We’ve had our travel insurance with Holidaysafe for the last three years, and so when they asked me to publish their winter sports tips for families (in the infographic above), I was happy to oblige.
The tips seem pretty sensible, for the most part, but I have to say that I disagree with number five: I’d never let my kids ski without helmets, whatever the rules are in a particular resort. Research shows that helmets reduce head injuries by up to 45% (more details here).
If you’re interested, I have some tips of my own to add – because winter sports trips with children are certainly different to winter sports trips pre-kids. Here goes.
Be realistic
If you enjoyed winter sports holidays before having children, lower your expectations before heading for the slopes with your kids in tow. Accept that you may pay a fortune to take your family skiing, only to get there and find that your children don’t actually like skiing. That is their prerogative.
Borrow stuff
Save money by borrowing as much gear as you can from your friends and relations. Besides the warm winter clothes which you probably already have, you need a ton of stuff to wear on a winter sports trip: thermal base layers, waterproof jackets, salopettes, hats, mittens, goggles and snow boots for each member of the family. Your children will probably outgrow all of it before the next time that they need it – and then you can pass it on to another family.
Take your time
It takes a while get small children into all of the unfamiliar layers of clothes and footwear that they need in order to survive outside in the snow. Especially if, like my son, they don’t like wearing coats. Be patient, and allow extra time for this. A lot of time.
Take snacks
Being outside in the snow is tiring, and it can make kids especially very hungry. Have some cereal bars or other snacks with you so that you can keep everyone’s energy levels up.
Prepare for no snow
This happened to us four years ago when we went to the Italian Alps for a New Year ski trip. There was no snow and no chance of skiing. But we had a great time anyway, hanging out with friends, walking in the mountains and eating delicious food. Accept that this may happen on your trip, and think about what you would do in that situation.
In case you’re separated
If your child is too young to remember the address of where you’re staying, your name (not just ‘mummy’ or ‘daddy’) and your mobile phone number, find a way of keeping this information with them, just in case you become separated somehow. You can use an ID bracelet, write it on a piece of paper inside a secure pocket, or write it on their clothes or skin.
Have the right insurance
This tip is included in the Holidaysafe infographic, but it’s definitely worth repeating – make sure that you have appropriate travel insurance for where you’re going and what you’re doing. Standard travel insurance policies don’t cover winter sports, so make sure that you have adequate cover. It’s just not worth risking travelling without it, especially if you have children. (Check out my post about how to find the best family travel insurance).
Discount
Holidaysafe are offering a 10% discount on winter sports cover at the moment. To obtain the discount, use the code SNOW10.
Over to you
Do you have any tips to add for family winter sports trips?
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Holidaysafe. All and words opinions are my own. The infographic was provided by Holidaysafe.
I’ve never been on a winter sports holiday, but there’s some great tips here to remember if ever I do go. I agree with you about the helmets, I’d always make sure they were worn.
Tanya recently posted…Stick man, birds and musical instruments
These are great tips Gretta especially about being found if they get lost – god forbid! We always get insurance last minute for the summer holidays but winter it’s more important and there are some great tips here too. Thank you so much for sharing x
Charly Dove recently posted…A tale of two halves
You’re welcome!
Some great tips, I like the idea of the ID bracelet for sure.
Stephen recently posted…Konjac Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal
I would love to take the kids on a ski holiday but sadly it isn’t within our budget at the moment.
Kara recently posted…First Acts Announced for Camp Bestival 2016
Excellent tips – like the one especially about having the parent’s real name with them – not just mummy or daddy, which wouldn’t help. All sensible and very, very useful.
Thanks Sarah.
Great tips – We can’t wait to go skiing next year 🙂
Globalmouse recently posted…Getting into gear for Winter – Emu footwear goes ever natural
Oooh – where are you going?
We haven’t been on a winter sports holiday yet as a family, but this is all very helpful – especially the bit about helmets. Can’t believe you had a no-snow ski holiday, though! Sounds fab even so….
It was still fun as we were with friends and Italy’s always great, whatever happens!
Such good points. I’ve never even considered that kids might not actually like skiing! We haven’t done a winters sports holiday yet… Hubby and I are more sun lovers – but it’s definitely something we are considering in the future. I haven’t skiied in about 18 years!! I’ll need you tips if I do go
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Reviewed: Lamington Apartments in London
I’m not a very good skier, and my son doesn’t like it at all so we don’t really go skiing these days. You should try to get a trip in before school starts!
Fab tips – I have never been so would need lots of advice!
Sonya Cisco recently posted…Christmas Nut Roast
Great tips. The boys are desperate for some Snow, but the husbeast isnt!
Jen Walshaw (@Mum_TheMadHouse) recently posted…Felt Robin Christmas Ornament
Lots of great tips here – I’d love to take my lot skiiing one of these days x
Cass@frugalfamily recently posted…Join in with the ‘Have a Moneysaving Christmas’ linky this December….
That looks like great advice, I have never had a winter holiday and I’m not sure if I would want one to be honest but I’d definitely need insurance for my clumsy self if I did 😉
Sonia recently posted…The Book of Everyone Review
These sound like some great tips – I have to admit I wouldn’t know where to start on insurance or even plannning for such a holiday. x
Sarah Bailey recently posted…Shop for Christmas with Popmap