Equipping your kids for a fun and safe skiing holiday
CLOTHING
Packing the right clothing is very important for any ski holiday. A child must always be warm. A qualified children's ski instructor would always continually check on the temperature of the child.
Dress your children in layers beginning with a thermal layer or a singlet. Layer two should be a skivvy and then layer three, a woollen or fleece jumper. Finally and most importantly a waterproof layer must be donned. Also clothe your kids in waterproof thermal leggings or waterproof woollen tights.
Kids roll around in the snow so they need to be protected against the wet. A woollen or fleece hat and waterproof gloves are also a necessity.
Tip: To prevent losing gloves, thread a piece of wool underneath your child's jumper up one arm and down the other and tie a glove on to each side.
SKI EQUIPMENT
Don't buy your kid's ski equipment as they grow out of it very quickly. Renting is best. When your child is fitting their skis, they only need wear one pair of socks. Never use two pairs because any wrinkles in the socks can cause discomfort.
Children don't usually use poles until they are around eight years old or a very advanced skiier for their age. Cognitively they have not developed enough to think of co-ordinating more than their feet .
Helmets are a must. Not just for kids, they're a great idea for adults too.
SAFETY
If you think cross country is a safer option for kids, think again. Kids just want to go fast. "I don't know how many times I have been out gunned by a four year old on the slopes," says Lil of Absolute Alpine.
Kids are so close to the ground, chances are when the fall over, they'll be able to bounce back up again. However if your child does have a tumble it is important to have them checked out by the ski patrol or a doctor. Find out where you are on the ski field such as parallel to the third pylon of the chair lift and ask someone to call ski patrol for you.
SKI INSTRUCTORS
It is important to ask a ski instructor if they are a qualified ski instructor and if they have kids' accreditation.
It is always good to arrive early for your children's ski lesson and make sure you are happy with the instructor. Same sex instructors tend to work better. If you are unhappy with the instructor, there is always a supervisor who can make other arrangements.
There are a number of different programs on offer. Some schools have week long programs some three day etc. It all depends on your skiing holiday. The best and most enjoyable program for a child is when they stay with the same instructor and children over the entire program.
Tip: If you as a parent are a beginner, it is not a good idea to do lessons together with your children. Children learn much better without their parents.
SNOWBOARDING
Children under eight years old have not developed enough physically to be able to take a group snowboarding lesson. Wrist guards prevent thousands of accidents per season. Although bum pads aren't the coolest thing to wear, if you want to emerge relatively unscathed at the end of the day, wear them. However it's difficult to get kids to wear them and also a lot of adults. Waterproof pants are essential for snowboarders.
Check out our Ski Holidays section.