Tips for Skiing with Children
Ski holidays are a big adventure for kids and being prepared means less stress and more fun. Here are some ideas you might find useful.
- Try boots on at home or in your chalet before your child’s first day on the snow. Try on their ski clothes, helmet and goggles/glasses too, so they know what to expect. The idea is that the first day is not overwhelming, so the fewer things that are entirely foreign, the better. Ski boots need to fit with one pair of socks and no trousers tucked inside the boot. Make sure the gap between the calf and the boot isn't too wide and that the trousers come down well over the top to prevent snow getting in.
- Eye protection is vital. The reflection from the snow is blinding, so ensure your child has either goggles or sunglasses that fit well and won’t fall off. Ski glasses (with straps around the back) are available at ski shops, otherwise goggles are fine in sunny weather too.
- Helmets are not compulsory but are very highly recommended. Our instructors wear them too, in order to set a good example.
- Warm layers are a must. Children get colder much faster than adults so dress them in layers, starting with underwear that dries quickly and traps the warmth. Over this, put a long sleeved shirt and a fleece under a waterproof outer layer. Your child will not enjoy skiing if he or she is cold, and we can always take a layer off if they’re too warm. Beg, borrow or buy good quality clothing that fits properly, as some ski gear has a tendency to ride up, leaving gaps for snow to get in. For small children, oversized one-piece suits are ideal, plus mittens that are easy to get on and off.
- Waterproof gloves or mittens are necessary and can be attached to your child’s jacket with short strings to prevent them getting lost. Gloves should be as warm and appropriately sized as possible (too small and they’ll be uncomfortable, too big and it’ll be difficult to hold poles).
- Skis should be appropriately sized. Generally, the shorter the skis the easier it will be for their first day. All local ski rental shops will provide assistance and advice.
- Sun cream is also highly recommended on sunny days. Delicate young skin burns very fast with the doubled reflection of the snow, so regular applications are a good idea.
- A chocolate bar or snack is a good energy booster mid-lesson, so pop one into your child’s pocket each day. A few euros for a hot chocolate is also a good idea in cold weather, as their instructor may decide to take the group inside to warm up for a few minutes.
- Pop an ID and contact card into your child’s pocket, with his/her name, your name and your contact number or chalet name. This means if anything happens, someone will know how to contact you.
- Take your child to the toilet directly before each lesson. Children sometimes won’t mention they need a toilet break and accidents in ski suits are cold and uncomfortable!
- Don’t follow your child’s lesson unless the instructor says it’s ok to do so. Having mum or dad around can be very distracting and can interrupt the class.
- Be waiting at the meeting point before the lesson is due to end. Your child’s instructor may have to take another lesson directly afterwards, so please arrive at the meeting point a few minutes before the class gets there.
- Every child needs a lift pass. Zip it securely into a breast pocket to avoid it getting lost.
- Teach your children to be independent, for your own sake. They’ll be taught by their instructor how to get up by themselves when they fall, so this should be encouraged. Equally, ask them to carry their own skis sometimes so they’re not always expecting someone else to do it for them.
