Here in France it's half term and with the snow forecast for the next three days we are already thinking (and panicking a little) about the winter ski season ahead. Here in Chamonix summer temperatues are often in the 30 centigrade mark but once October comes in the difference can be significant and the next three days will probably be the case in point! When its sunny its great, but as soon as the sun goes down or a storm comes in things can change quite dramitically. With our two children it is therefore important we get the clothing right and having been here 5 years we are slowly getting there, with minor tweaks each season.
When we first moved in we were quite taken back by the concious effort people made to get the message across regarding 'dressing up' our children as soon as winter arrived. Now for both them and us this is second nature and I would therefore like to share this with you. For some it will be like sucking eggs, others some quick revision / something to reconcile against, and for those on their first family ski holiday, hopefully remove some of the concern / unknown that invariably exists.First things first, whatever time of year you go on your family ski holiday, it is really important to ensure the children are properly dressed for the weather and in our case we are fortunate to live near Quechua which has all the basic clothing for the youngsters. With children growing so quickly, great ski clothing doesn't have to necessary be designer ski labels, in fact we have found for example that the above company (who just happen to test their clothing and equipment in Chamonix - enough said) provide great technical garments that also last (and our children certainly seem to test them during the season - skiing and 'body sledging' at school). So rule number one I guess, the most exensive might not be the best - choose clothing that is 'fit for purpose' rather than for the look.
Ski - Base Layers: You've probably heard people talk about dressing in layers for the cold and this is really important, especially for children. Start with a good base layer and make sure your children have a couple of sets of thermals, including long johns. We buy two or three pairs of sports thermal vests and thermal leggings for the season to keep the kids nice and snuggly and it works so well as the sports versions are comfortable and wick well. We always also buy a good number of woolly socks as we need them for general wear as well as for skiing. 'Tubes' aren't great as they don't fit the feet so well so we would suggest 'fitted' ski socks and not too thick, but a warm pair.
Ski - Mid Layers: I always dress ours in two mid layers, the first mid layer isn't thick and is light top with a gentle wicking fabric, generally with a zip at the neck to vent or keep in the heat. Over this for our children goes the fleece. If you are layering well, this doesn't generally, unless we are talking extreme weathers, need to be too thick, and a mid size fleece should typically suffice and not be too restricting for the children. Again a zip is good to allow air to circulate on the warmer days (which there are a lot more of than colder ones).
Ski - Outer Layers: My daughter who is 7 prefers to wear salopettes and jacket but my son who is 5 doesn't like anything too bulky and restrictive loves the all in one ski suits. Whichever you buy, we would advice that you ensure they have good water and wind proofing properties. As above, these don't have to be expensive and visit any French school in the high mountains and you will find a Quecha cat walk! Finally, before the accesories, the gloves. What I have found, after living in the alps for 5 years, is that it is worth spending a bit more money on a good pair of gloves or mittens. The latter (mittens) are the warmer of the two. Buy ones with a long cuff that fits over the sleeve of the jacket and I would suggest that you don't choose gloves for the very little ones as mittens are better to fit little fingers into (otherwise be prepared for a long and ardurous start to the date fiddling to try and find fingers). Try the gloves on your child if this is possible to get a really good fit and again wind and water proof is highly recomended.
Ski - Accessories: Finally the accessories, a good snood on a cold day aways comes in handy as it stops the cold going down the neck and it is really important on those colder mornings. A good woolly hat is also necessary, whilst we strongly recommend all children wear at all times on the slopes a ski helmet (and parents - these can be hired from most ski hire shops), when not skiing a warm hat provides invaluable warmth and stops your child losing heat quickly. The last essential ski accessory is the ski goggles or sunglasses. Snow blindness shouldn't be underestimated so spend a little time on selection and ensure they fit well, and have the right UV protection and that they are for skiing (e.g. if they fall they won't shatter, etc).
Hope this helps a little, and if anyone woul like any further information please ask. Likewise, if you would like to add to this blog, please feel free.
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