Ski holidays with kids made easy

Family skiing holidays are a wonderful way for the entire family to spend quality time together while skiing, snowboarding, or simply playing in the snow. To ensure your family skiing holiday is as enjoyable as possible for both you and the kids, here are some tips from Flight Centre.

Draw up a budget and stick to it

Start by making sure you have an overall budget for your dream ski trip and stick to it. Giving your travel consultant an idea of how much you would like to spend allows them to create the kind of holiday that lives up to its promise without the bulging credit card statement at the end of it all. Make sure your budget includes equipment hire, lift passes, and lessons if needed.

Research your options

Ski resorts come in all shapes and sizes, catering to specific needs. If you’re a first-time skier or travelling with the kids then it’s a good idea to head for a resort that will accommodate you. Your ski resort will ideally offer local beginner lift passes, a good ski school, and gentle nursery slopes for you to up your confidence levels. If, however, you’re a master on the slopes then you’ll want a resort that offers challenging terrain and perhaps the opportunity to go off-piste. While groups should look for a balance of both so that everyone is catered for.

Look out for added perks

Ask your travel consultant about the difference between the fully inclusive and all-inclusive options offered on ski holidays. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much holiday moola you can save by booking a fully or all-inclusive option. These options inevitably include most meals, some drinks, and snacking options throughout the day. Eating and drinking can really eat into a holiday budget so this is also a great way to make sure that most meals are taken care of, leaving you with some spending money for shopping.

Travel insurance is a must

Travel rule number one: if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. And there’s no type of holiday where this rule applies more than a ski holiday. The highs of hurtling down a mountain on two thin planks of wood come with certain risks. Choosing the right policy for your needs is vital.

Shop around for the best accommodation

Just as the different resorts offer features designed to appeal to different levels of skiers, the accommodation on offer varies accordingly. Families, groups, and singles are catered for and you have the choice of staying on the slopes, in town in a B&B, or perhaps a self-catering chalet or apartment is perfect for your plans. When staying on the snow you may feel isolated from all the ski action in town, but you will be the first to head for the slopes.

Don’t forget ski lessons

If you or your children have never skied before or are a bit rusty then head for one of the many ski schools around South Africa to brush up on your technique.

Hire ski gear

Instead of buying expensive ski gear, consider hiring ski gear instead. Most ski lodges have a range of equipment from skis to goggles and ski suits in all shapes and sizes. This will also cut down on the amount of luggage you need to pack.

Pack the right clothing

The trick to staying warm on the slopes is to layer your child’s clothing. Invest in some good thermal underwear, some waterproof gloves, and beanies. Dress your child in warm, breathable layers that can easily be removed and carried with them while they glide down the slopes.

Watch out for off-season discounts

The timing of your ski trip could bag you considerable savings and other benefits. School holidays are generally considered high season, so where possible, consider an early or late season trip, as there are often significant savings. This is also a good time for beginners as the slopes are less crowded