1. Try before you Fly

Get the kids ready for a super skiing holiday with a trip to a snow dome or a dry ski slope before you go. Whether you sign them up for lessons or just take them for a look it will help prepare them for all the fun that’s about to come their way. If you do opt for lessons it may also save you some cash. Lessons on the slopes can be expensive, so covering the basics at home means they might progress quicker and not need as many sessions on the mountain. 

2. Avoid peak times if you can

If you have pre-school children January is a fantastic time to ski, the slopes are generally quieter which is great to give your little ones space to cruise and also prevents long waits at lifts, also  ski holidays tend to be cheaper, win. For older families who have no choice but to ski during the school holidays, Easter can work but you may want to pick your resort carefully, looking for more snow sure areas which are generally at altitude. The plus side for skiing later in the season is you’ll enjoy warmer temperatures and longer days on the slopes. Bring on the goggle tan! 

 3. Location, Location, Location – of your gear!!!!

Ski in, Ski out accommodation is ideal for skiing with kids but it may not be an option so it’s crucial to consider the location of your gear within the ski resort; I’d highly recommend swotting up on options ahead of time. Whilst most accommodation will offer a boot room to look after your gear you may want to consider if there are any alternatives such as shops near the lift stations with storage facilities or even ‘on mountain’ storage options, at lift station or in mountain restaurants, sometimes your rental shop will have a mountain location you can use. There is often a small fee to pay to rent a locker for a week but I’d highly recommend it. Especially if you have to walk anywhere with your gear and little ones as its unlikely you will just be carrying your own gear, more like everyone’s plus any tired pre-schoolers who love hitching a ride!!!!

4. Travel with others

Whether it’s friends or family there is a lot to be said for a BIG ski trip: more the merrier is certainly the case when it come to skiing. If you are skiing with little ones, family maybe a nice option. You can take turns up on the hill or having fun (AKA resting those tired ski legs) down with the pre schoolers on the nursery slopes, bonus points if an Apres bar is near by. If you are skiing with older children, chances are they prefer hanging out with kids their own age rather than risk being embarrassed by their parents on the slopes. Sound familiar? A great way to overcome this is to join up with other families. Take over an entire chalet and enjoy the luxury of having your own communal space. What a riot! The kids can head to ski school together while the adults hire a private mountain guide for the day. Everyone’s happy! 

5. Ski with a Backpack

A backpack is a must; I don’t know how I’d cope without it. See what I’m packing in my backpack here but it’s everything from shoes to other apres essentials.

6. Book a private transfer or hire a car

Have you thought about how you are getting from the airport to your ski resort? When you’ve got kids in tow, you want the quickest and most fuss-free way possible. Shared transfers can take time and involve waiting at the airport and while there may be alternatives such as trains, when the kids are involved a door to door service is a no brainer. Plus, if you are driving you could go via a supermarket so you can grab supplies at a sensible price before you head up into the mountains. 

7. Ski lessons for the kids

Avoid tears and tantrums by booking some ski-school lessons for the kids. It may be tempting to teach them yourself, but trust us, it isn’t worth the inevitable fallout! Let them have fun and make friends in the morning while you enjoy some time on the slopes kid-free. Hurrah! Then get together in the afternoon for more skiing or fun family time on the toboggan run. Now that’s what we call a good day on the slopes. Don’t forget to brush up on your own skills either, we always book a guide or a private lesson for some of the time when the kids are occupied, not only do you get taken to some good spots your guide will often be able to maximise your kid free ski time - well worth the extra spend.

8. Layer up

Make sure the kids have plenty of suitable clothing before hitting the slopes, lots of little layers, rather than a few thick ones works well in our experience. Good quality gloves and warm socks are well worth the investment. I’d also recommend investing in some thermals, both top and bottom; too many layers are far better than too few. Check out what we are packing with our handy Packing Checklist, who doesn’t love a list right!

9. Make the gear fun

Ski boots, goggle and helmets will feel very strange when your mini-skier puts them on for the first time. If items are being purchased involve them in the process of picking them, let them see your, try it on at home. We’ve been known to watch a ski film or two all geared up before. Don’t worry if the bulk of stuff is being hired and you won’t have it until you are there, you can have some fun stomping around in the snow before their first ski lesson so they can get used to the fit and feel of everything. Another top tip is to warm up boots up before they pop them on in the morning. They’ll feel super snug and toasty, and the plastic will be more flexible.

10. Plan your meals

Planning to eat lunch on the mountain? You may need to book a table in advance, especially during the school holidays. Consider eating earlier to avoid peak times, lots of places start offering lunch from as early as 11. Added bonus of eating early is you’ll have loads more space for the kids to cause mayhem, or just to take off all those layers.

Another option for eating when out on the hill is a pack up, or a pocket sandwich, as we call it. Useful if you don’t know when hunger is going to strike or if you are worried that little legs may not make it to your ideal lunch location. Either way don’t forget to take some snacks with you; no one wants to get caught out by a hangry toddler or teenager on the slopes! 

11. Take a break from skiing

From good old-fashioned snowball fights to adrenaline-fuelled tobogganing, taking time out for some fun off the pistes will keep the kids energised. It makes for some pretty special family memories too. Another top tip is to look for hotels with a pool; making a splash after a big morning on the slopes is a great way for kids big and small to unwind.

I hope these tips and my Packing Checklist (for all those skiing must haves) have been useful and make for a fulfilled ski trip; bring on the snow!