Skiing holidays with children.

Good preparation is half the battle

With the right planning, skiing holidays with children can be both stress-free and full of heartwarming moments. This guide explains what you need to do – from a packing list and first attempts at skiing to a few tips to ensure a relaxing getaway.

Especially with children, it pays to plan your winter holiday carefully. Having suitable clothing, functional equipment and clear procedures provides safety – and prevents unnecessary stress on the mountain. Family guides and ski schools therefore recommend double-checking that you have everything you need.

The most important items to pack for skiing holidays with children

Ski equipment and winter sports

• Skis or snowboard (for children, it’s often better to hire than to buy)
• Ski boots
• Ski helmet that fits well
• Ski goggles with UV protection
• Ski gloves (and at least one spare pair)

Clothing: warm, flexible and weatherproof

• Functional multi-layer underwear
• Fleece or mid-layer
• Ski jacket and ski trousers or jumpsuit
• Ski socks (one pair per ski day plus spares)
• Hat or tube scarf
• Sun cream and lip balm with UV protection

Particularly important for children

• Spare gloves and socks in your daypack
• Thermos bottle with a hot drink
• Small snacks for breaks
• Name labels on helmet, jacket and gloves
• Favourite stuffed animal or night light for your accommodation

A gentle start to skiing: safety first

For many families, the first attempts at skiing are a special moment. The important thing is to give children time and focus on fun and safety – not performance or speed.

Tips for your first attempts at skiing

• Start on flat practice slopes or in the kids’ area
• Schedule short, fun sessions
• Focus on balancing and snowploughing
• Take regular breaks to get warm and recuperate

Support with a ski harness
If used correctly, a ski harness can be a helpful aid during the first few runs. They help to gently control speed on very flat terrain but are not a substitute for professional instruction. Many parents report that children gain confidence especially quickly in ski lessons.

Enjoy a relaxing day’s skiing: small rituals with a big impact
Structure and calm are key to a harmonious day. Having a calm start, taking breaks to warm up, giving honest praise and ending the day’s skiing at the right time often work wonders – especially for younger children.

Conclusion: skiing holidays are quality time spent together
Skiing holidays with children are more than just winter sports. They provide opportunities to create memories, build trust and enjoy quality family time. With good preparation and realistic expectations, you can create experiences that will turn into long-lasting memories – even off the slopes.