How To Take Your Kids Skiing For The First Time

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If you’d like to expose your kids to some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and keep them active, healthy, and undaunted by new challenges, then a week of skiing might be just what’s in order.

But taking the family skiing for the first time can be a complicated thing – and, often, this complexity is enough to dissuade a family of would-be skiers from booking the holiday in the first place.

Let’s take a look at how we might cope with this particular problem.

Photo by Visit Almaty: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-doing-ice-skiing-on-snow-field-in-shallow-focus-photography-848618/

What age to start?

Children can start skiing from as young as three. What really matters is not the number itself, but the capacity of your children to listen to, and follow instructions. This is something that parents will be able to judge better than anyone else. Bear in mind that very young children might enjoy free access to the slopes themselves, depending on when you’re actually going skiing.

If you’re unsure of whether your children are ready, then you might take them to an indoor snow centre near you. There are plenty of them to choose from, spread throughout the country.

Where to go?

Your choice of resort is absolutely pivotal. There are plenty that cater to families, offering a decent mixture of beginner slopes, and plenty of quality ski schools and childcare-related amenities. In general, it’s best to prefer the larger, more popular resorts as they cater to new skiers more capably. There are also certain smaller resorts with a good reputation among new skiers. These include La Plagne in France, Zell am See in Austria, Ruka in Finland, and Passo Tonale in Italy. Skiing holidays for beginners tend to be popular, so it’s worth booking as early as possible to ensure that you have a space in an appropriate resort.

What to take?

When you’re skiing for the first time, it might not be obvious what should be packed. While you might be able to pick up certain items when you’re at the resort, it’s usually best to pack ahead of time. This will give you more free time when you get there, and help you to save money, too.

Everyone will need three layers of clothing, including a moisture-wicking base layer and waterproof salopets and jackets. A protective helmet is essential, as are goggles. You’re also sure to get through plenty of ski socks and pairs of underwear – the more you pack, the better.

When you’re new to the sport, or likely to grow out of your equipment, renting makes more sense than buying. If you decide that you’re going to return to the mountains every year, you can invest in some high-quality equipment, instead.

What to include in your itinerary?

When you’re planning your holiday as a family, it’s worth involving everyone in the decision-making process. What apres-ski activities do you want to try out? If you decide that the slopes aren’t for you, then it’s worth picking a resort at which you’ll be able to try out other activities, like crafting, ice skating, and sledging. You’ll also want to try out a local restaurant or two, while you’re in the resort. Most popular ski resorts will have several to choose from. Book early to avoid disappointment!