It's important, especially for children, to be safe and comfortable. Rent helmets at the resort to save carrying them there. Wear layers, so that you can easily change your body temperature should you get too hot. Socks and gloves are vital as your hands and feet can get cold very quickly. You could save money by renting your gear or borrowing from friends and family.
2. Resort Choice
Choose the resort for your holiday with the age of your children in mind. Young kids need good beginner slopes and professional instructors, older and experienced children might want snowboarding pipes or something a bit more challenging.
3. Lift Passes
Kids can easily lose their passes if they're not careful, especially if they're away learning without you. Keep them safe in a zip-up pocket, so that they don't get lost.
4. Child Minding
Consider resorts that provide nannies or cr?ches. If the kids get sleepy or need a rest, keeping them up on the slopes will just make them more irritated.
5. Alternative Activities
Skiing can be tiring, so make sure the resort has other activities to wind down with. Hotels often have other sources of entertainment such as play areas and DVDs. There are often leisure centres and shopping areas, too.
6. Proper Instruction
Hire ski instructors for the youngsters. It's important for newcomers to learn to best and safest ways to ski, you'll avoid injuries and better still your children will make lots of new friends. If none of your family has ever skied, you might want to consider trying out an indoor slope before heading on holiday.
7. Eye protection
Sunglasses and goggles are really important. You'd be amazed how brightly the sun can reflect off the snow and it easily damages your eyes if you're not careful. Goggles obviously help from any snow that gets sprayed up as you skiing, too.
8. Keep hydrated
Keep water on you at all times. Skiing is fun but can also be hard work and you quickly become dehydrated. The air is thinner at high altitudes as well, meaning it's important to have plenty of fluid.
9. Weather
You can't predict the weather very far in advance but make sure you check a few days ahead. If it's raining you'll be glad of the heads up; you'll know what equipment to take and can plan your day out.
10. The Local Scene
Pick up the local paper every day. It's not just useful for weather, you'll get a good idea of what's going on in the area and can quickly find out about any events you might be interested in. A map of the area, particularly if it's a large resort, is absolutely vital as well. Grab one up as soon as you arrive.
