While every holiday presents its own type of challenges, a
Winter or Ski Vacation takes a bit more planning and
packing. We have put together some tips to help make your
Winter or Ski Vacation a
WINTER
HOLIDAY TIPS
(click to view specific tips
or scroll down)
Before buying equipment for young children -
consider renting the first time out. This gives you and your
children a chance to try on equipment and proper sizing.
Visit a ski store first to see what
new equipment costs, sizing as far as boots, ski lengths and
types, and poll sizes. Some stores also offer buy-back
programs. If you have more than one child, buying new
sometimes pays off as it can be passed down. You can also
look at selling the equipment when it is outgrown.
Check out ski swaps and Ski Stores
that sell used equipment - younger children's equipment usually
doesn't see a lot of wear and is expensive to buy new - call local
ski hills to find out about any ski swaps.
Ski Boots should be snug and
comfortable.
Insist that Children wear helmets. See Winter Safety Tips
for more information on helmets and Travel News - Helmet Safety for Skiers,Snowboarders
- Some Ski
Hills won't let anyone on certain runs without it. To help
keep ears and necks warm, add earbands and a neck warmer.
The neck warmer can be slipped up over the face right up to the
goggles.
Everyone should have a pair of goggles. They
keep the sun, wind and snow out of the eyes (which can be a
problem for little children) and help with Sun
Safety.
Equipment Checklist:
-
Skis with bindings/Snowboard
-
Ski Polls (children under 5
don't need polls)
-
Ski Boots/Snowboard Boots
-
Helmets - See Winter Safety Tips
-
Snowboarders should have
wristguards
-
A lock (or one for each person)
to lock up equipment outside the Lodge.
-
Gloves (1 pair each)
-
Ski Hats/Ear Bands and Neck
Warmers
-
Goggles/Sunglasses
-
Ski Suit
-
Consider a harness for young
children - see Tips
for Skiing with Little Ones for
suggestions on use.
-
Layered clothing - see below.
With the equipment out of the way,
focus shifts to what to wear. Winter clothes can be quite
bulky so layered coats and sweaters will serve better than one
large coat for different weather types.
Buy Snowsuits that are bright and
easily visible, water and wind resistant. Wind Flaps on zippers,
snug cuffs at wrists and ankles keep the wind and snow out.
NO DRAWSTRINGS ON COAT HOODS. Click
on the coat to view news article about the danger of drawstrings
on children's outerwear. Most Children's coats do not have drawstrings anymore as
manufacturers have stopped putting them on. Check to ensure
that these are removed. They can get caught on equipment and pose a
strangulation risk.
Dress in Layers - three
layers plus a jacket. You can always remove a sweater and
store it in the locker if you are getting too hot.
Polypropylene underwear or long johns (recommended as these will
keep the back warmer) feel nice next to skin, dry quickly and
absorbs sweat. Turtle necks will help keep necks warm (have some
extra ones) and a wool sweater with help keep warmth in and take
moisture away from the body.
Name Tags - Sewn inside the coat -
not visible to strangers but available if children get lost on the
hill. Children should also have a ski map and a brochure
from your hotel or resort inside their coat pockets just in case
they get lost.
Mittens are best for younger
children as they keep the fingers warmer by keeping fingers
together. This is especially important if children aren't using
polls. See Hitting the slopes with the kids for tips.
Gloves or Mittens that are water
resistent (they have a plastic layer inside) are best.
Consider taking an extra pair with you to leave in the locker or
car for young children.
Snow Boots for Apres Ski and
Running shoes for the kids - see packing tips.
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Packing for a winter or ski
vacation requires a knack for taking only what is necessary while
making sure you have everything you need.
Pack what you need first and see how
much room you have left over. See First Aid Tips
and other travel tip sections for hints.
As Ski Jackets can be quite bulky,
we suggest you don't
pack your ski jackets but wear them instead.
Winter boots are a must - boots
with liners and extra insoles will keep feet warm for outdoor
activities. Wear
your winter boots while you travel. You can take them off in the Airplane or
car during travel. Don't forget to take some running shoes
for the kids and shoes for a nice dinner out for the
parents. Running shoes for kids will be needed for indoor
activities if your ski resort offers indoor children's programs.
Make sure you take lots of warm
socks and don't forget the sweaters.
Take at least one nice outfit for
each family member - a nice dinner out adds to that holiday
feeling. Track suits or leisure wear should form the bulk of
your clothing. Warm pajamas for at least the children are a
must.
Bathing Suits, Skates, hockey
sticks and other accessories are optional and depend on the
facilities at your lodgings/resorts and whether you are driving or
flying.
DON'T FORGET THE CAMERA/CAMCORDER
to record those holiday memories.
Sunscreen is a must on any winter
holiday see Sun Safety Tips.
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Research your destination - see SKI RESORTS
or Travel News - Ski Resorts
for ideas on destinations and don't forget to visit accompanying HOTEL AND RESORT LISTINGS AND LINKS
for accommodations. Looking for Apre Ski Activities - link
to FAMILY ATTRACTIONS.
Many Ski Resorts have child care available for non-skiing
children. Hotel Fun 4 Kids™ Ski Resort Listings include
details of children's programs. Many Ski Resorts also over
multi-day discount passes and early/late season discounts.
Plan skiing trips for mid week or non-holiday
times if you want to avoid the major crowds. Ask the resorts
when they are least busy - early/late season and check for
discounts.
If you are taking equipment, have
it checked out before you leave. Have skis or snowboards waxed, sharpened and
inspected to ensure bindings are secured before packing and make sure all the equipment
fits. Special bags designed for your ski/snowboard equipment
make travel a lot easier. If you are renting equipment,
you'll just need to worry about all the accessories.
If possible, before you go, hit the
slopes a couple times to get some practice before the holiday.
Staying in shape on a regular basis will help with this.
Being fit makes skiing much more fun.
Give the kids a couple lessons so
they have an idea what to expect and have a little practice on the
hills and with chairlifts, T-Bar tows and rope toes.
Lessons for first timers also start children off on the right foot
(Or should we say Ski Boot). This also gives them a chance
to try on equipment or if renting, to know what size
equipment.
Make sure everyone KNOWS
THE CODE (click
here to visit Skiing Safety Tips and the Code), be safety
conscious and respect other people using the hills.
Go over general family safety tips
and visit WINTER
SAFETY TIPS for safety tips about winter vacations
including frost bite and hypothermia.
Insist that Children wear helmets. Some Ski
Hills won't let anyone on certain runs without it, even
adults. Click the image for more information. To help keep ears and necks warm, add ear bands and
a neck warmer. The neck warmer can be slipped up over the
face right up to the goggles.
Everyone should have a pair of goggles. They
keep the sun, wind and snow out of the eyes (which can be a
problem for little children) and help with Sun
Safety.
Click here to return to list
Before heading out to the ski hill, make sure all
family members are properly dressed and
equipped. Make sure
all children wear a helmet. Consider taking extra turtle
necks and putting them in the locker to change at lunch
time. Click on the image to view Travel News about
skiing:
Practice Sun Safety
and be aware of concerns for Frost bite
and Hypothermia and practice winter safety - see Winter
Safety Tips for more information.
KNOW
THE CODE and remind all family members.
Check weather and ski hill conditions and be
prepared for changes in the weather.
If kids are skiing on their own make sure they
have a buddy and arrange to meet at certain times during the day
at one place - consider giving kids a watch with an alarm to
remind them when to meet. Instruct them on which hills they
can ski on and which hills to avoid - give them a map. Teach
them to recognize safety patrol and to approach them for
assistance.
Pagers are becoming an option for keeping track of
children while skiing, ask the resort before booking if these are
available.
Consider arranging lessons for children - this
allows them to learn proper techniques, meet other children, learn
the hills, by-pass longer lines when in a lesson and allows
parents to have some free ski time. See Ski
School Tips below. You may also want to watch the lesson
for a little while. You might learn something too or at
least see what is being taught so you can help after the lesson to
re-enforce the instructions.
Warm up on the bunny or beginner hill with
children.
Make sure everyone drinks plenty of water and
consider keeping a little snack in your pocket for a little pick
me up during the chair ride or at a break.
Take breaks often. Enjoy the view and watch
other skiers too.
Always lower the bar on chair lifts and hold small
children at all times on chair lifts.
Don't mix alcohol/drugs and skiing with your
kids. Set a good example and maintain control when skiing.
Chase the leader and Follow my Tail are just two
fun games to play with your children on the ski hill.
Ski Tip Control Devices are available to help
young children maintain a wedge ski position.
TIPS
FOR INTRODUCING LITTLE ONES TO SKIING
Make sure the Little Ones wear a Helmet.
- Be aware of concerns for Frost bite and Hypothermia
see Winter Safety Tips for
more information.
- If you are a confident skier and comfortable on the
slopes, young children can be skiing as early as two
years of age. Consider looking for a small toboggan
hill, strapping on some small plastic skis and enjoying
an hour or two on the hill with your little one. This is
a cheap way to introduce skiing and you don’t need to
worry about your equipment.
- Start Skiing with a harness – This allows for you to
hold up your child
and even steer with the straps on
either side. Hold
the straps tightly in your hand when using any ski lift
to ensure that straps don’t get caught.
Harnesses can also add extra support when getting on/off
the chair lift and during the ride up.
- When using a harness encourage your child to lean
forward with their upper body and bend their
knees. Use the harness as a means of slowing their
progress down the hill.
- If skiing becomes comfortable with the harness you can
lengthen the straps for greater freedom without losing
control of the child.
- Some people like
to use a hula hoop but it can prove awkward on the chair
lift. Some people use their polls.
- Teach the pizza slice - have children put their ski
tips together and spread the backs of their skis (snow
plow) to learn how to stop by pushing the backs of the
skis out.
- Once your child is more comfortable, introduce the
idea of going across the hill as a means of slowing
down.
- Hold on to child at all times on chair lift and always
lower the bar. You can place young children over your
lap or hold under your arm when disembarking the chair.
- On a t-bar or rope tow put young children between your
legs and have them loop arms around your legs.
- Choose easy hills or beginner hills.
- Take lots of breaks and start out with no more than an
hour. Keep a little snack handy and even a little drink
in your pocket or fanny pack.
- If you are using a harness, avoid taking ski polls.
- Teach them to KNOW THE CODE
and practice it too.
- Enforce Safety rules.
- Consider lessons and some
Ski Resorts
offer programs
where parents can participate in the lesson and learn to
help teach as well.
- See other skiing tips.
- Most of All make it FUN and skiing can become a
past-time for the entire family.
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When planning a Ski or Winter Vacation, consider
lessons as a way for children to meet other children, learn proper
skiing techniques and provide parents with time to ski together
and on more difficult runs. Hotel
Fun 4 Kids™ Ski Resort Listings give details of skiing
programs available at Ski Resorts. Some Programs offer child
care with skiing, while others offer programs that parents can
join in. Also see our Travel News - Ski Resorts
for news on Family Skiing Programs.
Research the ski program - Questions to Ask
can include:
-
Are the instructors certified?
-
What is the ratio of kids to instructors?
-
How much lesson time is involved and if there
is some supervised unstructured ski time?
-
Are children grouped according to age or age
and ability?
-
Does the program include daycare facilities
for children who don't ski or a program of ski lesson and off
hill child care?
Before the lesson begins, tell the instructor
where you'll be and check in after the first hour if you are not
participating in the lesson. Discuss with the instructor
what the procedure is if the child gets too cold or doesn't want
to ski anymore - is there a location to meet at the end of the
lesson? What happens if your child's abilities don't match
that of the group, are there provisions to change groups?
Children's Ski Instructors are usually trained on
how to teach children how to ski. Talk to them before the
lesson, introduce your child to the instructor and then let them
do their job. Your child will learn skiing safety and
because ski instructors want to make it fun, maybe the Pizza Slice
will replace the Snowplow and French Fries will double for
parallel skiing.
Children also need to learn how to fall down and
get back up again.
Watch the beginning of the lesson. Does it
look like fun, is the instructor friendly and does your child look
comfortable? Is the rest of the group basically of the same
ability?
Consider providing a private lesson for your
child's first lesson. This one on one attention, especially
for very young children, is a great way to start.
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Beginner snowboarders might want to consider
renting equipment the first time to ensure that it is something
they enjoy. Lessons will teach proper techniques, safety and
the all important - HOW TO FALL AND GET UP
AGAIN.
Some other tips include:
-
Be aware of concerns for Frost bite
and Hypothermia see Winter
Safety Tips for more information.
-
Wrist Guards can help reduce the incidents of
sprained wrists - a common injury among snowboarders.
-
Never let children Snowboard alone - always
with a buddy and a helmet is must.
-
KNOW
THE CODE and practice it.
-
Ensure equipment is in good condition.
-
See other skiing tips for more
information.
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CLICK ON THE ACTIVITY TO VIEW TIPS:
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING:
Cross-country skiing is another
winter activity that the whole family can enjoy. Here
are some tips for making it fun for everyone.
-
It is a
little harder for younger children (under 6) but there are
alternatives to having them ski and still bring them along.
Younger children can be pulled in a toboggan or tag a long type
sleigh - more work for the parents if you want the exercise.
-
Be aware of concerns for Frost bite
and Hypothermia see Winter
Safety Tips for more information and practice Winter Safety.
-
Know
the Code - Click to view
-
Consider renting the first time
out. It is less expensive than downhill skiing but may be a
little slow and too much work for some kids.
-
Layers are very important in
cross-country skiing. As you warm up, you can remove a layer
or two. Lighter pants than ski pants are recommended.
-
Some people like to take babies in
back packs while cross-country skiing. Extra caution must be
exercised if you are doing this so that you don't fall on
baby. Never Downhill Ski with a back pack.
-
Review other skiing tips
for more information on making Cross-Country skiing fun for the whole
family.
Ski only on the marked trails
and in the proper direction as indicated by the trail
markers.
Please leave the wilderness
area for others to enjoy as you have.
Click here to return to Other
Activities
SNOWMOBILING:
Snowmobiling can be a great way to
explore trails and enjoy the great outdoors in winter. Make
sure all family members wear approved helmets and follow the trail
rules. The following are some tips for Snowmobile Fun:
-
Be aware of concerns for Frost bite
and Hypothermia see Winter
Safety Tips for more information and practice Winter
Safety.
-
It is recommended that Children
under 6 years of age not ride snowmobiles and Children under
16 years of age not operate snowmobiles alone. Some
States have laws for age requirements of operation of
snowmobiles.
-
Snowmobiles should not be used
to tow a tie, tub, sled or saucer. Only specifically
designed tow carts should be used.
-
Dress warmly and check with
children frequently to ensure they are warm and comfortable.
-
Stay together as the trails can be
quite extensive and it is easy to get lost. Consider pagers
and a cell phone (keep them inside your jacket so the battery is
kept warm). It is recommended that you stay on marked
trails.
-
If children are riding with you,
try to put them in front of you, being careful that no part of
their body touches any hot surfaces. If children are
operating their own machine, ensure that they know how to operate
it safely.
-
Never take children on lakes
and rivers.
-
Check state or provincial laws
regarding the ages and requirements for operators of
snowmobiles.
LG from Ontario offers these
additional tips for snowmobiling fun.
- REMEMBER: a warm child is a content child. Bring along extra
mittens and socks.
- Teach children that are riding on the back of the sled how
to signal the driver that a stop is needed.
- Limit drinks prior to and during the trip to avoid frequent
"bathroom" stops.
- Choose a trail distance appropriate for the age of your
children.
- Always travel with an emergency and first aid kit. Tuck some
tissues, lip balm, and a healthy snack in your pockets for
easy reach.
- Use extra caution and reduced speed when travelling with
your children. Remember they’re the back seat drivers and
are learning all of your driving habits!
- Stick to well travelled trails that are known to you when
snowmobiling with children.
LG also offered some fun suggestions for SNOWMOBILING FAMILY FUN,
Click here to view these great family activities.
Click here to return to Other
Activities
TOBOGGANING:
Tobogganing is another great way to
enjoy the outdoors. Many Ski Resorts offer a special hill
for just such a purpose. Here are some tips to keep in mind
to make it an enjoyable family outing - see other tips on this
page also:
-
Be aware of concerns for Frost bite
and Hypothermia see Winter
Safety Tips for more information..
-
Dress warmly and check with
children frequently to ensure that they are warm, dry and
comfortable.
-
Have children wear a helmet.
-
Choose Hills that are away from
roads and parking lots and free from rocks, trees, fences and
other dangers.
-
Teach children to slide down
the middle of the hill and climb up the sides.
-
KNOW
THE CODE applies here also.
-
Obey age limits for snow
racers.
-
Children under 5 should not go
down the hill alone - get a toboggan that is large enough for
an adult to go down with the child.
-
Don't toboggan onto a lake.
Click here to return to Other
Activities
SNOW TUBING: Snow
Tubing is becoming a popular sport at many ski
resorts. Here are some tips to keep in mind
to make it an enjoyable family outing - see other tips on this
page also:
-
Be aware of concerns for Frost bite
and Hypothermia see Winter
Safety Tips for more information..
-
Dress warmly and check with
children frequently to ensure that they are warm, dry and
comfortable.
-
Have children wear a helmet and
regular winter boots. Snowtubes
can go as fast as 80 km per hour on a crisp day.
-
Make sure track is clear. Clear track as
quickly as possible when finished ride. Don't cross into
other tube tracks.
-
One person per tube in a
sitting position. Tubes can be held together going down
the hill.
-
Stay in the track and obey
operator instructions.
-
KNOW
THE CODE applies here also.
-
Children under 5 should not go
down the hill alone - there are height restrictions for this
activity.
Click here to return to Other
Activities
SKATING/HOCKEY:
Skating and pick up hockey can
provide a welcome change from skiing on a winter holiday.
Keep these tips in mind to help keep it fun:
-
Be aware of concerns for Frost bite
and Hypothermia see Winter
Safety Tips for more information.
-
Make sure an adult checks the
ice before children venture onto any lakes, ponds or
rivers. Ice should be smooth and at least 10 cm
thick. NEVER SKATE NEAR OPEN WATER.
-
Children should always wear a
helmet.
-
Respect other skaters.
-
Consider skating lessons before
you go.
-
Have children skate the same
way as the crowd or move to the side if learning to
skate. A harness can help when teaching a young child to
skate. It is easier to hold a child up with a harness.
-
If playing hockey, ensure
everyone has gloves on and hockey helmets with face masks
should be worn by all children.
-
It helps if you establish the
rules for hockey before the game begins.
-
Other fun games to play on the
ice include tag, freeze tag, redlight/greenlight, simon says,
and soccer.
-
Tips for teaching young
children to skate include using the same stopping technique as
skiing by wedging the skates, beginner skaters should first be
taught to walk or march on the ice than gradually introduce
the glide when balance has been obtained. Encourage
children to bend the knees and use airplane arms for
balance. Getting up is a challenge - kneel first, put
one foot up at a time, trying not to move, keep knees bent and
use arms for balance.
Click here to return to Other
Activities
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After a good day of outdoor activities, its a good
idea to change into something dry and comfortable, warm up, have a
snack and relax.
Most Resort Areas and Hotels have activities to
occupy children and parents after a day on the hill. Spend
some more time outside, build a snowman, have a snowball fight.
Hot
Tubs provide a great way to warm up and relax those tired muscles
but caution should be exercised for young children. See Winter
Safety Tips for safety information on children using hot tubs.
Have a good snack after enjoying the winter
activities, relax for while and then consider going for
dinner. Down time is important for your body and some
stretching exercises for the whole family will reduce muscle
fatigue the next day. Hot chocolate is always a family
favourite after a day in the great outdoors.
Take a nap, watch a movie or just enjoy the
scenery by going for a drive or walk into town. Maybe even
do some shopping.
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All Tips are offered as suggestions only
While we have tried to provide you with
a list of suggestions to help parents when travelling with
children to keep them safe, unfortunately, we can’t
think of everything and it is the responsibility of
parents to ensure their children’s safety.
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Safety News:
The National Ski Areas Association Launches 'Lids On Kids' Website To Promote Ski Helmets and Slope Safety Education
See the following for more information on Winter
Holidays:
To view Ski Resorts Click
Below:
To view Travel News about
Ski Resorts Click Below:
To View Winter Safety
Tips Click Below:
For Safety Tips about Snow Blindness
Click Below:
For Winter Driving Tips Click Below:
For Travel News
about Helmets for Skiers and Snowboarders, Click Below:
For Travel News about
Skiing Safety Click Below:
For Seasonal Holiday
Safety Tips Click Below:
See the following sections for specific tips:
For General Travel Tips Click on
For All-inclusive
Vacation Tips Click Below:
For Tips on Taking a Dude Ranch Vacation Click on
For Tips on Eating out with Children
Click Below:
For Tips on Who and What to Tip Click Below:
For Travelling with
Teenagers Tips Click on
For Tips on Travelling with Grandchildren Click
Below:
For Spring Car Care Tips Click
Below:
For Travel Tips - Children with
Severe Allergies Click on
For Motion Sickness
Tips Click on
For Car Travel Tips Click
on
For Air Travel Tips Click
on
For Train Travel Tips
Click on
For
Games to Play while travelling, Click Below
For Tips on Taking Pictures Click Below:
For Tips on Protecting Your Home Click Below:
For Tips on Buying
Toys Click Below:
For Amusement Park Tips Click Below
For Travel Safety Tips Click
Below
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