If you’re ready to hit the slopes this winter, or maybe you’re already thinking ahead to next year, you aren’t alone. People love skiing and also snowboarding, and other winter sports. Kids can change the equation, but this doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with this adventurous hobby when you have kids.
In fact, many people feel the earlier you introduce your kids to skiing or snowboarding, the more likely they are to pick up the skills needed.
With that in mind, whether you’re searching for fresh pow within the US—at Park City’s luxury ski resorts, Aspen, Vail or Lake Tahoe—or secret ski spots in Europe, the following are some tips to plan a trip that also includes your kids.
Choose the right resort
The best thing you can do to ensure your trip is a success with your kids is choosing a truly family-friendly resort.
Think about what’s going to be most important to your family. For example, if you choose a ski resort offering condos, that means you’ll also have a kitchen. When you have a kitchen, you can prepare meals without eating out every night.
You also want to think about having the space and amenities for your family to spread out and do other activities after a long day on the slopes, like reading or playing games.
Make sure when you choose lodging, it’s as close as you can get to the slopes.
You might be able to find a resort that has a ski valet or a service that will help you transport your gear and equipment.
When you’re choosing a resort, you’ll also want to consider whether there are other onsite activities aside from skiing, depending on how much time you’ll have. For example, is there tubing or ice skating?
If you choose a smaller resort, it can simplify your experience, and you’ll face smaller crowds, which can be advantageous when you’re bringing kids.
Rent your gear ahead of time
If you don’t already have your own gear, then think about renting it ahead of time. Then, you can have it delivered to your hotel or condo, and often these services will fit you onsite. This will save you time, and you won’t have to wait in line. If you use these services, it also makes it easy to swap out skis.
Buy your lift tickets early
You used to be able to go up to the ticket window at the ski resort, and you’d be on your own with your lift ticket. Because of Covid-19 and general crowds at resorts, you usually have to buy tickets online. Even if you don’t have to, you should buy them ahead of time if you can because it’s one less step you have to do when you’re onsite, with your kids in tow.
Book ski school
If you want a smooth, enjoyable trip for everyone in your family, go ahead and book your kids in ski school. If you’re not an experienced skier, book yourself too.
You might be able to teach your kids to ski on your own, but most parents find ski school is much less stressful for them. This is also how you build a strong foundation for your kids that they can build on throughout their life.
A group lesson is usually cheaper than private lessons, although there may be rare exceptions to this, depending on the situation.
A lot of families will plan for ski school for the first couple of days of a trip, then they ski together as a family for the rest of the time.
After a professional teaches your kids the basics, you can help them practise from that point.
You might want to have a backup plan in mind if you’re faced with a situation where your kids or one of your kids don’t like skiing because it certainly happens.
If you choose a family-friendly resort ahead of time, they may have kids’ programs or activities outside of skiing that your child can participate in.
Finally, make sure everyone has the right clothes to dress in layers, so you can stay comfortable on the slopes.
You don’t want to buy these items when you’re there because you lose valuable time from your vacation. Go with the flow on your first family ski vacation with kids, and realise it’s probably going to be different for you than before, but it’ll be enjoyable in new and exciting ways.
Featured image: Pixabay
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