When the winter wind blows, it’s super easy to want to stay inside, pump up the heating and use the bestvpncanada.ca … oh, who am I kidding! My kids don’t want to be inside – no matter what the weather. Basically, there is no such thing as poor weather in our household, only poor clothing choices. My boys love being outside in the rain and outside in the snow. So I thought that I would share some of my top tips for taking young children to the snow.
We have been heading to the snow for the past four years. And I think that I’ve come up with some good tips and tricks for having little ones at the snow and reducing the costs.
Currently, we have two boys who are able to ski. I’m making the investment to have them take ski lessons {you know, so they don’t pick up any of my bad habits – similar to my thoughts on giving them professional driving lessons when they are older}. And one who is there to play and drink multiple babycinos.
If you’re planning on heading to the snow fields with young children this season, read on for my top seven tips for taking young children to the snow….
Dress Appropriately
I invest in great gear and I’m lucky enough to be able to pass that gear down each year {a big plus of having three boys in three and a half years}. If your children are warm and dry then you’ll be able to stay out longer. No one wants to have to call off the snow fight or the snow man making because of wet woolen mittens or soaked through jeans or just because a little one isn’t warm enough.
Our boys wear Kathmandu thermals and fleeces and Burton snow gear. I purchase my gear well in advance at the sales or the online sales. But if you’re not planning on going every year, I highly recommend checking out op shops or hiring gear prior to arriving on the mountain {so you don’t have to pay a premium}.
Layer Up
When you are at the snow, wearing everything you own, doesn’t always equate to ‘being warm’. And when you have little ones, they might not actually be able to tell you if they are too hot or too cold {although there is always the method of crying}. To understand the correct way to layer, here is the function of each layer:
- Base layer (underwear layer): wicks sweat off your skin
- Middle layer (insulating layer): retains body heat to protect you from the cold
- Outer layer (shell layer): shields you from wind and rain
Even if you don’t wear all three layers at the outset, it’s a good idea to take all layers on every outing: You can peel off layers if things heat up, but you can’t put on layers that you didn’t bring along.
If you have kids, I am sure you haven’t left for the day with out the ‘baby bag’ – so remember to pop those extra layers into the ‘baby bag’.
Mittens for the win
Don’t attempt gloves. Gloves are very difficult to pop onto young children – they just don’t have the dexterity to pop all of their little fingers into each of the ‘glove fingers’ {I’m not sure if that’s the correct term – but let’s run with that}.
You’ll want a pair of waterproof mittens – because woolen mittens are no good if you actually want to touch the snow.
Young children are often inclined to pull their mittens off. So one trick that we’ve used tie the mittens together with a piece of ribbon that matches to the length of your child’s wingspan. Then run one mitten and the string through both sleeves of the coat. The mittens will then just hang out the bottom of the sleeves and you’ll save your sanity.
Take your carrier of choice
OMG people – I really don’t get these people that I have seen lately, pushing their prams through the snow. It’s too hard. Use a baby carrier! Little ones will get tired and you will need to carry them after a long day on the slopes. You’ll probably also need too hands to carry things like ski boots or skis. So remember to take your baby carrier.
If you’re coming back to the lodge with multiple children and multiple sets of skis – maybe have someone meet you at the bus with a toboggan, and you can drag some the kids or the gear.
Don’t come home in your ski boots
Children are super tired at the end of the day and walking home in their ski boots isn’t the greatest idea. We have invested in snow boots, but if you’re planning on a single trip, you can change your children out of their ski boots and into gumboots for the trek home {or back to the accommodation}.
And carrying multiple pairs of ski boots home is also very difficult – so make sure you take a bag to help you out. I find that one that can fold down into my pocket whilst I am off skiing is super helpful {like the bag you might keep in your handbag in case you are out and need to purchase some groceries}.
Get snack happy
Skiing or snow playing makes little ones HUNGRY! So think about that in terms of snacking. Food on the mountain is pretty expensive when your purchasing multiple things. So have some snacks on hand and remember to always take your rubbish with you. Some of our family favourites include;
- fruit that travels well; like bananas or apples or mandarins
- pretzels or popcorn
- cheese sticks
- squeezy yoghurts { try popping greek yoghurt into a reusable squeezy pouch – these aren’t too babyish}
- Harvest Box snack packs {the Power Mix is my personal favourite}
- Extra Marshmallows {if we stop for hot chocolates or babycinos}
- Sandwich fingers {with simple fillings like Vegemite or peanut butter}
Ummm and how cute are these top 10 snow themed snacks for kids.
It’s thirsty business
Water, water, water. It’s really important to remember to drink water whilst you’re at the snow. We always make sure that each of the children has a water bottle. Best not to share in case anyone starts to get sick.
So have you been to the snow fields this season? Do you have any tips on traveling to the snow with kids? To you have any hot tips on purchasing ski gear? We currently rent our skis – what’s your opinion on buying skis for children? We recommend to learn more information here, you will find awesome tips on traveling options for your family.
