Child Safety when Skiing in the Alps
Traveling with your family makes nearly every holiday more special. Being able to bond with them in a new place while trying out new activities can surely strengthen the relationship. This is especially true if you’re usually busy at work and other responsibilities at home.
However, it can also lead to more than a few surprises because traveling without preparing ahead of time and getting some ski storage ideas can be detrimental to your children’s safety. Instead of having fun when traveling, going unprepared will create the opposite effect – going on this kind of trip will only make you feel stressed and even cause you to shell out money way beyond your set budget.
If you’re taking your children on a skiing holiday in the Alps, there are a number of safety concerns to consider to ensure that your children will actually have fun on your upcoming trip.
There are so many different benefits of going on a ski holiday, especially when you bring the whole family! Your safety, as well as the safety of your children should always be the priority. In order to make it easier for you to enjoy your holiday to the fullest, here are a few things to think about before you and your family hit the slopes.
Skiing With and Without Your Children
Finding something for everyone on a holiday away can be a challenge. Not only do you have to consider what will make the young children happy, but also think about what the teenagers, older children, and the adults will enjoy as well! Skiing holidays are no different.
When you go skiing in the alps, you also have to exert time and effort to look for activities that everyone loves. You can do this by doing some research months or weeks before your trip. This will give you ample time to look for and scout for several destinations and book one that offers activities that your entire family will love.
When looking for activities for your family, inquire if there are any age limits or do’s and don’ts. If you’re going to go ice skating with your children, for example, is there is any dress code required? What time are they allowed to use the skating rink? This information will affect your itinerary and enjoyment, so make sure to ask these questions before you visit the Alps.
However, with a trip to a ski resort in the Alps, there are several elements that make taking children with you everywhere practically impossible. Not only can you not take small children on most lifts, but their skiing abilities shouldn’t be tested on a black diamond. And as most parents know, it’s hard to find good childcare. Especially when you’re abroad!
Resorts with Childcare
Traveling to high-quality resorts, you can not only find certified childcare professionals, but they can also stay in the comfort of your own chalet! Family-friendly ski resorts allow you to schedule childcare ahead of time. That way, while the older children and the adults are busy enjoying family ski time whilst the littlest members of the family are safe and sound!
These childcare professionals are extremely qualified. Here are just a few of the qualifications that the people looking after your children will need to have:
• All staff are enhanced DBS checked (Government background check)
• All staff are reference-checked
• Childcare staff are trained in first aid
• Excellent mix of qualified nannies, as well as experienced support staff
The qualifications and experience alone will not only leave your little one in good hands, but will also help you feel more relaxed about being on the slopes without them.
Take into consideration that the number of childcare professionals are limited. This means that scheduling days, or even nights out, should be done in advance! Don’t wait until the last minute, or you’ll find yourself without a nanny.
Safety Gear
You’ve made your way to the Alps. You’ve gotten your French visa paperwork in, your entire family made the flight in time, and now you’ve landed at the resort. Before you even started packing, one thing you should always consider is safety gear for your children.
If you’re looking to get your children involved with ski lessons, then it’s important that you understand the necessity of safety gear. Let’s take a look at the absolute basics, but must-haves, for your ski safety gear. Your family’s safety and life depend on the safety gear they’ll wear when they’re in the Alps.
Warm Clothing
The Alps are not located in the Bahamas. It can be extremely cold. Frost bite may be the least of your worries if your children aren’t dressed properly for the cold weather. Make certain they have waterproof snow pants, a snow suit, as well as gloves and hats that will keep them warm. Everything should be able to stand up against the snow and cold winds!
Layers are your friend. Not only should you and your family be dressed in warm outerwear, but you should also have comfortable, but insulating clothes on under your snow pants and parkas.
If you don’t have warm clothing in your closet, shop before you visit the Alps. The warmer you are in the Alps, the easier it’ll be for you to have fun and enjoy the trip!
Padding, and Helmets, and Goggles, OH MY!
Important safety gear to have with you on a ski trip will always include helmets and eye protection. Helmets help to protect your skull and brain in case there is a major fall. Just because the snow is simply covering a very large mountain range, doesn’t mean it can actually protect you from the rocks.
Goggles have many different functions while skiing. Not only can they look super cool, but they can also prevent the cold air and snow from getting into your eyes while you are skiing. They also help to prevent something called snow blindness. Acting as UV protection, much like sunglasses, skiing goggles are great for protecting your eyes from the sun. As well as from the wind and snow! When your eyes are protected from the weather, it’ll be easier for you to see and navigate your skis, preventing any accidents and injuries.
Padding is certainly optional ski equipment, but can really save you and your little ones from unwanted bumps and bruises from falls.
Skiing Gear
Properly sized ski boots, skis, and poles are extremely important for your safety while in the Alps. If boots are too loose, they could slip off and cause your child harm. If the boots are too small it could limit mobility and keep your child from reacting fast enough! Find an expert to help size your child’s ski equipment properly before you leave on holiday.
You don’t necessarily HAVE to purchase all of this gear before you set out on your skiing holiday. Keep in mind that skiing equipment can be rather pricey, and kids can grow out of them quickly. There are plenty of resorts that have a wonderful variety of safety gear for rent. Leaving you with a few extra dollars in the bank, and your family equipped with high-quality safety gear.
Learning First Hand
Another extremely important factor to take into account on a ski trip is how your children will learn how to ski! Much like teaching your child to ride a bike, learning how to ski or snowboard takes time and patience. Not to mention more than a little experience!
Your child isn’t going to be an Olympic skier from one holiday, but they ARE going to fall. Especially if they are skiing for the first time! If you don’t believe you have the right teaching skills, or the patience, to educate your child on how to ski, then it is important to find a resort that has highly qualified instructors.
The instructors need to not only be able to teach your child to ride on the snow, but also be able to take care of the situation if they are hurt. This takes experience, knowledge of children, as well as patience!
After all, there is a big difference between teaching an adult, and teaching a child. Be certain the resort has instructors that are familiar with how to teach children, have background checks, and are experienced skiers!
All Safe and Sound and Ready for an Alpine Ski Holiday!
Skiing on the Alps is an experience that will stay with you and your family for the rest of your lives. Not only do you get to experience the amazing exercise, but the stunning mountain views as well! Not to mention the amazing local cultures. But when it comes to this holiday, there are lots of safety concerns to consider.
Family-friendly ski resorts are an excellent way to find professional childcare, get the right safety gear, as well as find incredible instructors for your children and yourself. Knowing that your children are safe will not only help you relax on your holiday, but will also make it so much more fun.
Remember these tips when you’re planning your skiing trip to the Alps, and you’ll have an awesome vacation as a family!
