Family ski holidays, particularly if it is your first time with young children, can be a slightly daunting prospect, but it doesn’t need to be if you follow some simple rules in terms of resort selection, ski schools, clothing and snacks, so here’s our guide to make it a fun family ski holiday.

Family Ski Resort

It seems obvious, bus family friendly is key, which we would suggest in most cases means:

1. If they are really young skiers, a good nursery ski area.
2. A ski resort with a good Ski School. Such can occasionally vary so please speak to the Chalet Ski Holidays team for recommendations based on their own experience
3. Plenty of gentle blue runs and flattering reds. Reds can of course vary and a red in Megeve is not the same as a red in St Anton for example, so again seek some experience advice here.
4. Lots to do off the slopes, sledging, a luge, husky rides, grottos, swimming pool, ice skating rink. Children love skiing but they will also want to enjoy other winter activities and fun off it too.

Children Ski Checklist For The Slopes (And Off It)

It isn’t just layering and a good ski jacket that is important as our list to follow will show:

1. Good quality thermals (vest and long johns)
2. A high neck, not too thick mid layer
3. A good quality fleece
4. A snood / turtle neck to protect necks, chins, and body from the wind and cold on colder days
5. A wind and water proof, ideally breathable ski jacket and sallopettes
6. Warm, fitted (ideally not ‘tube’) ski socks
7. Good quality gloves, waterproof strongly advised
8. High quality UV googles
9. A good quality, well fitting ski helmet (one that isn’t too tight, but stays still when moving, covering temple and back of the head) 
10. Good fitting boots
11. Ski and poles (poles not generally necessary for complete beginners)
12. Sun cream – sun block is strongly recommended but at least factor 50 advised
13. Ski pass – ideally children’s ski jackets have pockets in arm sleeves as this helps going through ski barriers, particularly for the smaller ski children who stand well below the barrier
14. Contact telephone number and details in an easy to find pocket in case of emergency
15. Ski lesson tickets and ideally once known, the name of the instructor they are with
16. Lip salve – sun block ideally again
17. A snack for breaks in the morning and afternoon
18. If at ski school, money for a chocolate bar and hot chocolate on colder days

And Off The Slopes

1. A warm hat
2. A second pair of waterproof gloves (one for skiing and the other for playing if the ski pair have got wet during the day)
3. A good pair of waterproof boots with good anti-slip soles
4. Sun glasses (good UV ones of course) for playing in the snow when in the sunshine

With the above covered, you are now set to go and enjoy a wonderful family ski holiday. Have fun!!