5 minute read
Keeping children happy on a ski trip
Tips for keeping children happy on a ski trip
CURRENTLY LIVING THE DREAM IN THE FRENCH ALPS WITH HER HUSBAND AND THREE ‘WILD ONES’, MUMMY IN THE MOUNTAINS FOUNDER SIMI JOHNSON-CURT IS AN EXPERT IN SKIING AND TRAVELLING WITH LITTLE ONES IN TOW. HERE ARE HER TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS…
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Going skiing with children is one of the best things ever, subject to the right organisation and forward planning. The experiences and shared family moments are quite simply unforgettable.
My own ski holidays as a child fuelled my passion for the mountains. Based in the French Alps for over 20 years, and now a mother of three active girls, I ski with them as much as possible.
In fact, my love of the mountains inspired my blog ‘Mummy In The Mountains’, and then the creation of my company ‘MIM – Play & Explore’. We create eco-friendly, personalised and creative gifts, and welcome packs that reinforce kids’ love of the mountains and super-cool destinations.
In partnership with award-winning chalet company Consensio, we have put together here our personal top tips for skiing as a family. Our aim is to help make the experience of skiing with your children as enjoyable as possible.
Like an event, preplanning is key Location, location, location. Where you are based can make or break your holiday. So use the expertise of a company like Consensio, which can advise you on resorts and properties to suit your group’s specific needs. The team’s insider knowledge and experience will help you choose the right resort for the time of year and then the best property, whether you enjoy the charm of being in the heart of a mountain village or prefer something more secluded.
Choose the right chalet A home from home, all of Consensio’s properties have been hand-picked to match family needs, enabling you to relax and
enjoy your holiday. All chalets have family-focused facilities and services, from stair gates and bed guards to baby monitors, and pool rooms can be locked off if required. They also come fully stocked with toys, books and games consoles to make the holiday even more fun for the little ones.
Regarding catering, there are three categories – Ultimate Catered Chalets, Relaxed Catered Chalets and Self-Catered Apartments. For Ultimate Catered, Chalet Le Namaste is one of the leading private homes in Courchevel 1850 and is perfect for a holiday with children.
Located in the exclusive, gated Hameau de Cachemire, it boasts one of the most desired addresses in this fashionable resort and provides easy direct ski-in ski-out access to the green Bellecôte piste, bringing you directly to the heart of the resort and main lift departures. This means your little ones can ski right into the chalet at the end of the day.
This modern Alpine chalet recently underwent a €1m renovation, increasing the size of the property and bringing you four floors of complete luxury. Ultimate Chalet Namaste sleeps 10 adults and four children, and features a gorgeous bunk room for little ones, complete with an en suite. Adjacent to the children’s room there is a convenient lounge area with a TV – great for youngsters to relax and play in their own space.
With a spa, indoor swimming pool, sauna, massage room and a Pilates/yoga/stretching/workout area, Namaste has something for the whole family to enjoy.
Kids’ entertainment When your kids are not skiing, it’s good to have downtime activities planned to avoid the ultimate temptation of watching screens all the time. Consensio has the right balance of activities organised for everyone, from the above mentioned child-focused in-chalet amenities to little extra presents.
Upon arrival on a Consensio holiday, kids get their very own Charlie Bear (a lovable soft teddy bear), who is waiting on their bed to give them special cuddles and help them feel at home.
For a stress-free week, max out on the pre-arrival concierge service as far in advance as possible Certain in-resort activities tend to fill up super quickly – whether it’s a specific restaurant, the husky ride your son or daughter has dreamed of doing, or the promised torch-lit descent down a mountain. Let the Consensio team help and advise you on activities to avoid any disappointment.
Pre-book ski instructors and leave teaching to the pros It’s best to book private professional instructors for the children. This will give you greater flexibility in drop-off points and better direct communication with the instructor, and you can always plan lunch or an improvised run together. Keep the focus on having fun rather than performance.
Remember, like everything, every child will progress at their own pace – even if a friend of the same age is at a better level, who cares? We all have good and bad days. If your children want an afternoon off, let them. Even active kids need time to relax.
Dress for the mountain and the cold Warm, dry children equals happy children. Ensuring your kids are warm, comfortable and as safe as possible is a fine art composed of a mixture of lots of different elements when it comes to snowsports.
Helmets, back protection, gloves, decent socks, neck warmers and goggles can be just as important as the jackets and trousers. A child with cold hands will not enjoy their holiday (I speak from experience!)
You can’t ski well on an empty stomach Ensure your kids eat a good breakfast. The luxury of staying in a fully catered chalet is that they can choose whatever they like to eat before they venture out to ensure they are fully fuelled for the day ahead!
I find it is always handy to pop a mini chocolate or energy bar into your kids’ pockets, too, especially if it is super cold. Every Consensio chalet boot room is stocked with a range of snacks to pop in your pocket, so make sure you do to keep both you and your little ones full of vital energy while out adventuring.
Last, but not least… have fun, enjoy the adventure and look around you – it’s beautiful!
