Must Know Tips for Skiing with Children

Rachel is an internationally qualified instructor who has been teaching in the Chamonix valley for a number of years. She is a favorite with a number of Amazon Creek guests who request her instruction each time they return, especially our youngest clients. We decided, who better to give us the know-how on skiing with children, than her! So we paid Rachel a visit to her beautiful mountain home to have a Q&A and Coffee.  

Q.

Hi Rach, First off, thanks for having us over, what a view! Anyway, tell us what age can kids start skiing?

A.

Hello! Thanks, lovely to have you. So, I think kids should start to ski when they show enthusiasm.  I think it’s important not to push them into it until they want to, like all sports. Wait until their balance and coordination is developed enough so they can stand on their own 2 skis.

Q. 

What are the best ski areas to ski with children?

A.

All 5 ski resorts in Chamonix have great areas for children to develop their skiing.  Most of the learning areas have a restaurant or a bar nearby for one of the highlights of a kids ski day on the mountain - hot chocolate time! The handiest locations are: 

Central Chamonix
- Les Planards
It has 2 beginners button lifts and a chair lift for intermediate skiers (blue run)
- Savoy
It has a magic carpet which is very handy for toddlers when they are too small and don't have the strength to hold onto a button lift plus 2 beginner button lifts.
- Brevent
Has a new funicular to take beginner skiers from the top of the telecabin to the beginner slope. It's not an ideal area for toddlers as the button lift is a little steeper and more appropriate for intermediate skiers.

Les Houches
- Bellevue
At the top of the telepherique there is a beginner button lift which is ideal for all ages.
- Prarion
There, you will find a magic carpet but you will have to ski 50m down to it from the telecabin.

At Les Houches the chairs here are a perfect development for kids learning, as nothing is too steep here and they get a real taste of skiing longer runs (apart from the famous 'Kandahar' which is a black run!).

Q.

What about the older and advanced children out there?

A.

For teenage kids there is an air bag at Brevent which always attracts attention! The park at La Tour will keep the kids entertained all day! There is also a timed Giant Slalom course set in Les Houches, Brevent and La Tour.  Also, there is a ski/boarder cross course in Grand Montet and Flegere.

Q.

Any sneaky spots that you want to share with us?

A.

When they are ready (and only when they are fully in control of their ski's) you can't beat the magic tree runs with natural jumps, the kids love Les Houches and La Tour for this!

Q.

Any extra considerations when planning a trip to Chamonix with kids?

A.

Transport is key in Chamonix when coming here with kids.  Chamonix ski areas are spread out. Try to research and book your accommodation near to the areas which match the kids level.  For example staying in Argentiere and trying to ski Grand Montet with toddlers is not recommended. The older kids who are experienced skiers can ski here. Staying in a chalet with transportation to the ski areas is key - AMAZON CREEK!

Q.

Any tips for getting their equipment?

A.

Getting your kids kitted out in good fitting ski equipment is essential and I would suggest until their growing has slowed down, hire as much of it as you can. I take all my clients to Concept Pro who provide an amazing service.  Oh and always get a helmet!  Remember ski socks for the kids.  I’ve seen all sorts under ski trousers, with jeans and tennis socks tucked in their ski boots, ouch!  We all know how sore our feet can be in ski boots so lets minimize any moaning. Gloves can be hard for younger kids put try to go for finger gloves as they can hold their ski poles and button lifts much easier than with mittens.

Q.

Now Rachel, tell us, what are the benefits of getting lessons for kids?

A.

I may be bias, haha, but in my experience, as a beginner once myself and progressing my skiing as a life long passion, lessons at key stages are really important. My job now is to share my love for skiing, I hope kids will remember their ski lesson as clearly I can remember mine.

Booking a private lesson for your child will give them 1:1 focus and will develop their skiing at a much quicker rate.  Though i try to recommend a mix of sending them to ski school too as the group aspect is really fun for them at times. I think it’s just as important to ski with other kids, to be out in the mountain, exploring with each other and making memories.  

Q.

Are their extra benifits to booking a lesson other than the 1:1 aspect?

A.

Yeh, in Chamonix, independents instructors like myself, try to provide a full day package where we collect families and transport them to a different ski area everyday.  We show them the hiddens gems of each area, whilst arranging the best restaurants to eat for lunch. So logistically in Chamonix taking an instructor for your stay will definitely ease your time on the mountain and make it very worthwhile for the whole family. 

As I mentioned, both myself and many other instructors (and Amazon Creek) partner with Concept Pro Shop so we meet with our families at the shop to make sure they have the best kit specific to their level and skis that best suit the type of skiing they want to do.

Q.

Is there a better time to have the children in a lesson?

A.

Great question and yes there definitely is. I think it works well when kids take a morning lesson and then ski as a family for the afternoon.  Depending on age I also feel they do get tired by middle of the week and it’s a nice option for them to take an afternoon off or to ski as a family.

Q.

Finally Rach, whats your top tip for parents and their ski bunnies?

A.

When skiing with toddlers we start by using an edgy wedgy (a small bungy attachment that joins the tips of the skis together) to keep the kids in a plough position, as it’s difficult for them to maintain that position.  This is something a parent could use to practice with their child - but remember to take it off when they are using the lift as they will get all tangled up! Also,  a great little book for young skiiers written by my friend, Nick. Its called "Jacobs First Ski Holiday" and available on Amazon. This will get them extra excited for the slopes. 

- Thanks Rachel, see you on the slopes!