Are you taking the children with you on a winter break? Here is a few suggestions that will keep the spirits up for the whole family while you all enjoy your favourite winter sport...  

Research of the availability for ski lessons

Before you make plans for a fun winter break or even a single-day excursion to the snowed mountain, it should be best to make a few phonecalls and get your facts straight. What does a ski lesson involve? Will there be ski instructors the days you are going to be there? How many children are in a group and will the instructor be able to check all of them simultaneously? What does the price quote cover? Will the children get a break and would that take place in a cosy place for them to relax?  

Be present during your child’s ski lesson at least once  

If you are concerned about how easily or not your child will adapt to the rest of the group, then it would be best for the family to be present during a ski lesson. This will make the child feel less tense and it will actually be a fun process for the whole family.

Ensure that the children have eaten well

For the child to feel hungry or thirsty on the mountains, is hardly the best scenario. To avoid any ‘unhappiness’ on the part of your child, make sure that you carry with you some snacks or cereal bars and, of course, plenty of water.  

Importance must be given to appropriate clothing

You personally know exactly what to wear for an excursion up on the mountain or while skiing. The same should apply for your children too and importance must be given so that they wear appropriate clothes and shoes that will make them feel comfortable and protect them from the low temperatures.

Watch out for fear of heights symptoms  

It is always best when things are not rushed. In your winter break, prefer to spend your first day by simply playing with the snow in the company of your children. This will give them the time they need in order to get used to the new and demanding environment of the mountain. In any case, and when you take the lifts and go further up to the ski runs with the children, watch out for any unusual symptoms which may indicate that your child is height intolerant. As a parent, you should be able to define a sudden headache, any nausea, drowsiness, a decreased appetite, any weakness or some light dizziness that your child may complain about.

Always set a family meeting point

Sometimes - if not always - the ski resort may be crowded with people doing their own thing at their own speed. The outfits worn on the mountains are of similar bright colours and too many children are having ski lessons. It is a good idea if, as a family, you set a meeting point so that you can find each other in case you get lost or if you split up in order to do different activities.   

From: Eva Kanellopoulos

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