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Skiing is great exercise for children and great fun. It’s also provides a pleasant social environment where kids
can make new friends with others who ski. As a parent, you’ll want to take necessary precautions, however, because the last
thing you want is to your holiday end in health problems or broken bones.
Prepare Your Children
If your children have never skied before, getting them some practice and instruction first can help a great deal. There are
usually dry slope classes that offer your children the chance to feel what it's like to wear skis along with some basic
tips.
Take the Essentials Along
Some health issues are simple: for example, make sure your children understand the importance of wearing sunscreen. The sun is
very strong in the mountains and reflects off the snow. It’s easy to ruin a good time by getting a nasty burn very
quickly.
You’ll want to take sunscreen out with you every day, even if it's overcast, and also a lip balm that you can
apply regularly to keep your lips from drying out. Along with sunscreen and lip balm, it’s a good idea to travel with pain
relievers for aching limbs, blistered feet, or the inevitable bumps and bruises.
Feed Everyone Well
Make sure that you have a hearty breakfast before heading to the slopes. It will not only give everyone the energy they need for
the skiing, but will also help to protect everyone against the cold. It's also useful to also take chocolate or energy bars along
to give your kids (and yourself) a boost.
Dress Your Children Properly
Make sure your children dress in layers—a number of thinner layers are better than one thick, clumsy one. Temperatures can change
very quickly and you’ll want to be prepared for the hot and cold each day presents.
Warm gloves and hats are absolutely essential, and it’s a good idea to have at least two pairs of each as they’re
bound to get wet. A ski helmet, rather than just a woolly hat is the best choice for children, and goggles to protect the
eyes from the glare of the snow.
Make Sure the Equipment is Right
It’s important young children have equipment that’s suitable and fits them well, especially if it’s their first time out. To
avoid painful falls or serious accidents, make sure the bindings on their skis are adjusted for easy release.
Choose a Ski Resort with Your Children in Mind
You’ll probably all be happier if the walk to the runs and the shops is not too long. Your children probably won't find it easy
to walk in ski boots and you probably won’t enjoy carrying their equipment a long ways, along with your own.
Instructions and Instructors
Children should be offered lessons with other children and with instructors who know how to teach children. If they don't want to
go, don't force them, but before you take them with you up the ski lifts, be sure you’re mentally prepared to move slowly and
play the instructor.
A day on the slopes is likely to tire out a young child sooner than it does you, and if they try to go down a run
that’s difficult when they’re tired, they’re more likely to get hurt.
Childcare
If you’ve got really young children, you might want to put them in a childcare. Make sure it's close by and that you’re confident
they’ll be well looked after. You don’t want your kids stuck in front of a TV all day while you’re out skiing. Check out what’s
available ahead of time in order to make sure there’s reputable and stimulating childcare available where you’re planning to ski.
Like so many things, the standards vary tremendously. If your child is 3 or above, they can usually be enrolled into kindergarten
ski lessons.
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