From a woman who was adamant she would never venture out onto the pistes with toddlers or kids in tow, I am now a total family ski convert and cannot get enough! I had nightmarish visions of me sweating in snow gear whilst dragging screaming kids behind me plus a hundred pairs of skis/helmets etc., amidst screams of ‘I’m cold’ and ‘I hate this helmet’, and whilst this does happen on the odd occasion, in general, it is quite simply the best holiday ever.
This is my second year of ski-loving and with 2 amazing holidays under my belt I have some advice to share if you are thinking about giving it a go…
Courcheval February 2017
GET THE KIDS INVOLVED EARLY
Start off with lessons at your local snow dome if you have one or failing that watch videos with them on You-tube of other kids having fun, putting on skis etc – get them excited about the snow and the activities they will be doing. A ski holiday can be a fantastic family fun-for-all but only if everyone is enjoying it. So, a love for the snow is a must and try to take away the pressure of actually learning to ski. Make it about having fun foremost and the kids will be all-in.
My two boys had some lessons at The Chill Factore in Manchester before we went away the first time and as a refresher the second time. We put our then 6 year old straight into lessons and let our 3 year old join in the toddler fun which is mostly situated in the little play are and sledging etc. Thanks to a fantastic instructor our eldest is now whizzing down the mountains without a care in the world and my 4 year old is fast following!
GET CLEVER
If you have young ones or fearful kids there are clever things you can buy to help out. We couldn’t have managed without these two.
SKI CLIPS
Clever little clips that keep the front tips of the skis in snow-plough position to allow little one’s to develop their control over time whilst enjoying the ski experience more. Ingenious! Buy them before you go though as they are triple the price in ski resorts!
HARNESS
We used this one and it was brilliant. The Hobbledehoo allows the parent or teacher to keep a hold of wee ones on lifts or slopes alike. Hold the handle on lifts or use the leash for skiing, let’s them feel as though they are doing it themselves whilst you have full control of them. Combined with the ski clips, you can’t go wrong!
BE PREPARED
Like any holiday with kids, preparation is everything! Ski resort chemists are expensive so take a medical kit with travel size sachets of calpol, kids ibuprofen, plasters, plaster spray and anything else you may need. Pack hand warmers, lining gloves, spare snow gloves (attach elastic to these like your mum used to, to avoid the kids losing them!) spare socks, travel wash, a face mask or scarf for colder days and lots of spf 50 and spf lip balm!
SAVE MONEY ON KIT
I can’t stress this enough, skiing is expensive! If you are using Snow Schools whilst there and even just hotels/chalets alone then you are spending a lot of money! So, don’t feel you need to stock up on expensive gear for the kids when you know they’ll need a bigger size every year! In my experience the cheaper kit from Decathlon is just as good and a fraction of the price! Just be sure to check the weatherproof and waterproof ratings on everything, especially important things like gloves and socks and you will be laughing. It’s all about layers. We bought everything for the boys from Decathlon and couldn’t fault any of it. Nothing failed, ripped, broke or let the cold in.
On saying that I did splurge a little on my own ski wear from Sweaty Betty (in the sales of course) – simply because, you know, I am done growing… ahem. Don’t judge me…😉
PACKING LIST
Here is my go-to list for each boy, for one week:
1 Ski Jacket
2 pairs Ski-Trousers (salopettes for the little ones they are warmer). Take 2 incase they get super wet.
3 Base layer thermal long-sleeved top
3 Fleeces
2 pairs thermal Long-Johns
4 pairs thick ski socks
2 pairs lining gloves
2 pairs ski gloves
1 pair snow boots
1 helmet and goggles
1 pair sunglasses!
GO FAMILY FRIENDLY
For me this is so important, choose a hotel that is seriously family friendly. They should be able to help you with ski-school arrangements, babysitters and kids activities. Some hotels such as Mark Warner have round the clock kids clubs for all ages to make sure everyone gets some skiing done. For us, we chose a nice hotel that was friendly, had ski-in and out access and was close to everything. I recommend the Hotel New Solarium in Courcheval 1850 for this. The staff were fantastic and there were lots of kids to play with. I never felt like my boys were making too much noise or causing any hassle. it was very laid back. The views were 360 and breathtaking! We arranged the school ourselves for a few hours each morning (including me!) and skied as a family after lunch which was perfect for us.
Hotel New Solarium Sun Deck
My bedroom view at Hotel New Solarium!
Another alternative is to hire a family friendly chalet like my friends did. Chalet Mayreau in Morzine is ideal for families. The chalet is gorgeous, the location is ideal and super convenient and Morzine is a great resort for kids with lots going on to keep them happy Perhaps most important of all, it is run and managed really well and fully supported which is a must when you are abroad with children. This is our plan for next year!
Chalet Mayreau
Lastly…
BE PRESENT
It is so easy to get flustered whilst travelling with kids and if things go slightly awry it can be stressful but my advice from someone who isn’t naturally laid back is to really look around, take in the AMAZING views and smell the roses at every opportunity.
Meribel 2016
There is something about the air up there in the mountains that renews me from the inside out and I come back feeling like a new person – even though I am exhausted from all the exercise and travelling! There is nothing more rewarding than a glass of Vin Chaud after a day skiing and fresh air and as one of my friend’s put it so perfectly – it really is like being in The Last Christmas video…
In short, a family ski break is cosy, healthy, fun and a great way to spend quality time.
We’ve not been lucky enough to go skiing as a family yet – I love that you are now a convert. The Chill Factore is a great place whether you are planning a trip or not.
i would love to go skiing! a lot of my friends started when they were kids but i didnt have that chance 🙁 but one day i will go!
Looks like you had an awesome day and a great experience with your kids It’s so much fun, I will share this to my hubby
Aww that looks gorgeous what a wonderful, wonderful time you had!! L x
A fantastic blog pots. My OH would love to take the girls on a ski holiday and I’m really nervous about it (I’m not a skier). I love the idea of the ski clips for younger kids , so practical!
My friends love to take their children skiing but it always seems like a military operation! Such a worthwhile holiday though as they get to be active and enjoy time together. She recommends taking lots of base layers away too! xxx
We’ve never been skiing before but that’s definitely something we want to do together as a family! 🙂
Such helpful tips – my husband wants to take the kids skiing and snowboarding!
I have always wanted to go skiing!! No luck yet and we have two really young children so maybe in a few years!! I love your list of tips and the photos are amazing!!
I first went skiing when I was 3 and I’m glad my parents got me to learn early! Hope to reach my kids early on too…when I have them. Lots of new gadgets around like the ski clips which look really helpful!
Loads of really practical, helpful tips here. I really like your suggestion of aiming to make it fun for the kids as opposed to all about learning to ski – I think I’d benefit from that approach too!
There are some brilliant tips here – but I have to say I’m actually quite jealous. I’ve been trying to get my family away skiing since forever (we’ve never been) but they are now 9 and 11! Hopefully one day….
I’m sure you and kids had a lot of fun! I love the pictures too!
The scenery looks incredible, but I must admit skiing is something that has never appealed to me to be honest.
Great tips here! I’ve never been on a skiing holiday with my kids but its something I have considered
Oh my gosh, I really want to go skiing now. Great post of things to consider- I never knew about those little clips to keep your skiis in snow plough.
I can’t wait to go on family ski holidays in the future. I want to take my daughter to the indoor snow dome as early as possible.
I have never been skiing before, but would love to go just for the scenery, the hotel looks amazing. It sounds like you had a great time and this post is a must read for parents thinking of taking the family skiing x
It is the scenery I love, you can’t believe your eyes!
Aw what a great ski holiday you’ve had. Lovely photos!
Thank you Lubka!
I’d also like to try skiing! Reading your post makes me a lot excited too! One of my bucket-list!
I only learned really last year and I love it now, it’s so fun!
wow i bet they dont realise how lucky they are to be able to get an experience like this , looks o much fun x
I know right!!! They love it so much, lucky boys!
My niece and nephew have been heading on a ski holidays since they were tiny – it’s such a great holiday for them and they’re now completely fearless when it comes to the slopes! x
I bet! I love to see them go!
A family skiing holiday sounds like fun but I bet you have to have your wits about you on the slopes and in the snow x
You definitely do but the ski instructors are fab!
I’ll share this with my mommy friends hitting the slopes!
Fab, thx Shannon!
Some fab tips I’ve never been skiing before but it looks fun and i agree with starting kids early.
So much fun! Thanks for reading x
Fabulous article as always Donna. It’s getting me exited. We’re off to Avoriaz next Saturday. ⛷⛷ ❤😘❤ xxx
Oh how fab!! Enjoy, can’t wait to see the photos x
Start kids skiing early is my biggest advice. I did a ski season having never really skiied and it was hard work, you see all those 5 year olds doing so well in ski school !
They zoom past me Annie!!
I have never been skiing before but I agree that starting early will help get it in their blood from a young age. Love all the photos x
Thank you lovely!
I have just saved this post as I want to go next year with my little boy
Thanks for sharing !
So welcome!
Great tips I haven’t taken my children skiing yet but I am sure that they would love to go. It looks like you had an amazing time. I would love to hire a chalet.
That’s our plan next year, looks like fun!
Amazing tips, and I love the idea of the ski clips and the harness- I would never have known about these. WE want to take our son skiing we’ve just been waiting until the right time age wise.
They really made the holiday for us, definitely recommend!
I can’t believe how young you can start skiing! Great money saving tips on kit too.
Some fab tips! I don’t have kids but really want to try skiing. It is great to hear that you don’t need to spend a fortune on kit as most of the time i believe you get what you pay for. I do think trying skiing locally is a good idea to gage whether a ski holiday is a good idea too 🙂 x
Yes me too Jodie but Decathlon have such great stuff at such good value – they have everything anyone could need! Hah x
What a fabulous holiday and guide Donna. I love seeing people’s holidays and ideas, gives me such much inspo. I never knew Sweaty Betty made Ski Clothes either, so I’m definitely learning loads today 🙂 x
Oh their ski clothes are to die for Lynne!!!
looks like a lot of fun!! i love skiing! the kids will surely enjoy this activity!
They really do karlyn!
A family ski holiday sounds like lots of fun once you get past the intimidation factor of taking kids skiing. It sounds like yours are doing very well with it and a great time was had by all. The Hotel New Solarium looks fantastic and the views are just gorgeous x
Thanks Sarah!