ONE: Transfer times
They have already been bundled to the airport at an unearthly hour and sat still on the plane for as long as is physically possible when you’re only three. For the attention span to hold much longer, we strongly recommend considering the transfer time from airport to resort. We are all too familiar with the chorus of “are we nearly there yet?” which can get a little weary on a three hour transfer combined with mountain bends. The sooner you are in resort the sooner snowman building can commence.
TWO: Be realistic
The earliest recommended age to start children skiing is around four years old. You want them to learn to love the sport as much as you do. Any younger than that and they won’t have the concentration or physical strength to learn. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get them onto the slopes sooner than that. With nurseries and kindergartens taking your really little ones, their days will be filled with playing games and sliding around on the snow.
THREE: Ultimate luxury for all
It will never cease to amaze us just how much energy children can still muster after a day on the slopes. With our collection of luxury chalets featuring cinema rooms, games rooms, climbing walls, playrooms and swimming pools with hydro floors to determine the depth for little ones, the hours both on and off piste will be fueled by enjoyment and laughter.
FOUR: Everyone’s favourite week
Regardless of your age, the annual ski trip should be everyone’s favourite week. Whether that is finding a sun-drenched deck complete with a perfectly chilled bottle of champagne or pushing a giant penguin around an ice-skating rink. There is no reason why the smallest members of the family can’t enjoy the Alps just as much as the grown ups in the party. We will be very happy to discuss the off-slope activities available in a particular resort to ensure that everyone’s days are fulfilled.
FIVE: Finding the perfect resort
There are definitely certain resorts in the Alps that lend themselves more to your perfect family ski holiday than others. When little feet are still getting used to the strange sensation of walking in ski boots, you want to maximize convenience. Fortunately there are two easy ways to make the start and end of each day as calm and happy as possible. Firstly with most resorts now having excellent nursery slopes and green runs that come straight into town, combined with your chalet’s dedicated chauffeur service dropping you off close to the lifts, what more could you ask for?
Six: Get ahead of the game
Demand for childcare during such peak weeks as Christmas and February Half Term is high. After finding your perfect chalet, it is never too early to speak to your SkiBoutique PA about what exactly will make it your favourite week. How much skiing have your children done before and do you think they would benefit from spending the mornings or afternoons with you? Alternatively if you would rather maximize your slope time, all day childcare can be arranged. The most reputable nannies are highly sought after and we will be pleased to introduce you.
Seven: Lessons are your saving grace
Regardless of how competent you are as a skier, we urge you to book lessons for your children. By leaving the teaching to professionals, skiing will be something you enjoy as a family, rather than running the risk of your favourite week turning into a battleground. For their first foray into skiing, nothing beats the moral of a group lesson. Socially they will have a lot of fun and with small groups in your child’s language, be prepared to be beaten down the slopes before long. To see them truly come on in leaps and bounds, as they progress and get older, consider a private instructor. Your aim is for your children to want to return year upon year.
Eight: Rule with your head not your wallet
There is no denying that a family ski holiday can make a considerable dent on your wallet. However, with our following top tips, rule the slopes with your head and stash those saved pennies for when the weather comes in and chocolat chaud is the only bribery left. Many resorts offer discounts when you purchase multi lift passes at once and it definitely pays to check the age limit for free ski passes. Along with finding your perfect chalet and childcare, plan ahead and take advantage of early bird discounts on lift pass purchases.