Keeping everyone sweet!

There’s nothing worse than booking accommodation that’s a long walk from the lifts, finding out on the first day that your child’s second-hand kit isn’t waterproof or that you’ve lost a glove somewhere between the bus stop and the lift.

So EcoSki has put together our top tips to ensure your first family ski holiday doesn’t turn into a helliday.

Our tips for happy family ski holidays

Choose a family-friendly resort

Choose a resort with a fun nursery slope and make sure it’s within walking distance of your accommodation or bus stop. A long walk in ski boots might make them less keen to slip back into them the following morning. Smooth button and chairlifts with gentle wide runs will also help make that first venture onto the “big slopes” easier and more enjoyable. It’s also worth checking there are plenty of back-up options for any non-ski days like bowling alleys, ice-skating, cinemas or swimming pools.

Fun, bright outfits

If your child enjoys dressing up at home, they’re going to love some of the fun outfits now available to rent or buy at EcoSki. Dressing them up as a dinosaur, unicorn or bunny is so much fun and they’ll certainly be much easier to spot too!

Layers and accessories

Baselayers should fit snugly and be breathable and wicking. Buy merino wool if you can or look for a sports baselayer. Avoid cotton – it absorbs moisture and dries slowly (making you cold if you sweat). Layering is key on the slopes and better than a bulky outer layer that can be very restrictive – we love a mildlayer gilet. It’s also worth buying good socks. Check the toe seam is comfy and that the socks reach above the calf and stay up.  A neckwarmer or snood is useful to keep the neck and face warm and much less bulky (and less easy to lose) than a scarf. You’ll need goggles as well as decent sunglasses and don’t forget sunscreen and lip balm. You’ll find a full range of accessories right here.

Mittens on elastic

Very few children under the age of six can master gloves, and mittens are warmer. But whatever you opt for, choose ones with wrist gaiters or sew a piece of elastic to tether the mitten (or glove) to the child’s wrist yourself. That way, they won’t be dropped when searching for that all-important snack. It’s also worth considering some glove liners and/or hand warmers, too.

Invest in clothes that grow with your child

Ski clothing can be pricey, but some brands such as Picture Organic and Patagonia make children’s ranges with extendable arms and legs, so they last a bit longer. You can also book decent rental kit or consider preloved — all of which are available on www.ecoski.co.uk . If you buy second-hand, check its water-repellence before you go away and re-proof with a wash-in DWR if necessary.

Book ahead

Take away arrival stress and save money by pre-booking ski passes, lessons, equipment hire and even babysitters and restaurants. Morning ski lesson slots fill up fast and unless you want to teach your own children, it pays to be organised.

Pack plenty of snacks

Don’t underestimate the power of a snack – learning to ski burns a lot of energy and the children will need to re-fuel often. Pop a couple of mini bars in each child’s pocket, and some in your own if you’re likely to get hangry ?.

 Don’t push them too hard

It might be tempting to book the children in for a full day of ski school on day one, but a couple of hours is more than enough for first timers and it’s much better to finish on a high. Enjoy a sit at the edge of the slope or at a cafe and have a well-deserved snack and hot chocolate. Their legs will thank you for it and they’ll also love telling you the highlights of the lesson!

Prepare for day three

Day Three is when everyone is most stiff, grouchy and tired. Prepare ahead — plan for an afternoon off to visit the cinema or relax by the pool chatting about your achievements so far — it will do great things for morale and encourage everyone to get going the following morning! If you do stay on the slopes, bear in mind that the afternoon of day three is statistically proven to be the time when most accidents occur, so take it easy.

Proper breakfasts and early nights

Whether you’re young or old, don’t underestimate the power of both a proper breakfast and an early night. Download some audible books on your kindle for the children to listen to in their room to help them wind down after their exciting day.

Pack travel bags

Pack a day bag for both kids and adults with enough to eat, drink and do during the journey to and from the mountains. Packing a “halfway there bag” for the children to open is a favourite of EcoSki founder Rachael Westbrook to give kids a lovely surprise. It might work with adults, too!