Skiing with children can be amazing – seeing their faces light up when they start to pick up speed as they point down hill is incredible. But, if we’re honest, it’s not always a walk in the park. There are lots of things to consider and prep and it can seem overwhelming for the uninitiated. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a run down of our top tips for the perfect family ski holiday, gained from many years of skiing with children, and helping our guests enjoy skiing with theirs.

1. Book ski lessons

One of the first things you need to organise on a family ski holiday (after the accommodation and the travel) is ski lessons for your children. Getting the right ski school is paramount to your child’s enjoyment, and therefore the success of your ski holiday – so do your research, and make sure you choose a school who caters for children and demonstrates a strong level of care. Availability is limited in peak weeks so we’d advise you to book early to avoid disappointment. And, tempting though it might be to save a bit of cash and try to teach them yourselves, take it from us – it will end in misery. Or worse still, injury.

2. Pack accordingly

What you need to take will somewhat depend a little on the time of year you go – you’ll need to pack a lot more thick warm clothing for Christmas weeks than a balmy Easter visit for example. However, you should pack for all eventualities. Blazing sunshine can soon turn to thick snow storms in the mountains. At the very least, you’ll want a couple of sets of thermals, mid layers, ski jacket, ski pants (or salopettes), gloves, goggles, hat and a face covering. As well a high factor sun cream, and clothes for off the slopes. We’ve put together a ski packing list for children to help ensure you cover all the bases.

3. Make sure they’re well fueled and hydrated

Skiing is hungry work and your little ones will quickly tire or become dehydrated if they don’t have the right snacks at hand. Make sure that your child / children eat a decent breakfast, including plenty of liquids. And give them a snack to take with them in their pocket and some money for a drink as they will likely stop for a drink during their lesson.

4. Get prepared the night before

The mornings can get a little hectic as you’re trying to get everyone up, fed and out, making sure you take everything with you for a day on the slopes. Make your life easier by getting everything laid out the night before, with a pile of kit ready for each person, including everything they’ll need for the day.

5. Remember all the essentials

Before you make the trek up to the slopes and leave the comfort of your chalet, hotel or apartment, you’ll want to make sure you’re all set. Make sure that:

• Everyone is appropriately dressed with several layers
• All uncovered skin and lips are covered is high factor sun tan lotion, with more in your pocket to reapply throughout the day
• You have snacks, drinks and money
• Everyone has their lift pass
• Everyone knows the plan for the day – for example where you’re meeting for lunch and when, or who’s going to be collecting them from ski lessons

6. Dry everything out daily

Your child will likely be wearing many of the same items, including ski pants, jackets, gloves and boots throughout the week. These can quickly get damp, either through wet conditions or with sweat when it’s warm or they’re working hard, so it’s important that they are hung up somewhere warm overnight to ensure they dry out fully before your little one puts them on again the following day.

So there you have it, our top tips for skiing with children to help you enjoy the perfect family ski holiday. And, if you’ve not booked yours yet, we’ve still got availability for this winter, so get in touch to discuss your next family adventure.