more likely to take in what they are being taught and improve quicker, as well as enjoying the experience more!
(Photo courtesy of @mimsandfamily)
8. Practise with the equipment!
If you’re renting boots and skis for the family its worth going to get them the day before you start skiing. You should also have in mind, trying to fit young children with boots, skis and helmets is no mean feat and is likely to take a while. Doing it the day before will result in a much more relaxed experience, without the presence of a growing frustration from wanting to get on the slopes when your child isn’t sure if their boots are comfy or not!
Hope you have the loveliest of skiing holidays – for children an endless round of fun playing, sledging, skiing and which is accompanied by hot chocolate and playing in the snow is a properly exciting holiday!
(Photo courtesy of Raising the Rings)
*This is a Collaborative Post*
