Winter Edition 2015

HOLIDAYS & RENTALS
KESTREL TRAVEL CONSULTANCY
TOP TIPS TO
SURVIVE & ENJOY
YOUR FAMILY
SKIING HOLIDAY
HOLIDAYS & RENTALS
by James Palmer-Tomkinson founders of PT Ski
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There is nothing like a skiing holiday!
There is something for everyone in the snow.
The exercise and fun gives a healthy glow to
even the most pallid cheeks and replaces the
ever present lure of the iPad.
However, as a parent, one can often feel a
ski holiday is more of a marathon than a rest.
Just deciding where to go can seem a daunting
task. The biggest question, especially at
Easter, is will there be enough snow? Don’t be
fixated by the height of the resort but look at
the snow record, which is much more reliable.
For children a small resort offers the chance to
be a bit more independent. For teenagers it’s
important to have a couple of bars where they
can meet friends. Whilst the big name resorts
have great boasting potential they can often
have too much apres ski on offer! Consider
options beyond the bars – is there sledging,
floodlit ice-skating, a swimming pool?
The biggest challenge with a ski holiday is
trying to keep everyone happy. For children
the most important thing is to make it FUN.
This usually involves being with other children
to joke on the chairlift and compete to make
the world’s best snowman. Also bear in
mind that children need to speak a common
language to find a partner in crime or fellow
snowball fighter. It’s miserable being the
only English speaking child in a class full of
Germans!
Naturally, it’s important for children to be
taught well and unless the teacher inspires
them and makes it fun, they tend to want
to ski with their parents. Great though
that might be, they won’t necessarily make
progress. Synchronised skiing competitions
and slalom training are great ways to learn
control and precision. Jumps can improve
balance as can skiing off piste. Making videos
can help children to see how their skiing looks
and show them where to improve. Skiing with
other children gives them healthy competition
as well as a lot of banter and after-skiing
entertainment.
Finally, one must get the kit right. A snood
is essential (whether cold or sunny) and two
pairs of gloves or mittens are a must. Give
small children mittens on a string so they
don’t lose them. Make sure ski socks fit well
and boots are properly done up. Pocket sized
sun cream is useful as is an easily accessible
energy packed snack. All-in-one ski suits and
salopettes with braces can make loo breaks a
challenge and trousers must go OUTSIDE
boots to stop snow getting in! Always dress
to be warm as there’s nothing worse than
being cold on the mountain and no quicker
way to put a child off. Finally a large glass of
schnapps is a must at the end of the day!
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tel: 020 7736 5557 email: info@ptski.com www.ptski.com
www.schoolnotices.co.uk 19