| How many times has your family's excitement | | | | hear more horror stories from my ophthalmologist |
| surrounding a ski vacation been dampened by lack of | | | | friends about the dangers of the Colorado sun on |
| planning? If your family is anything like ours, there will | | | | young eyes, especially when it reflects off the snow. |
| have been times when the enthusiasm for a ski | | | | Make sure your children have UV protective |
| outing plummets within minutes because essential | | | | sunglasses or goggles. |
| gear or clothing was left behind. With a little bit of | | | | Plan for Being Separated on the Slope. While we all |
| advance planning, all members of your family will be | | | | hope it never happens, I can assure you, it can |
| excited and content throughout the day. | | | | happen much faster than you think. Make sure you |
| Tips: | | | | plan a meeting place before you begin skiing in the |
| Clothing: Make sure your children are dressed in | | | | event your child becomes lost. The information booth |
| layers. We all know that layering allows our bodies to | | | | is a good place or decide which lift you will ski next |
| accommodate our constantly changing temperature. | | | | so if you get separated. Make sure your child carries |
| Avoid cotton clothing as it retains moisture and try | | | | a piece of paper in a secure pocket that has your |
| some of the readily available wicking fabric products. | | | | home, cell and lodging phone number as well as your |
| A Turtleneck, fleece and jacket are all a good idea | | | | name. Inexpensive walkie talkies are now available |
| and the little one's can shed layers as necessary. | | | | and are a big hit on the slopes. |
| Body Fuel: Stuff your pockets with Powerbar-like | | | | TAKE A LESSON: Skiing IS NOT something you can |
| snacks, nuts, and dried fruit. Inevitably, someone will | | | | teach to your kids, even if you are an expert. It's |
| want to quit before others are ready because of | | | | also not something you can teach yourself. If you |
| hunger. | | | | are going to invest in the time and lift ticket and |
| Extras: Make sure to keep a gear bag in the car with | | | | lodging to go skiing, invest in a lesson also. It's the |
| extra clothing items like mittens, socks, headbands, | | | | best money you will spend if you've never been |
| sunglasses, goggles, sunscreen, and lip balm. long | | | | skiing before. |
| underwear and socks. If you've ever seen the | | | | Planning a little in advance ensures a great adventure, |
| monumental size of the lost and found boxes at ski | | | | fun, laughter. It is a wonderful feeling to know that |
| resorts, you will know that is only inevitable that | | | | your children's fondest childhood memories were of |
| someone will forget something... | | | | your family ski vacations. |
| Protective Eyewear: I can't emphasize this enough. I | | | | |