Sledding, making snowmen and having a snowball fight are great winter activities, but nothing beats a weekend on the slopes. Family ski trips can be a great way to spend a school break, but they can also be a little hectic if you aren’t prepared.
Getting your kids outside and active is always recommended but there are also safety concerns every parent has to consider. Taking into consideration the huge crowds at any major ski resort can make keeping track of your kids on the slopes a challenge all its own. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan ahead as much as you can. Once you know what to expect you can rest assured your kids will have a trip that is more fun than frantic.
If you are planning your first ski trip with the kids, take adequate time to prepare. Below are the top 10 tricks to make your child’s first ski trip rewarding.
1. Dress Children Efficiently
While you don’t want your kid to get cold on the mountain, you also don’t want them to overheat. As with any sport, skiing is active and will get the blood flowing. It’s important to dress in layers, but too many may become heavy or uncomfortable quickly – not to mention you will be the one lugging around the gear your child took off. Choose insulated, waterproof outerwear designed for snow use and have your children wear long and thin wool underwear. Every child, whether first timer or seasoned skier, should also always wear a helmet and goggles for safety.
2. Your Child Won’t Be an Expert Day 1
The majority of first-time skiers don’t pick up perfect technique the first time they hit the snow. For a child just learning the ropes, the inability to move or keep balance may lead to loss of interest in the sport. After planning the perfect family ski trip, you don’t want your son or daughter getting discouraged and giving up after an hour. To avoid this, try to keep the focus on fun, not ability. Take breaks and participate in other snow activities that don’t require as much skill. Hot chocolate is also a popular crowd pleaser with any youngster.
3. Ski School Is Always a Good Idea
Although you may be an avid skier, trying to teach technique to your kids on the slopes may be more challenging than you think. You can practice moving around on the skis with your children at first to get them acquainted with the equipment, but when it comes to teaching stopping, turning and falling safely, it helps to send them to a professional. Most resorts will have group and individual lesson options, but learning with other kids is usually more fun for someone just starting out. Plus, with your kids in ski school you’ll get a chance to hit some fresh runs.
4. Don’t Skip Meals for More Mountain Time
Skiing expends a lot of energy and can work up quite the appetite. Before hitting the slopes in the morning, make sure your children have a healthy breakfast. When you are done for the day, give them another solid meal to rejuvenate their muscles. If you plan on being out for most of the day, don’t forget to pack snacks that are easy to eat on the go and packaged, so they don’t get soggy when wet. Energy or protein bars can be a good option to get the family through the day. Staying hydrated, especially at elevation, is one of the best ways to enjoy the day on the mountain. Don’t be afraid to take regular water breaks!
5. You’ll Need Extra Socks and Mittens
It is unlikely anyone will stay dry when you take the children skiing. Always pack an extra pair of socks and mittens for each person to switch to when the first pairs get too wet and cold. It isn’t necessary to layer your socks like your other clothing, as excessive thickness may make the boots uncomfortable. Instead, purchase moisture-wicking, calf-high wool ski socks. Avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture and will soak your kids’ feet much sooner.
6. Some Resorts Offer Discounts for Kids
Before you decide which mountain to tackle with the kids, see what kinds of discounts are offered at the resorts. Certain places offer deals on ski lessons for child skiers, which may include free school for first-timers. Lift tickets may come at a discounted price if you purchase them along with ski school registration. Most resorts also have special ski packages listed on their websites that reduce your overall cost on the slopes if you stay with them.
7. School Breaks and Holidays Will Be Busiest
Planning a ski vacation with the kids over their school breaks may not be ideal, particularly for the new skiers. Because the kids don’t have to miss school and some parents have work off, many people schedule trips at these times. For the regular skier who knows what they are doing, where to go and how to plan the day, this may not be a major issue. If your child is putting on a pair of skis for the first time, added crowds and long wait times may create stress and frustration. Let’s face it, if you were a kid again wouldn’t you want to be on the slope as soon as possible.
8. The Sun Still Shines on the Slopes
You may think because the weather is cold, the sun doesn’t have the same effect in the winter as the summer. Would you ever take your kids to the beach without covering them in sunscreen? Of course not – the same goes for skiing. The intensity of the sun is actually greater at higher altitudes where the air is thinner and the UV rays reflect off the snow. To prevent sunburn, make sure you bring sunscreen with you and reapply to any exposed skin while on the slopes. It’s always easiest to get this stuff applied before you leave the lodge but don’t be afraid to re-apply at lunch! Get goggles or sunglasses with UV protection as well to protect your child’s developing eyes.
9. Second-Hand Skis Are Ideal for Growing Feet
If you plan to take the children skiing regularly, it is probably most cost-effective to buy their equipment rather than rent it. Since kids are always growing, purchasing new kids skis and boots each year can get quite expensive. Fortunately, you can purchase second-hand skis online or in many used sporting goods stores for lower prices.
10. Shipping Skis Is Convenient
Lugging baggage around the airport while organizing tickets and getting through security with small children is no easy task. Add large bags of ski equipment for the entire family to the mix and you quickly run out of hands – and energy to manage it all. Traveling with skis can be stressful, expensive and a pain. To avoid the hassle of checking your equipment, ship them ahead of time. Services like Ship Skis will take care of transporting your and your kids’ skis so they are waiting for you at your resort when you get there.
Family ski trips are a great way to get outside and do something active together in winter. If it’s your first time skiing with the kids, make sure you and the kids are prepared. Proper planning will make your trip to the slopes easier and more enjoyable.