A car full of luggage and lots of hassle: eight tips for stress-free skiing with young children
6/1/2022
Pictures: Katja Fischer
Translation: Megan Cornish
Before children can race down the slopes easily, they need practice. And their parents need nerves of steel. Here are eight lessons I’ve learned from many successful (and not so successful) ski trips.
Skiing with small children immediately brings to mind bravery, tears, arguments. Lots of luggage. So much luggage. And even more stress.
My winter sports-loving husband sees things differently. He keenly sets about packing the car and roof box to head off on a short skiing trip with our two children aged two and five. Our estate car is as full for two hours at a small ski hill as it would be if we were going to Italy for a two-week summer holiday.
We regularly make the drive to the nearest magic carpet lift at weekends with kids and cones, kit and caboodle to run or ski around after our two daughters and call out instructions that they don't follow anyway.
Just like dozens of other parent-coaches do with their little skiers. «Slowly! Slooooooowly!», «do pizza slices», «ski ends together», «bend your knees», «hands on your knees» … The shouts are the same everywhere. I could run a round of bullshit bingo at this point. It’d probably be funny, but it wouldn't be much help.
Instead, after many ski trips with sulking children and annoyed parents (or the reverse), I’d like to share our tried and tested hacks. For us at least, they keep the mood light and stress levels low.
1. Use waterproof bags
Skiing starts with packing at home. The night before if you can. We pack our kit in multiple – waterproof – bags so that they’re quick and easy to access later. Ski and snowboard boots go in one plastic bag, ski jackets and pants go in another. Helmets and accessories such as hats, gloves and scarves go in another. We also pack extra clothes and dry clothes for the journey home in a separate bag.
We take another plastic bag up the hill with us containing snacks, drinks, sunscreen and other things that we need while we’re skiing. And a rucksack, of course. But the contents can get wet if the rucksack sits in the snow for a while.
2. Take a sledge
It’s a big piece of luggage. I argued against a sledge for a long time – we’re going skiing after all. Now I know better. If the children have had enough of their skis, a bit of sledging puts smiles back on their faces. It also serves as a bench for breaks every now and then, so a sledge or bob is well worth it.
3. Snacks and drinks keep everyone happy
Aside from sledging interludes, small snacks also boost energy levels. We keep some Sugus or other sugary sweets in our trouser pockets. Snack bars have also proved useful. We bring a thermos flask for drinks, which warms up cold hands and lifts the mood.
We parents might even have some rum punch every now and then. We also (or especially) need a bit of a boost occasionally. Although not the one who draws the short straw and has to drive home at the end of the day, of course.
4. Layers are key
We only put fleece jackets, ski pants and jackets on the children once we arrive. In the car, they just wear thermal underwear and a jumper so that they don’t get too warm and then too cold later. Their uncomfortable ski boots only go on once we get to our destination. They wear winter boots for the journey.
Even more importantly, get the children ready first before sorting yourself out. Otherwise, you’ll end up sweating before you’ve even started your day’s skiing.
5. Park as close to the edge of the run as possible
There are three important criteria for our Sunday outings. The ski resort has to be within an hour of home, a magic carpet lift and T-bar lift are non-negotiable and the parking should be as close as possible to the children’s run (insider tip: Gähwil im Toggenburg SG). If you have to walk any distance with children on sledges, several pairs of skis and a plastic bag to carry, you’ll end up tripping over and – as I mentioned in tip four – sweating. This wastes valuable energy that you’ll be in desperate need of later.
6. You’ll only forget to make a preemptive toilet trip once
As soon as you get the multiple layers and ski boots on your child, they’re bound to say: «I need a wee!» Always remember to take children to the toilet before you’ve got them onto the run in all their gear. You’ll save time, tantrums and frustration.
7. Ohm ... stay calm and copy others
Speaking of frustration, spare yourself the stress. Be as laid back as possible. If your child spends the whole afternoon not wanting to get on their skis, so be it. Sometimes, nothing works, whether you’re trying to entertain them, bribing them with chocolate or threatening to withdraw their TV privileges. Then you’ve basically taken a ski trip just to have a coffee on the sidelines – which is nice and cosy, as Vreni Schneider said. Watching or copying is still a good idea. Use the time and watch other parents’ or ski teachers’ exercises and instructions.
8. A ski harness saves a lot of energy
Opinion is divided on ski harnesses as learning aids because children don’t have to break and steer themselves right from the start. According to critics, this means that they don’t learn to ski properly. That’s why we didn’t buy any for a long time, preferring ski poles and hula hoops to guide, steady and keep our daughters close.
Recently, though, we’ve been using a ski harness and wondering why we didn’t buy one ages ago.
For a small thing, it’s a huge help on the slopes. It saves energy and it’s a lot of fun for both parties. In principle, it’s a harness with two leashes, which enables children to move freely and their parents to affect their speed and direction.
Even getting up to the start point is literal child’s play. All you have to do is move the leashes around to the front and pull the child up to the top of the hill.
Do you have more tips for skiing with young children? How do you keep your cool? Hacks and inspiration are welcome – share them in the comments section below.
Katja Fischer
Senior Editor
Katja.Fischer@digitecgalaxus.chMom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.