ARTICLE by Natalie Brown

7 tips for your family ski holiday

 |  Reading time: 6 minutes
B_for_Blog | Natural Baby Shower

Skiing in February is an attractive time of year as it often ensures a good amount of snow, without the darker days experienced in December and January. However, with more and more of us looking to travel after the pandemic, it is worth being aware that many will be heading for the slopes this February half term.

To relieve some of the stress, we’ve assembled 7 top tips for your winter ski holiday along with a full list of essential parenting products, so you can spend more time relishing in après-ski and less time on navigating holidays at high-altitude.

Winter Ski Guide for the family

Our top tips

1. Book in advance 

Skiers from all over the UK and Europe flock to the slopes in February, so there’s a risk that family rooms, resorts and chalets with shorter transfers times could be booked up if you're not quick. Make sure to reserve everything in advance, from skis and boots - even tables at your favourite restaurant. 

2. Have a dry run practice

Whether it’s your family’s first time on the slopes or you’re a seasoned skier, it’s worth booking a few sessions at your local dry ski slope for a pre-ski holiday warm-up. There are several venues across the UK, some that even use real snow, so you can practice your skiing before hitting the slopes.

3. Go further afield

To enjoy a quieter ski trip in February half term, try to stick to the outer slopes. Often the central areas of ski resorts are always busier, but the slopes on the outer edges tend to be much quieter and just as perfect for family skiing. Plus, the white glow of pristine snow makes the additional journey time well worth it!

4. Travel organised

From little things like ensuring documents and passes are always kept securely attached to jackets to smart strollers that fold within seconds, there’s a whole host of things to do and products to invest in that can help your trip run smoothly. One small thing to remember and minimise complaints - dry out all ski socks and gloves the night before!

5. Get to know the pro’s

If you’ve already invested in skiing lessons for you and your little ones, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the expert knowledge of your instructors. They’re sure to know the quietest, prime ski spots away from the crowds, so you and the family can enjoy without too much competition for space! 

6. Start the day early 

To beat the queues, try to get to the lifts early (by 9am) if possible. Some lifts open even earlier, so you can enjoy the slopes before the crowds start to build-up. With an earlier start, you can justify an earlier finish so you can get off the slopes and back for a lovely hot meal before the end-of-the-day rush begins!

7. Insure your trip

When you are excitedly planning your family ski holiday, travel insurance is a rather uninspiring aspect of the trip that risks being overlooked. Like many activity holidays, this carries some element of risks, but there is far more to holiday insurance than cover for potential injuries. With the pandemic posing cancellation risks, make sure you're not the one who's caught out without adequate cancellation insurance!

Our essential’s checklist

To save time, energy, and luggage space many skiers rent ski essentials such as equipment hire from the resort, but there are quite a few winter accessories you’ll want to make sure is ticked off your packing list. We’ve highlighted some of our snow-favourites that will keep you and your little one snug as a bug while out on the slopes!

Compact stroller + accessories

    BABYZEN YOYO2

    The ultimate compact stroller, loved by millions and perfect for on-the-go travel, the YOYO2 stroller in Ginger is so versatile. Suitable from birth with newborn cocoon and up to 22kg in seat mode, this lightweight pushchair can be folded, unfolded, and manoeuvred with just one hand. Plus, with compact folded dimensions, the YOYO2 stroller fits in any standard overhead locker, ideal for overseas vacations.

      BABYZEN YOYO+ Ski Kit

      Compatible with all YOYO strollers, the BABYZEN ski kit is the perfect addition for your BABYZEN this ski season. Instantly attaching to the front wheels of your stroller, the kit is ideal for gliding across snowy terrain so you can travel easily and smoothly with your little one. Please note, this cannot be used directly for skiing or snowboarding.

      BABYZEN YOYO Ski set


      BABYZEN YOYO Footmuff – Ginger

      The BABYZEN YOYO Footmuff in Ginger fits perfectly over all YOYO strollers, protecting little ones and keeping them cosy in colder weather. Featuring drawstrings and soft Sherpa lining to avoid heat loss, and a detachable cover and reversible hood, the YOYO footmuff is an essential accessory for winter months.

      BABYZEN YOYO Mittens

      The YOYO mittens in black attach onto the BABYZEN YOYO’s handlebar with an easy-to-use, Velcro fastening. With soft Sherpa lining and double layer of water-repellent protection, pushing a stroller has never been snow good!

      Organisers + bags

      Tiba + Marl Miko Bum Bag – Snake Print

      The Snake Print Tiba + Marl Miko Bum Bag merges sport and practicality, it's a great hands-free option, this unisex style features wipe clean lining, adjustable length belt, and interior and exterior pockets to keep all your essentials and ski passes. Stay organised and keep items close by!

      Storksak Stroller Organiser – Luxe Scuba

      The Storksak Stroller Organiser Luxe Scuba in Grey Marl is compact and super practical, just attach to your stroller for hands free use - everything stays in place whilst on the go.This organiser also comes with internal elasticated strap to hold extra bottle and provides extra storage for snacks, toys, bottles and personal items. Perfect for another storage solution when navigating through snowy terrain.

      Stroller organisers for Winter

      Baby Carriers + accessories

        Phil & Teds Escape Baby Carrier – Chilli

        Fully-featured & ergonomically designed Escape™ carrier delivers so much freedom for super adventurous parents to explore the great outdoors with their little ones in tow. Designed to be comfy for both parent and child with several practical storage solutions, you can rest assured going out fully prepared for anything that may happen on your winter journey.

        Ergobaby All Weather Cover

        Compatible with all Ergobaby Carriers and other popular baby carrier brands, the Ergobaby All Weather Cover is perfect for for all weather conditions, including snow and rain. It's lightweight and water resistant to keep your little one warm and dry. Its versatility and easy-to-use features makes it the perfect cover for your winter getaway. 

        Safety

        Green People Organic Sun Lotion SPF30 – Scent free

        Make sure to bring a protective sun lotion this ski season to protect from the sun's glare while up at higher altitudes. The scent free Green People Organic Children Sun Lotion SPF30 is perfect as it is suitable for both children with sensitive skin and contains 84% organic content. We love that the packaging is plant-based and fully recyclable too!

        Babiators Blue Series range

        This awesome Blue Series collection comes in 3 stylish frame shapes, suitable for babies, toddlers and older 6+ children. Blue Series are Polarized to reduce UV glare and mirrored lenses to increase style. They come with a protective felt case in all sizes and a silicone strap for the junior (0-2) size, perfect to keep on little faces on snowy activities! 

        Outerwear

        Elodie Details Winter Beanie

        The Elodie Details Winter Beanie in Juniper Blue is made from carefully a selected cotton material because of its natural and highly insulating properties. The beanie is also made from spandex to give it a soft and elastic finish for extra comfort. This is the perfect addition to your ski holiday must-haves, guaranteed to keep your baby's precious ears toasty warm.


        The MORI Recycled Waterproof Padded Snowsuit 

        The MORI Recycled Waterproof Padded Snowsuit in Sage is an adorable all-in-one designed with keep the wet and cold at bay. Made from recycled materials with plant-based padding, this snowsuit is lightweight and extra cosy with a faux fur lining, hood and removable mittens and booties.

        Bobux Soft Sole Desert Arctic Shoes

        The Bobux Soft Sole Desert Artic Shoes in Caramel are lined with warm and breathable merino wool. Durable, warm and flexible, these stylish shoes are perfect for little adventurers, snow, rain or shine. 

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