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| Skiing
with the Family |
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Where to go, how to go, which companies to go with and what
to take when skiing with children are all questions that parents
may well ask. Here we try to answer all of the worries you may
have when considering taking the little ones on the piste!
Where to go
The most important consideration is finding a "child friendly"
resort. These should have short transfer times, be not too far
from the lifts and good nursery slopes. Car free resorts are
obviously a safer bet.
When to go
Obviously there are going to be restrictions if the children
are in school. Late in the season avoids the very cold weather
especially for younger children. Try to avoid the last two weeks
in February as the resorts become very busy because of the European
half term school holidays.
Travel arrangements
Try to keep the transfer time from the airport as short as possible.
Alternatively the Snowtrain can be fun with children who are
a bit older but there is no food on board so take a picnic and
drink. The biggest advantage of the Snowtrain is you leave Britain
on Friday night and arrive in the resort on Saturday morning.
On the return journey, the train leaves on the Saturday night
so you get an extra 2 days skiing. Unless the children are older,
don't consider driving unless you make a lot of stops on the
way.
Accommodation
Chalets and apartments are best. Either take over a whole chalet
or choose one which is advertised as a family chalet. Apartments
are cheaper but not as convenient, and someone still has to
do the cooking. Resort supermarkets can be expensive, too. There
are a number of specialist family hotels.
Clothing and sunscreens
Helmets are recommended for younger children. Remember that
goggles should be big enough to fit over the helmet. A one-piece
ski suit is the most convenient but at least with a two piece
the child can wear the jacket at other times. Mittens or gloves
should always be worn and hats most of the time. A vest and
cotton polo neck underneath should be sufficient except on very
cold days and thick tights may be needed. Sunglasses or goggles
and suncream should be worn even on cloudy days. Make sure the
children have access to drinks - altitude is dehydrating.
Ski schools and creches
The biggest problem with ski schools can be the language. If
you find that the Ski School instructor doesn't speak much English,
you do have the right to ask that your child be transferred
to another class. Make sure you check the times. Unfortunately,
the children's Ski School times might not coincide with your
own lesson so you may have to be late for a class or leave early.
In some places they will organise childrens lunches which is
great for you but again, make sure you know. Most places should
have indoor recreation if the weather turns bad. Some UK tour
operators have now set up ski schools purely for British children
and these are well worth considering
Useful links
Skiing Safety part 1 - Off-piste
Skiing
Skiing Safety part 2 - The Skiers
Code
Skiing Safety part 3 - Skiing Accidents
Ski Club
of Great Britain
(The BBC is not responsible for the content of
external websites)
©BBC Weather Centre 2000 - Ski Club of Great Britain 2000
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