Thanks to our early wake-up call during our ski Canada, we were at the front of the queue for the opening of the Sun Peaks lifts. There is nothing as special as a family holiday. A family holiday is an opportunity not just to have a break but also to create memories that become part of your history. As family holidays go, there are few that can offer the variety, fun and excitement of a family skiing holiday. Some people worry that skiing may be too stressful for families but this isn’t at all true. Family skiing holidays can be really joyous and stress free as long as you take one simple precaution – prepare in advance.
If you prepare properly for your skiing holiday you can have a wonderful, stress free, fun-filled time on the slopes. All the energy you put into the planning and preparation will be repaid by happy, entertained kids and relaxed, engaged adults. Doesn’t that sound like a stress-free family holiday? Let’s have a look at the main areas that need your attention before you go on holiday.
Where
OK first things first. Here are some questions you might ask yourself when planning your stress free family skiing holiday.
- Where would we like to go?
- How long will it take to fly there?
- Is the transfer from the airport to the resort lengthy? A long bus journey immediately after a long flight has the potential to turn the calmest family into screaming lunatics – avoid if possible!
- Is the resort family friendly?
- Does it have facilities for children?
However, the number one question you need to ask in advance is this – how far do we need to walk? Even if you have to compromise on other things, find a resort where the ski lift or ski school is – for preference – within easy walking distance from your accommodation. Don’t forget you and your children will have to trudge around in heavy ski boots carrying skis and so you won’t want to go too far. At the very least make sure that the accommodation you choose has a ski bus stop close by.
What to Bring
Realise you are going on holidays with children and plan accordingly. If you, as adults, have ever lost your gloves or your goggles or even more expensive bits of equipment then you should understand why it is that the average kid will probably lose everything not tied onto him or her!
So whenever possible – bring extras.
If your little darlings turn out to be the most careful children on the planet there’ll be no harm done. You can gift wrap the extra gloves or goggles and make them as presents to the next family you know who might be planning on a skiing holiday!
On the other hand, if you don’t bring any extras and instead have to replace things at the resort where, it’s likely they’ll be charging top dollar for everything, then you might be peeved to say the least.
So, what should you bring?
Bring comfy clothes suitable for playing and, if possible, two sets of ski clothes. A lot of the time children will end up wearing their ski clothes all day and you won’t need much else – apart from pyjamas. If you don’t want to buy two sets of clothes you may be able to rent some at the resort – check it out.
Woolly Tights. Even for boys. It can be very cold on the slopes and nobody need know what’s on underneath…
Properly fitted gloves that will stay on and spare gloves for playing in the snow.
Waterproof footwear. Waterproof shoes and boots can be expensive and probably won’t fit the kids if you go skiing again next year so maybe you can find bargains on the internet? Or even borrow some just from family or friends?
Sunglasses with high UV protection for everyone – even babies.
Sunscreen. The fact that the weather is cold in the mountains doesn’t mean the sun isn’t strong – it really is very, very strong and you need to buy the highest SPF you can find – and of course then you need to use it!
Toys, games, movies, books, family games – anything you think will help you entertain yourselves in the evening during your holiday.