Skiing with the family: FAQ's

1. What's the youngest age that I can take my child/children on a ski holiday?
This is really a parents own choice, there are no rules. A few resorts, such as Lenzerheide (Switzerland) and Mammoth (U.S.A) take new born babies in their creches. Many others take between 2 - 6 month babies. Research your resort to check the minimum age of children allowed.

2. What age should I start my child/children skiing?
The ESF (Ecole du Ski Francais) recommend that children under 5 years only ski for a couple of hours a day. This is of course only a recommendation, and a childs parent has the best knowledge of how long they are capable to ski.

3. I don't like the idea of leaving my child/children in the local creche while I'm skiing - is there another option?
There are other options available to you if you don't want to send your child/children to a local creche.

• in-house creches, run by qualified nannies from the UK. This can be a very good choice as some offer skiing in the afternoons for the children, dependent on their age and ability. Tour operators may  have in-house creches so ask when you enquire
  
• private nanny, either in resort, through companies such as snowkidz.com, or from the UK, you can hire a nanny for your entire holiday.

4. What type of accommodation should I choose when taking my family skiing?
The best choice of accommodation when skiing with the family and young children, is either a

• Family Chalet
• Family Club Hotel

Some Tour Operators offer accommodation geared up to taking children skiing with you, and these can be a great option; not only on a social level as there are other families with you, but also as all aspects of your holiday are aimed to help your children have more fun on holiday, and to make sure parents relax and enjoy a family holiday without stress.

5. Should my child/children wear helmets when skiing?
This is a very personal choice. However, many ski schools insist that children wear helmets during lessons. In Italy, as well as many resorts in America, children must wear helmets on the slopes at all times.

extracted from the Ski Club of Great Britain www.skiclub.co.uk