What to Pack for a Ski Day with Kids: The Checklist

Most short ski lessons with children do not end because of the snow or the instructor. They end because of cold hands, wet socks, a forgotten snack or a toilet emergency in a ski suit. After many seasons of teaching small children in Crans-Montana, this is the checklist we give parents.

What your child wears

• Thin base layer: a long-sleeved thermal top and leggings, wool or synthetic. Cotton stays wet and cold.
• Warm middle layer: a fleece or thin down jacket. Several thin layers beat one thick jumper.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers: or a one-piece suit for the youngest, which keeps snow out when they sit down.
• One pair of ski socks: long, thin and warm. Two pairs squeeze the feet and make them colder.
• Mittens: easier than gloves for small hands, and warmer. Bring a spare pair.
• Neck warmer: safer than a scarf, which can catch on a lift.
• Helmet and goggles: a helmet for every child on skis, and goggles or sunglasses that protect from the strong mountain light.

What you can rent

Skis, ski boots and helmets can be rented locally in Crans-Montana. If you rent, try boots on the day before: boots that are too big are the most common reason for sore feet and falls. Your instructor goes through the gear with you when they call the day before the lesson.

In your backpack

• Sunscreen and lip balm: at 1,500 m, the sun burns faster than in the valley, even on cold days.
• A small snack: a cereal bar, dried fruit or a piece of bread. A two-minute break can save the lesson.
• A drink: water or a warm drink in a small thermos.
• Spare mittens and socks: the first thing to get wet.
• Tissues: always.
• A small toy or treat for afterwards: something to look forward to after the lesson.

Before you leave the chalet

• Breakfast: skiing on an empty stomach does not work for anyone, least of all a toddler.
• Toilet: once the ski suit and boots are on, this takes a long time.
• Sunscreen on: faces first, before the helmet goes on.
• Time buffer: leave fifteen minutes earlier than you think. Rushing a child into boots is the fastest way to tears.

The mistakes we see most

• Too many clothes: a sweating child becomes a cold child as soon as they stop moving.
• Gloves instead of mittens for toddlers: small fingers cannot get into them and get cold fast.
• Long lessons for small children: for 2- to 4-year-olds, one hour is enough. Our Mini Discovery and Snow Cubs sessions last exactly that long.
• No plan B: if the weather is poor or your child is tired, it is fine to stop early and try again tomorrow.

After the lesson

Dry everything overnight, especially mittens, boot liners and socks. And plan something warm: a hot chocolate, or a walk with Upps, our St. Bernard, which ends with one.

If you are not sure what your child needs, ask your instructor when they call you before the lesson. That call is exactly for questions like these.