Family Ski Checklist

With just two weeks to go before the family packs their suitcases for the annual ski half term holiday, I thought it might be useful to put together a family ski checklist. For the younger ones, the first thing to make sure is the:

•  Child car seats

Sounds obvious this one and yes at Chamonix Exclusive we supply them for all ages, but it surprising how many operators don't provide them, so you might want to check before you arrive and if necessary bring your own. Personally speaking hear, if the operator doesn't provide them, you may also want to question how child friendly they really are!

Ski Half Term - Arriving At The Airport

• Warm Coat
• Fleece
• Snow boots
• Warm Hat
• Sunglasses

With half term skiing being a February arrival it will probably mean temperatures down to, or below freezing, exposed flesh can quickly lead to discomfort, distressed children or worse! Left handy at all times therefore should be a warm coat, a fleece, hat and some gloves - especially as on arrival at the resort they are likely to dive straight into the snow! The ski half term week always also seems to bring the snow, so the shiny party shoes are far from ideal! Sounds obvious, but you might be surprised by what we sometimes see at airports. The snow boots on the checklist don't have to be expensive ones either, something warm with a good sole, or instead of snow boots a pair of walking boots are generally ideal (except after a big snowfall - unless waterproof).

Getting Out On The Slopes - The real Start To The Half Term Ski Holiday

So, we have successfully managed the arrival, the good operators will have prior to your departure sorted your ski passes, ski lessons and anything else that you need, otherwise this needs to be done as soon as you arrive (or by yourself before you depart using the web) as being half term, ski lessons may not be easy to book on the day! So assuming this has all been done, the morning has arrived, where do you start, firstly 30 minutes before you think you need to! Whatever time you think you need to get up for breakfast, we find another 30 minutes are typically needed if ski school is involved!

And now for the children's ski checklist, half term is a layering week, as February generally brings cold mornings and warm afternoons, so make sure you pack:

• Thermal base layers (Long John's and vest)
• Thin Mid Layers
• Ski Socks
• Fleeces
• Snood / Turtle Neck
• Waterproof salopettes
• Waterproof jacket
• Good quality mittens or glove
• Goggles
• Ski helmet (or make sure you can hire in resort)
• Sun protection (high factor)
• Lip protection (high factor)

And just before you set off to ski school:

• Snack bar(s)
• Lift pass
• Ski school ticket
• Identification
• Skis or Snowboard
• Boots
• Poles

Complete? Now of course nyou can send them off comfortable to have a great ski day - the best way to spend the half term ski holiday!