SMART TRAVEL TIPS • February 2018
The Club’s guide to ski trips with kids
In your head you envisage frolicking in the snow together, under blue skies and the watchful gaze of Alpine peaks. The reality, however, can involve slope-side tantrums and three-hour searches for that missing glove. If you’re planning your first family ski trip this season, let father of two and avid skier Matt Carroll share a few pointers to help prevent things going off-piste
Which countries are best equipped for family skiing?
While most mainstream resorts have good family skiing facilities, certain destinations are geared-up for smaller, more demanding clients. In Austria you’ll find dedicated Kinder Hotels, which come with free childcare and kids’ clubs – so while someone else takes them off to build snowmen or do craft, you can head to the mountain (or spa). If they’re old enough to ski, try the village of Scheffau, where you’ll find Kaiserland – a dedicated nursery area where kids weave their way between fun characters and even ride in a golden dragon carriage. Avoriaz in France (pictured) is another for the list. In this car-free village you’ll find the Village des Enfants, a kids-only ‘leisure centre’ where children from three years upwards can learn to ski, and there are après-ski activities to keep them occupied until you return.
Ski school or DIY?
Do you really need to ask? If this is their first time on skis, they’ll probably ‘only’ spend the week shuffling about on the nursery slope, but even so there are qualified professionals for this sort of thing. In Arc 1950 (part of French super-resort Les Arcs), youngsters from six months old can check in to the Cariboo’s Club (pictured); those three and up spend mornings making their first turns, and afternoons are filled playing outside or drawing. By the end of the week our five-year-old was happily cruising blue runs.
What clothing should I bring?
It’s all about layers, but avoid cotton, which gets cold when wet. Try a merino base layer, it’s warm and keeps moisture away from the skin. All-in-ones are good for very young children, as they stop snow sneaking down their trousers – and mittens rather than gloves, lest you spend hours trying to funnel stiff little fingers into the right holes. Woolly socks are a must – and I’d recommend a ‘snood’, the hood-cum-face-mask favoured by pampered footballers.
Rent or buy skis?
Rent! Unless you’re skiing multiple times a season, there’s no point shelling out on kit they’ll quickly grow out of. Plus it’ll save your back (and bank balance) by not needing the extra luggage.
Chalet, self-catering or hotel?
Self-catering apartments offer flexibility (and cost-efficiency), but cooking is the last thing you want to face after a day on the slopes. At Le Savoie in Val d’Isere (pictured), you’ll enjoy a cosy chalet atmosphere, with the pampering of a smart hotel. While our two children spent their days in ski school and the creche, my wife and I spent the whole week skiing – together – so that by the time everyone met back at the hotel for afternoon tea, we were all excited to see each other. Now that’s how ski holidays should be.
This article has been tagged Adventure, Travel Tips