Winter holiday with children

Children can learn to ski at a relatively early age. From the age of four, most toddlers have great fun whizzing down their first easy slopes on two boards. It's even more fun with a ski instructor. These top children's ski schools in Tyrol fulfil particularly high standards.

Does the child enjoy riding or would they rather be on mum's arm? Then perhaps it's better to sleep on it or wait another season - and simply try your luck on the boards again next year. Instead, switch to an alternative programme with the whole family: hop on a sledge or take a winter hike or carriage ride. Nothing is more beautiful than unspoilt and tranquil winter landscapes - especially when Kaiserschmarren and hot chocolate are waiting at the end! And the classic skier also gets to see something other than perfectly groomed ski pistes.

The right equipment is crucial for a successful day on the piste. High-quality gloves that keep the snow out are particularly important. Children tend to lick snow off their gloves, which quickly gets them wet - and in the worst case scenario, their hands too. Children like to eat snow, especially when they have nothing else to do: while waiting at the lift, in a group or simply because it's fun. Gloves are constantly in the snow and often in their mouths, which is why a robust, waterproof model is highly recommended.

Good clothing is an essential factor, and the onion principle has proved its worth in cold snow. Children regulate their body temperature differently to adults and can freeze without warning. It therefore makes sense to wear several thin layers on top of each other. It is particularly worthwhile for young children to wear high-quality merino underwear, which provides excellent insulation, keeps moisture away from the body and warms in the cold.

Ski overalls, on the other hand, are less practical. When small children have to go to the toilet, the sleeves quickly end up on the floor where they can come into contact with wet ski boots. It is also easier for children to put on and take off their jacket and snow trousers on their own.

If you don't live in the ski resort but are just visiting, you shouldn't usually buy your own ski, pole and boot equipment - and certainly not for children, as they need new equipment every year. Instead, all ski equipment can be conveniently hired from local hire centres, where good advice is a matter of course. With ski boots for children in particular, it is important to ensure that they fit comfortably, do not pinch anywhere and have a firm shell. There should also be no creases in the ski socks. If something does pinch or pinch, exchanging them is no problem. The skis should reach about chin height - if you still have old children's skis at home, it is better to hire a new pair, especially if the old skis are not carving skis.

If you don't feel like lugging all your equipment back and forth every day - which can quickly become tedious, especially with children - you should consider a ski depot. You can safely store everything you need up on the mountain there. Your ski boots will be dry and warm the next day - particularly pleasant if you don't have to squeeze into ice-cold boots from the boot.

A helmet must always fit perfectly. When buying or hiring a helmet, you should get good advice and never choose a helmet that is just "a little" too big. Ski goggles are also recommended, or alternatively sunglasses with safety lenses, as the snow reflects a lot of light. It is also important to use sun cream, as the snow reflects the sun's rays back strongly, especially onto children's faces. For particularly cold, snowy days, we also recommend using a greasy cream (such as Wind and Weather Balm from Weleda) to protect sensitive skin from the cold.