You had waited a long time for it, and finally, the little one had arrived. Your little miracle probably stole your heart away immediately, but this doesn't mean you have to give up everything else you enjoy. And skiing is no exception. Indeed, you will ski less until your child is old enough to ski him/herself, but counting kilometres is not the only thing a skiing holiday is about. You can enjoy hiking together, sledging or just enjoying the beautiful surroundings. If grandma and grandpa are willing to come along, they can look after your little one(s) while you ski. But there are also many children-friendly hotels that offer childcare. Read on for all the tips for a skiing holiday with a baby.
The first winter holiday with a baby requires good preparation. Start planning your trip on time. Look for a child-friendly ski destination - these often offer some extra facilities for families. Why start early? Finding suitable accommodation and the right clothes takes time.
Are there more parents with young children in your friend circle? Then consider taking a holiday together. This way, you can share the childcare and skiing among the four of you. An alternative is that you go on holiday with the grandparents. They'll often be happy to look after your little ones for a few hours, and you'll know they are in good hands.
Even if your baby is still too small to ski, it is important to bring along the right equipment. A warm ski suit and gloves will protect your child against the cold, and the right sunscreen with a high factor against the strong mountain sun. A hat and sunglasses are a must as well. It is also wise to look at your pram. Are the wheels suitable for driving in the snow?
A swimming pool, a playground and a petting zoo can be a welcome addition to a winter holiday with a baby. In case of bad weather, there's always something to do with your little one. There are also numerous accommodations and destinations nowadays that have indoor playgrounds.
Adults can get altitude sickness from 2,500 metres onwards. Babies are much more susceptible to it, so experts generally stick to the 2,000-metre limit. Babies have more trouble with thin air and ear pressure at (high) altitudes. But it's not just the altitude; the difference in altitude covered is also important. If you take a gondola or chairlift, it may help to give your baby a dummy, breast or bottle. It is difficult to monitor altitude sickness in babies, but make sure they are not drowsy, crying more or refusing to eat.
Most accommodations offer facilities for winter holidays with children, but it is wise to check beforehand. In an adults-only hotel, you are not welcome with a baby! Ask in advance what the possibilities are. Do you have to bring your own cot, or is it available on location? And what about high chairs, bottle warmers and other important items? You can also opt for winter holidays in a children's hotel. Austria, in particular, offers a wide range of children's hotels. These hotels have everything you need for a winter holiday with a baby and often even include childcare.
Would you also like to ski with your partner and are not on holiday with another family or grandparents? Then there is a possibility of enrolling your baby in daycare. Several ski resorts offer this service but do check the minimum age for kids to be admitted. In some daycares, you can even leave your kids for 12 hours a day. Children are looked after throughout the day by experienced and trained staff, and the service often includes meals. This allows you, as a parent, to have a day on the slopes in peace and without worries.
Of course, your baby is still far too small to learn to ski by themself. Most children learn to ski when they are four or five years old. Still, you will find that some schools offer lessons for children as young as three, but then they mainly play in the snow. But really, most of them enjoy sledging down a hill with mum and dad much more at that age!
You regularly see parents on the slopes, skiing with a baby on their backs. Paediatricians do not recommend this as there is always a risk of falling. In case of a fall, your baby will drop at least 1,50 metres. You also have to think about gravity and gradient. Moreover, babies who ski along on their mother's or father's back quickly get cold hands and feet. Falls or collisions with another skier can have unpleasant consequences for the baby and the parent. So we strongly advise against it.
Feeding, changing nappies, playing and taking naps will also have to fit into your winter holiday schedule. Limit your time in the snow or the sun, and go inside regularly. Tobogganing or a horse-drawn sleigh ride are fun activities to get your baby used to the snow. And most importantly - take it easy, and don't plan too much in one day.
I grew up in Slovenia, close to the Julian Alps. Early on, my parents put me on skis and skates, and the winter sports enthusiasm hasn't left me since. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and have been a keen snowboarder for the past 20 years.
