What to bring on your first family ski holiday with kids

1. What to bring on your first family ski holiday with kids Are you new to skiing? Or did you last hit the slopes in your 20s – long before you had kids? If you or your kids are beginner skiers, it helps to know what’s worth spending money on and where you can save a few pennies when it comes to kitting out your kids for their first ski holiday. There are many practical items that are well worth investing in and that will keep the kids comfortable, and thus happy – essential if parents want to get a few hours of skiing in as well. At Single Parents on Holiday, we understand that only too well, and so we have compiled a list of everything you need to pack for the kids – whether you are going one of our single parent ski holidays or your first ski trip with family or friends. All the ski gear your kids need for their first time on the slopes Whether your ski holiday with kids lasts a week or just a few days, pack plenty, so that your children can add a layer if it gets chilly – layers are a great way to keep warm and dry. Also bear in mind that our kids will need a lot more change than usual due to sweating or clothes getting wet in the snow and not drying in time for the next day. This is where material is important: Clothes should be breathable enough to wick away any moisture but insulating enough to keep the kids warm. Merino wool and synthetic materials are ideal. Here is what we would pack for our kids: •Base layers: Pack lots of thin base layers made from moisture wicking material s. above. You don’t need to go to a sports shop for these. •Mid-layers: Bring a couple of fleeces to wear over the base layer/s. No need to spend much on these. •Ski trousers: Buy waterproof and breathable salopettes or ski trousers. Salopettes are great for young kids as they stop the snow getting into trousers and jackets when kids tumble on the slopes. •Ski jacket: Waterproof and breathable ski jackets should ideally come with a powder skirt, thumb loops and snow cuffs to keep the cold and snow out. Technology has come a long way since I first skied in my teens, so don’t be put off by thin jackets. Look at the performance description instead which gives points for breathability,

2. water / wind proofing, and insulation. Also, check that the jacket has lots of zip pocket – for snacks, ski pass, money, tissues, etc. •Ski socks: They are comfortable, fit snugly and offer support under the instep and arch and cushioning where the shin meets the ski boot. It pays to invest in these to help prevent ski boots chafing kids’ sensitive skin. •Ski gloves or mittens: Don’t make the mistake on saving on this item. Kids often complain about cold hands in ski school – not least because parents bought cheap / inadequate ski gloves that get wet and cold inside. Check features such as insulation and water proofing, and, if in doubt, about the ones you bought, take a pair of thin inner gloves with you on holiday as well as some reusable heat hand warmers that you can put into your kids’ pockets to warm their little hands and that will help to dry the gloves overnight. •A ski gaiter/snood: Unlike a scarf that might end up lost or in your kid’s face during skiing, this neck warmer sits snugly yet loosely around the neck providing warmth without restricting the child’s view. Best of all, when it gets very cold, your son or daughter can pull it over their nose to keep warm and snug. •Ski goggles: Essential to protect sensitive kids’ eyes from harmful UV rays, which are stronger at high altitude. Ski goggles also help with visibility when it snows, or when the sun bounces off the bright whiteness of the snow – sun glare can actually burn the surface of your kids’ eyes. Goggles also work better with helmets than sunglasses do, and kids don’t grow out of them as quickly as their salopettes. Go for a middle of the range pair –your kids don’t need the high-performance lens, but the cheapest usually offers less visibility and protection. READ MORE Single Parents on Holiday Ltd 3 Hayes Court 116 West Common Road Bromley Kent UK BR2 7EG 0333 370 3701 info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk https://singleparentsonholiday.co.uk