| Getting your children kitted out for family ski holidays | | | | has exploded in recent years, with brands such as |
| can be an expensive process, as they grow so | | | | Billabong, Bonfire, O'Neill and Quiksilver offering funky |
| quickly that you might only get one season's worth | | | | bright designs. Most jackets have been designed so |
| for each set of gear. Although it's tempting to buy | | | | they can be worn back home on the street, so you |
| the next size up so they can 'grow into it', this can | | | | should get lots of wear out of them. In skiwear, |
| make skiing difficult which, in turn, makes it less | | | | all-in-one suits are good for younger ones as they |
| enjoyable and can put your children off the sport | | | | tend to be warmer than separates. |
| completely. | | | | Make sure your children wear a properly fitted ski |
| Most ski clothing and equipment can be hired, which is | | | | helmet, and set a good example by wearing one |
| a good option if it's your first family ski holiday or | | | | yourself. New technology means that helmets are |
| you ski infrequently. However it's useful to buy some | | | | lightweight, comfortable and ventilated and your ski |
| ski gear such as underwear, balaclavas, and ski gloves | | | | shop should have a good selection either to hire or |
| as these can be used for general winter use. It's best | | | | buy. There's really no excuse not to wear one! |
| to buy these things before your trip to avoid | | | | Protect your children's eyes by ensuring they have |
| unnecessary time in ski shops when you could be | | | | goggles that fit well, offer both UVA and UVB |
| hitting the slopes. If you're fortunate enough to be | | | | protection, and have vermilion or citrus-orange lenses |
| staying in a luxury catered chalet, the company may | | | | for higher definition of shapes and bumps in the |
| arrange for a selection of ski equipment to be | | | | snow. It's easy to forget how much glare there is |
| brought to your chalet so that you can make your | | | | from reflection of the sun's rays off the snow. |
| choices in comfortable and relaxed surroundings. | | | | As mentioned earlier, many luxury ski chalet |
| Beats standing in a long queue waiting to speak to a | | | | companies will discuss your requirements well in |
| sales assistant! | | | | advance of your trip and organise for suitable |
| Layering and waterproofing is the key to keeping | | | | equipment to be brought to you on the evening of |
| your children warm and dry, and ensures that | | | | your arrival, along with ski passes. Look out for these |
| everyone stays happy on the slopes. Whether you | | | | conveniences when planning your next family skiing |
| are buying new or second-hand, apply waterproofing | | | | holiday. |
| spray to all outer garments and gloves: you won't | | | | Look out for my feature on choosing childrens' skis |
| regret it. | | | | and ski boots, coming soon. |
| The range of ski and snowboarding clothing for kids | | | | |