Choose a family-friendly ski resort.
It’s a good idea to look for a ski resort that caters to families. Consider mountains with features such as lesson programs designed for children, daycare for the youngsters who aren’t ready to hit the slopes yet, and family activities. Also, ski resorts that focus on families often also discounts and deals for kids, as well. Here are some of the best family ski resorts.
Let them play in the snow.
If you have some time to spare and there’s snow around, let your child play in the snow. Consider trying some milder winter activities before you hit the slopes, such as sledding, tubing, or even building snowmen and making snow angels. Not only will this familiarize your child with the snow, but, if your kids plays outside in their snow clothes before spending a full 8-hour day on the slopes, they’ll get a feel for whether or not their gear is warm and comfortable enough for a day of skiing.
Make sure your kids’ ski equipment fits properly.
Inspect the essentials before you head to the mountain. Whether you own skis or you’re renting them, make sure they are in working order and fit with your child’s ski boots. Also, make sure your child has a ski helmet that fits—a helmet designed for other sports isn’t adequate for skiing.
Keep in mind the importance of ski boots.
Ski boots are an important part of your child’s skiing wardrobe. Toe pain can be a real killer, and no one wants tears in the lodge or on the chair lift. Check to make sure your child’s ski boots aren’t too tight or too lose. They should be buckled snug enough to provide sufficient support, but they shouldn’t cause pain. Have your child walk around for a while with the ski boots on to make sure they won’t cause problems during the day, and practice buckling them and adjusting them so it’s not a struggle on the slopes.
Pack Snacks.
If your ski bag is accessible in the lodge, store a supply of healthy snacks in your bag, such as fruit, yogurt, or granola bars that will keep your child energized and ready to ski. It’s also a good idea to keep a few snacks in your pocket, too. Even if you choose a classic ski lodge lunch, such as an overpriced slice of pizza or a burger and fries, it gets expensive to buy snacks from the cafeteria throughout the day. Instead, bringing a healthy snack to the lodge will sustain your child’s energy and save you a few dollars, too.
Prepare the night before.
Consider trying a clothing practice run the night before. Have your child try on all of his or her ski clothing. This is a great check to see if their clothing fits comfortably, but, also ensures that there isn’t anything essential missing or lost. Once you’re sure that you have everything together and it all fits, organize it and pack it in your ski bag. That way, you can avoid the 8 AM ski lodge panic over a missing pair of gloves or a helmet that doesn’t fit anymore.
Keep them entertained during downtime.
If you have a long car or airplane ride before you arrive at the mountain, bring activities to keep your children occupied. Also, if you’re staying in a hotel, make sure you have ways to keep them entertained so they’re happy both on and off the slopes. However, be sure your child is in bed at a reasonable time so he or she can start the day awake and energized. With smooth morning and nights, your child will be ready to ski.
