7 must-haves to hit the slopes with little kids
Skiing with young children is both fun and absolutely exhausting. With numerous ski trips under my belt, I now know which items are essential for a successful day in the mountains.
We’re mostly out of the woods with our children. At least when it comes to skiing. During our skiing holidays over the New Year, my husband and I were delighted to discover that we can now get down any mountain with our two girls. Over are the days of spending all day running up and down miniature slopes. Any parent who’s spent time on Swiss ski slopes and magic carpets will know why I’m glad I no longer need to shout «pizza» and «fries» at my kids.
Source: Katja Fischer
Turns out, all those frayed nerves were an investment that paid off. After numerous ski trips involving ranting toddlers and annoyed parents (or vice versa), we now know exactly what we need to pack to keep stress levels on the slopes as low as possible.
1. Foot and hand warmers
If your kids are dealing with cold hands or feet, everything’ll grind to a halt. No amount of encouragement in a cheery tone will help. The only place you can run to now is the closest restaurant. But you have to get there first. That’s why we always have hand and foot warmers on us. On very cold days, we slip them into our boots and gloves before hitting the slopes.
2. Lip care
Sometimes the most trivial things will prevent you from getting ahead. Dry lips, for example. Yep, I speak from experience. Ever since my youngest went into a full-blown, on-piste strike, I always have lip balm with UV protection in my jacket pocket.
Lip balms
Quantity discount
CHF12.30 per piece for 2 units CHF860.–/1l
Phytopharma Apricoderm Stick
Care pencil, 15 ml
3. Ski harness
We were against getting a much-discussed ski harness for a long time. According to critics, children don’t learn to ski properly with it because they’re not doing the braking and steering themselves. Eventually, we caved and got a harness. And it’s been a great relief.
We used it when the slope was too steep or our little one needed to save her strength. Or to pull the kids up small hills. Honestly, it was worth its weight in gold for all those scenarios.
4. Neck tube
A quick-drying tubular neck scarf primarily protects your neck from the cold. But it also doubles up as a mouth and ear warmer or as a balaclava or hat. This all-purpose item for the snow is easy to pop in your jacket, should temperatures rise. The scarf’s so thin, it hardly takes up any space.
5. Snacks
Without a bit of fuel for in between, our family stops working. We always have a few Werther’s or Mentos at hand. Plus cereal bars for those short on-piste breaks. Occasionally, we’ll even have a mug of punch for a little boost and to warm up our fingers.
Snacks + Chips
Quantity discount
CHF5.90 per piece for 3 units CHF16.25/1kg
Alnatura Organic trail mix 400g
400 g
6. Backpack
Speaking of snacks: you’re best off stowing them and other essentials for your ski day in a backpack. Make sure it’s tight-fitting, lightweight and water-resistant.
7. Patience
No, we don’t sell deep relaxation, but you can pop it in your backpack before every ski trip. Your child needs the toilet just after you’ve zipped up the fifth layer of clothing and strapped on those bulky ski boots? Well, so be it. The same applies if your wee one’s done with skiing just half an hour in. Sometimes even the best bribes won’t help. You can choose to get angry. Or you can make the best of it. After all, sipping a coffee with a shot of something strong in it and watching the skiers zip by doesn’t sound that bad either, right?
Bath salts + Bubble baths
Quantity discount
CHF1.35 per piece for 4 units
Kneipp Deep relaxation
Bath salts
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Katja Fischer
Senior Editor
Katja.Fischer@digitecgalaxus.chMom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.
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