Kid Konsiderations for the Slopes
A day at the mountains is quite often a family affair involving parents and young kids. If you have young children, preparation is a must for your sanity and your kids’ safety and comfort. If they are happy – you’re happier.
The days of looking after yourself may be gone for a while but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. Here are “Ten Tips” from SnoCountry to help with your enjoyment on the slopes.
- Young kids have different bodies. They get hotter faster in the summer and colder faster in the winter. Dress them in multiple layers and sway towards over-dressing versus under-dressing. Try to use waterproof gear.
- If you’re children are very young (3-6 years) or beginners, try the 2 run protocol. That means after every 2 runs you head for the lodge for a drink and snack. This way you fend off the cold before it has a chance to set in. Obviously, on nice spring days go crazy!
- Always apply sunscreen before skiing regardless of the weather and apply moisturizer after. For sure they will get sun-burn, wind-burn or a combination. Young skin is very sensitive and susceptible to frostbite. Sunscreen can help protect against sun and cold.
- Try to carry a few small snacks in your pockets at all times. Hungry children become tired children who become whiney children.
- Arrive early at the resort lodge to allow you to get a good location I the lodge and give yourself time to set up and prepare. “beat the crowds”.
- Pushing your schedule forward 30-45mins really helps beating the crowds in the lodge, ticket lines, the lifts and the parking lots. It is more stress free.
- Carry an extra set of goggles, gloves, and hat in the car. Kids fall and get wet and then get uncomfortable.
- Make your kids wear helmets. Personalizing their helmets with stickers etc. is a good way to increase helmet-wearing compliance. Let the helmets be cool!
- No loose fitting equipment. That means: jackets that fit, no glove straps or helmet straps dangling, and don’t forget about pole straps.
- Hand and foot-warmers are relatively inexpensive. It’s worthwhile to keep a few in the car or kit-bag for emergencies.
So, plan ahead to have fun and don’t forget the snacks on the way home!
Article by Declan AJ Connolly
Assoc. Professor, UVM
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