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Skiing with the family, a how-to guide!
From Aisling O’Donoghue at Baby Travel Shop
Do you love the idea of family ski holidays, but wonder how could it ever be done? Here’s how to prepare for your successful family ski holiday, we’re talking babies to teenagers and beyond.
Picking your resort
• Shop around, you will learn something from everyone
• Your destination needs to cater for the entire family’s needs, look for family ski resorts.
• Easy access: consider transport options/length of transfers and when you are there, access to the slopes.
• Ski in and Ski out accommodation is preferred with children so you don’t have to carry their ski equipment
• Choose a resort that has a range of pistes to suit all levels
• Try to avoid school holidays as many family resorts are extremely busy at this time
• Check the duration of the ski season at your chosen destination
• Once you have your shortlist, visit www.tripadvisor.com to see what other people are saying
Childcare options
There are many childcare options available but depending on your budget and requirements, choose a resort that caters best to you
• Creche from 3 months up to 4 years
• Kids clubs from 4 – 12 years
• Evening kids clubs
• Private nannies
• Childrens supervision
• Babysitters
Before you go
• Ski lesions: for absolute beginners the Ski Club of Ireland offers many options so you are all well prepared to hit the slopes as soon as you land, classes from 4 years up.
• Check baggage and weight restrictions – do the children have a weight allowance, can you take the pram on the plane etc.
• Take out travel insurance and make sure it has Ski cover
Kids Clothes and Equipment
• Make sure you have the right gear for kids, they need to be warm and dry. Layers work well as they can be easily taken off if they get too warm.
• For travel and Apres Ski, Snugbugs are perfect for babies and toddler, top to toe fleece.
• Kids up to 4 years are best in Snowsuits but older children seem to prefer to wear pants and jackets.
• Pack entertainment for kids like DVD players, trunki suitcases, aqua draw, playing cards, new storybooks etc.
• Sun Cream, Sunglasses and Ski Goggles
• Helmets – most resorts now insist children wear them
• Socks, knee high non-ribbed
• Hats both fleece and waterproof
• Gloves, mittens are easier to put on and take off, they need to be waterproof
• Waterproof comfy boots Apres Snowboots for all the family and Snow Mocs for pottering around your accommodation
Additional notes!
• Talk to your friends and families and post questions on popular parenting discussion boards like Rollercoaster.ie and MagicMum.com
• Label everything – especially the kids gear as they can get mixed up in ski school
• To avoid carrying baby food and requirements let Tiny Tots Away send it all ahead for you.
Quirky product!
Hand warmers, similar to teabags, one use only but keeps your hands warm inside your gloves for up to 7 hours!
Tour operators from Ireland include:
Club Med * Crystal Holidays * Direct Ski * Highlife * Inghams *
For more information visit: www.babytravelshop.ie
