If your kids have been inspired by the images from the Winter Olympics in China, they might be applying a little pressure to get out on the slopes in their half-term holidays.
There are plenty of last-minute deals on offer to get to the Alps over the next couple of weeks and here is your Female First guide to what is needed to take the kids away to a snowy wonderful getaway.
ESSENTIAL CLOTHING
Draw breath and prepare to spend some cash. A decent quality and waterproof ski jacket is a must, along with some good quality ski gloves and salopettes that are all part of the essential kit on a skiing trip. That little lot will set you back at least £75, but it is well worth looking around for bargains as the end of the ski season is edging closer and there are some good deals to be had out there.
THE EXTRAS
Warm ski socks are important to ensure your littles ones are not freezing when you send them off to their ski lessons, while a good quality scarf is a vital piece of kit. You might not think you need sun cream when you are heading to the snow, but the bright rays at the top of mountain peaks can crisp unprotected skin and that is well worth considering.
KIDS SKIING LESSONS
It might feel a little intimidating as a parent to leave your kids in a ski school when they have never tried the sport before, but this is the best way for them to learn. If you take them over the half-term holidays in the UK, there are certain to be lots of English-speaking kids in the lessons and the local ski instructors know how to guide even the most nervous of little souls through their first experience on the slopes. As a parent, this is also a great way of ensuring you can enjoy your own holiday, safe in the knowledge that your kids are enjoying themselves without the need for you to look after them.
LIFT PASSES
Your package holiday will only include flights and accommodation, but don't forget to add in the cost of the hidden extras. Lift passes are needed to get up the mountains and they can cost around £250 per person for a week of skiing. The hiring of skis and boots is also a vital part of enjoying your holiday as uncomfortable boots can make for a miserable trip and blisters aplenty, so make sure you hire good quality equipment.
BEST PLACE FOR KIDS TO LEARN TO SKI
Austria has long been a popular resort for families, with the welcoming locals and high-quality ski instructors boasting a track record of success with children. The Skiwelt resort is a great option as it offers a wide range of slopes and had the delightful option of allowing you to ski into different regions on the same lift pass. The views are breathtaking as you ski and make your way around on the chairlifts, with the picturesque resort of Söll a hugely popular location. Fly into Salzburg or Innsbruck and it is a 90-minute transfer to the village location, with plenty of restaurants and bars to ensure the kids will want to go back again and again.
RELATED: Women becoming more important both as viewers and participants in the Olympics (femalefirst.co.uk)
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