Are you ready to take your family on a ski holiday?  If so read on.

Clothing

Maintaining Body temperature in the varying mountain weather conditions can be a tricky business. You should select clothing that is waterproof, breathable and loose fitting. It is far better to wear layers and the innermost layer should be light or medium weight thermal underwear. Remember to choose a fabric with wicking properties in order to transport moisture away from the skin. Fleece mid layers are both warm and practical. Loose fitting insulated outer shell type pants and jackets are most comfortable. You will also need warm waterproof gloves or warmer still are mittens, a hat or preferably a helmet! Wool socks are best but try to avoid wearing two pairs as these will chafe your feet and wriggle about in your boots. Always wear good quality goggles or sun glasses which offer total UV protection. Better colours for lenses are orange or amber and goggle lenses should be double and anti fog.

Equipment

Never buy equipment FOR or ON your first ski holiday. You will soon outgrow it and therefore it could turn into an expensive investment. Initially you should always hire. It is far better to Rent your equipment in resort, then if there is a problem it is  easily solved.

Instruction

Don't even think about teaching yourself to ski or snowboard. Invest in lessons with a professional instructor. This could be as part of a small group or if you need undivided attention then private lessons are also available. Outside of these lessons you can practice what you have learned. Chalet holidays are particularly good for first timers as you have the benefit of the staffs knowledge and experienced skiers also tend to use catered chalets This opens up a large pool of knowledge and free help for you to tap into.

It's important to choose a resort that is geared towards families and children. Not all ski resorts are suitable for beginner skiers we supply links to most resorts websites so you can make your own judgement on suitability. That is not to say that there are ski resorts that have no beginners, most ski resorts will welcome new skiers as they obviously want your money also but, there are some resorts where the terrain and services are geared toward the wants and challenges of the advanced skier/snowboarder. This is actually not good for beginners, because prices will be higher and lift lines (queues) are likely to be longer. 

 

Family Ski Resorts

Family ski resorts that are geared toward the new and beginning skier are not hard to find. Most are genuine ski villages not purpose built resorts. If I were taking my family I would avoid the purpose built. In Europe purpose built would include such places as La Plagne, Tignes, and Les Arces and ski villages would include Les Houches, Les Gets and Arraba. In the USA and Canada things are a little more complicated as many resorts require a bus ride or taxi from town to the ski area. These again I would personally avoid for a family ski vacation. At the end of a hard day on the slope who wants to have to get on a bus for 20 minutes or more to get back to their accommodation. resort in this classification would include Breckenridge, A Basin, Jasper, Kicking Horse, Fernie, Banff and Lake Louise. I would also avoid Whistler. Recommended  would be Keystone, Vail, Kimberley and Panorama.

Look for a resort with a dedicated area for new skiers, including a slow, easy means of transport to the top of the learning hill such as a "magic carpet" some resorts even offer a Free beginners area or reduced ticket prices for their beginners are. DO NOT BE TEMPTED BY THE LARGER RESORTS WITHOUT A FREE BEGINNERS AREA. Lift passes are much more expensive in these resorts but you will never get the use of them if you are a beginner.

Remember You're the Customer

Ski resorts really want your business. If you are new to the sport, many will offer a selection of accommodations that ease you through the process of parking, getting outfitted, and getting placed on the hill for your first appearance on skis. In some cases, a resort photographer is even available to record your experience for posterity! You should expect to be coddled because if your experience is not pleasant, the resort knows you won't be back. Remember, it is a buyer's or learner's market because the resorts need your return visit in order to prosper.

Ski and Stay Packages

Family ski and stay holiday packages typically offer free children's lift tickets. Many ski areas offer multi-day packages with lessons every day, sometimes twice daily, and appropriate equipment upgrades as you progress. Most resorts have a planned progression of lessons that can step you through higher skill levels at your own learning pace.

Accommodations

Check to see what accommodation is available. If you are on a tight budget most resorts have slope side  apartments available. A condo is the American term for an apartment. Ideal for a self catering family ski holiday. There are usually one or more bedrooms, a dining room /eating area, and a small kitchen, so it isn't necessary to spend time (and money) eating every meal in a restaurant.  However you will find that if it is advertised as suitable for 6 at least 2 of those beds will be in the living area and 2 more will probably be bunk beds. I have actually seen one bedroom condos advertised as being suitable for 8 persons. In Resort Hotels are normally expensive and for a family probably too cramped.

We have always found the best place to stay is a catered ski chalet. Very popular in Europe and just starting to take off in the US and Canada. This is a home where you have your own room and meals are provided in an informal dinner party setting. Ski Chalet hosts could even be the owners of the property. They will go out of their way to make sure you have a holiday to remember pampering you and your children. Some offer free ski hire and even free airport transfers.  Crèche facilities may also be available at an extra cost. Before booking find out exactly what is on offer.

Last year we took our grandchildren to Kimberley Alpine Resort in Canada and stayed at Sunshine Chalet. We were colleted from the airport at Cranbrook and next morning we were taken by one of the owners to collect our skis from a specialist ski rental store and our lift passes had been collected ready for us. They even went so far as to provide early specialist dinners for the two boys so we could get them off to bed before eating ourselves.

In the US and Canada it is expected that you will remove outdoor shoes before entering and ski boots indoors are a definite no no wherever you go.

If staying in a hotel or complex, an exercise room and pool, are good extras. You may be surprised to see that your children still have energy, when you're out of it, and an indoor pool is a good way to expend that extra energy. Regardless of the accommodations you choose, it's useful if a shuttle, or other transportation, to the slopes is provided directly from your chalet, condo or hotel.

Child Care

If you have little ones, plan ahead. Review all the child care options and make your reservations well ahead of time. Sunshine Chalets owner Susan for example, has child minding qualifications and provides a personal on-site child care for a maximum 3 children ages 6 weeks - 6 years. Kimberley Alpine Resort has an impressive combination of ski, play, and child care programs, as well as the option of arranging a nanny to accompany your child throughout the day. Plan your nights out on the town, too. Check in advance to see if the accommodation / resort can provide you with a list of approved babysitters. Make those reservations in advance or you may be disappointed!

Finally, remember this is a family ski vacation and you will want to make sure that it's a good one. Most resorts have your best interests at heart, and can be trusted to provide an excellent product. It's up to you to cover all the angles, and to make sure your family ski holiday is planned, from beginning to end, in advance.