Frequently Asked Questions - Children

How old does my child have to be before he/she can go into ski school?

The usual age for children to start ski school is 4 years old.  Mini taster lessons are available at lunchtime, with a teacher/child ratio not exceeding 1:4,  for children aged 2 and upwards and they may progress to the full course if they're able to do so.

I want to spend the whole day on the slopes.  What can I do with my child at lunchtime?

For children attending ski school there's always the lunchtime supervision in the Kinder Restaurant where they'll be fed and watered and entertained.  Book this locally through your resort host for as many days as you'd like.  For children not in ski-school there's a creche in the village or we can arrange babysitting if required.

What ski gear should I get for my child.  It's our first ski holiday?

Apart from sunscreen and lip protection the following may be helpful:

A pair of waterproof gloves that fit.  Often we see children whose gloves are too big and this doesn't help to keep their hands warm or dry - receipe for an unhappy child.

A good pair of sunglasses or goggles.  It's important to protect young eyes from the glare of the snow. 

A waterproof jacket and trousers which adjust at the wrists and ankles to keep the snow from getting inside.  A hood is useful if it starts to snow.

A warm hat (fleece is better than wool as it repels water/snow a bit better).  Children should keep their hats on at all times to avoid losing heat quickly through their heads.

A warm pair of socks which reach to the knees.  This protects the shins from rubbing ski boots.

A set of thermal underwear is helpful to keep in the heat and allows easier movement for better skiing.

Always think layers when skiing;  if it gets too warm you can always take one off and if it gets too cold you can put it back on again.  Polo neck tops are great under other gear  to stop chilled necks.

We don't recommend scarves whilst skiing for anyone as they represent a hazard which can and should be avoided.