Family Skiing
If you love the idea of spending your holiday skiing, but loath the thought of having to monitor your child’s every move on the slopes, then take a look at Flying Start’s guide to family skiing holidays. We’ve put together some handy info so all you’ll have to worry about is which drink you’re going to kick your après ski festivities off with
Gone are the days when skiing meant staying on the slopes until dark, then partying hard until dawn. Fortunately, however, for the active parents among you, there are now several good tour operators who recognise that parenthood doesn’t mean an end to your wanting to partake in those activities you loved before the arrival of the little ones. Gradually they have adapted what they offer to what you are going to need on a skiing holiday with the whole clan.
What to consider when booking your family ski holiday:
- Ask your friends and family about tried and tested family ski resorts. Almost every resort now claims to be suited to families so you’ll need to uncover the kid-tested, parent approved variety.
- Book flight times that won’t disturb your child’s sleep. You don’t want to have to spend all holiday getting them into a new sleep routine only to have undone it all once back home.
- Try and steer away from resorts that have a long transfer time – The phrase “Are we nearly there yet” springs to mind!
- Choose accommodation as close as possible to the nursery slopes. It can mean paying more up front, but location can make or break your family ski trip. Not only is waking up with a view of the slopes the best way to start the ski day, but being able to take a short walk to the childcare facilities and the ski rental shop makes life much easier. It’s no relaxing stroll when carrying kids and equipment in tow to the slopes!
- Try and pick a chalet that has its own crèche for your peace of mind as well as the children’s.
- Keep in mind, that there is evidence to prove that high altitude makes can make babies and small children miserable.
What to pack for your family ski holiday:
- Pack lots of thin layers of breathable clothing as they are warmer than one thick layer.
- Make sure the whole family has a warm and waterproof jacket, salopettes and ski gloves (even the little ones).
- You'll all need sunglasses or goggles. If children are going to wear a ski helmet, goggles are easier and more comfortable.
- Take lots of high factor sunscreen - even on cloudy days you can get burnt. Make sure each child has their own small sunscreen to take with them to ski school/kids' club.
- Each skier in the family should have their own ski bag with their equipment in it.
How to prepare for your family ski holiday:
- If your child has never skied before, bear in mind that every child is different when it comes to being ready to ski. Some two-year-olds are more mature than certain four or five-year-olds. If your child likes to play outdoors (especially in the snow) and has good coordination, however, then these are signs they will probably take to skiing.
- Prepare your child for their first day skiing with a fun dress rehearsal. Once you have rented or bought your skis and boots, play with them inside to familiarise your child before hitting the slopes.
- Get fit before your holiday so you won’t be too out of breath on the slopes. Lots of gyms offer 'ski fit' classes and family swimming, cycle rides and running around are all good for ski legs.
How to ensure a happy ski trip for all the family:
- Skiing back to your accommodation for lunch is a good way to save money and the hassle of squeezing your family through the lunch crush at the café on the slopes.
- If you are staying with your child on the slopes, keep the experience happy, safe and positive. As soon as the child loses interest, it is time for a break. One run is better than none.
- If you can ski yourself, don’t feel pressurised into teaching your child how to ski. Ski schools nowadays have experienced instructors and specially designed facilities with a track record of successfully teaching kids, after all that is what they are there for.
- If your child is in a ski school, take pictures or observe from afar. Don’t interrupt the ski lesson or distract your child.
- Be enthusiastic about skiing, positive energy is contagious, as is fear!
Listed below is a selection of tour operators who specialise in family skiing holidays:
- www.acorn-ski.com
- www.smuggs.com
- www.firstchoice.co.uk
- www.familyski.co.uk
- www.descent.co.uk
- www.esprit-holidays.co.uk
- www.neilson.com
- www.skifamille.co.uk
- www.crystalski.co.uk
- www.ski-direct.co.uk
- www.powderbyrne.co.uk
- www.skibeat.co.uk/familyskiing
- www.skimagic.co.uk
- www.markwarner.co.uk
- www.familyfriendlyskiing.com
- www.scottdunn.com
- www.supertravel.co.uk
- www.snowbizz.co.uk
- www.familyskiingholidays.co.uk
- www.crystalholidays.co.uk
- www.skiline.co.uk
- www.simplyski.co.uk
