6 Top Tips for Skiing Half-Term

With half-term upon us, the slopes are about to be filled with loads of little ones. Family ski time is amazing and a great experience that you can all share, and we want to make sure you make the most of your holiday time. So here are a few tips to help make skiing half-term as smooth as possible.

1. Ski over lunch

Depending on the age of your children and the time of your lessons this may or may not be feasible. However, it’s a great way to make the most of the quietest time of day on the slopes. Opt for either an early lunch around 11:00 or a late one after 14:00…or both! The window from 12:00 – 14:00 will be when most people are taking a break to grab some grub. If you can make snacks & meals work around this time slot, it’s worth it.

2. Stay safe on the piste

Ski safety is also a valid concern when there are lots of little ones whizzing around. Here are a few top tips to keep in mind:

  • Always stop to the far side of the piste, specifically on a high point. If you stop just under a drop in the slope, people skiing down won’t be able to see you.
  • Look around when crossing an intersection as skiers are coming from all directions.
  • Take care on chair lifts with little ones. Sit next to them and help them get on and off the chair.

3. Make sure your kids are dressed properly

This will make their days on the slopes more enjoyable, and thus YOUR days on the slopes more enjoyable. Ensuring their boots are completely dry each evening, double-checking that they don’t have any lumps in their socks, and using a balaclava to keep their whole head warm are just a few top tips from a local mum. Check out this guide on how to dress your child for skiing – from head to toe.

4. Beat the half-term morning rush (yep it’s possible)

If you can manage to get up and out the door early, you can beat the lift queue rush. Essentially, get there before they open so you’re ready and waiting. This means being prepared in the morning – see point 5!

Everyone will be meeting up for their lessons starting from 9:00 – 9:30. And by the time the entire group arrives, everyone is checked in and ready to go, they will be getting to the lift queues a bit later. So those lifts opening at 9:00 will get their rush between 9:15 – 9:30. Try to beat it and get up and out on the hill quicker.

la tania kid friendly ski holiday

5. Be prepared!

This might be an obvious one but it makes a big difference. Organise your clothing the night before. Set out all the kids’ kit in advance. Know your skis and boots are ready to go. Pack your rucksack in the evening. And have a plan for the day! The more prepared you are, the less time you’ll waste in the morning and hopefully the more relaxed you will feel.

Also, prepare as many other aspects of your week as possible – such as making dinner reservations well in advance.

6. Ski the ‘outskirts’ of resort

If you want to escape the crowds and find some empty pistes, our best recommendation is to ski to the outskirts of resort. For example, head over to the far end of 1650. Or ski down into Meribel Village where there is less cross-traffic, or up to the tip-top of Mont Vallon in Mottaret. All of these ‘outskirts’ of resort will have much less through traffic, and also can take longer to get to, so you’re bound to find some quieter slopes. Plus you can make a little adventure out of it!

Cheers to a fab time skiing half-term this year!