TIA
We are taking our very first ski trip with our boys (3 and 5.5) and I am a bit lost as to what to pack for them! I know I need to take thermals, gloves, hats, balaclava, etc., but I do not have any idea how many pieces of each item. We will not have access to a washing machine at the place we are going to, and would prefer not to go to a launderette - I do enough washing during my "working hours" that I'd like to have a bit of time away from my "job"
Gloves, hat, balaclava, jacket, pants etc x 1
Mid-layers (fleeces) one for every 3 days? Maybe a spare to allow for spilling lunch down etc.
Base layers, a set for every 2 days? Unless they are likely to have "accidents"
Socks, change every one or two days... maybe hand wash these.
Thermal stuff isn't heavy or bulky to pack, if you have it, then take two sets for each.
The outer garments, just one set should be fine.
At their ages, they ain't going to building up a sweat, skiing for the whole day, and any damp items can be air dried on the backs of chairs overnight, anyway.
Trainer/tracksuits are good to lounge around in when finished for the day.
Don't forget helmets.
...... and you'll probably need to spray them down with a deodorant as the days go by.
Medicines like paracetamol, plasters, cough syrup ... not everywhere has a chemists.
This is Switzerland - even the smallest ski resort will have a pharmacy ..... but obviously a good idea to go prepared.
Socks - CLEAN EVERY DAY. Or risk getting fungal infections.
Same with underpants - for other reasons.
Outer garments can be worn irrespective.
hahaha.. you would think so, but we had this exact situation yesterday in Morgins, while looking for cold/flu remedies.
Tourist Information Office informed us that there no pharmacy and that you had to either drive 25 mins down the valley to Troistorrents, or over to Châtel in France... better come prepared, I say..
Get a bigger car! Ski gear for 2 adults and 2 kids is a lot!! Assuming you are taking the actual ski stuff with you?
The 4 x helmets, 8 x boots, 8 x skis and 8 x poles, them alone takes up a fair bit, ok the little skis in the boot, big skis on the roof, but still.
Do you need to take linen/towels to the accom?
This is my dilemma every year! My experience is that you need less non-skiing clothes that you would think. In the evening my kids are usually very tired. So I would say try and make pjs last 2-3 days for them. And for a week 2-3 tops and 1-2 trouser and just ignore the stains!
Base layers, 2 sets, socks 2 and then wash as needed. Ignore stains! Fleece jumpers dry really quickly so just take some baby wipes to clean the stains and ignore them!
My top tip would be not clothes related. Take some plastic bin bags to use as mattress protects. They can be cut up as cheap and disposable mattress protectors in case of night time accidents.
Have a great holiday.
Based on the ages of the kiddos, I'd recommend 2 pairs of gloves each. Kids and gloves have a tendency to get separated from each other.
How long for- are we talking about a week-end or a week?
Which resort are you going to? Some have got excellent shops where you could buy any little extra as you go along- others do not.
Make sure you have 2 pairs of gloves for each, so one pair can dry whilst the other is worn. Good quality sun glasses are a must, and so is factor 50 suncream.
Ooops post crossed re gloves.
String. To pass through the jacket and they can't loose their gloves.
... and if they fall often, or even just play in the snow (and they will), the gloves will get wet and wet gloves = cold hands = miserable children. Get the kids to wear their gloves and take a second set for each with you, so you can change the gloves if (when) required during the day. Then dry all gloves (and all the other gear) every night on the ubiquitous radiators in your accommodation (or get the butler to do it if you're staying in fancy, expensive premises with underfloor heating).
They may have a pharmacy but you can bet it won't be open when your kid gets ill at night or on the days the shop is actually open. Speaking from experience.
Oh that's something we do not forget anymore! Had a few incidents with the boys, when it really made us realise that Calpol and an inhaler are a must when packing.
We are renting our equipment this year - especially for the kids. But I did not think about linen and towels - will double check. I hate paying for linen and towels, but it is sometimes so convenient to pay!
That's a very good point! Last time we had a weekend away, my eldest had a big accident. I was so surprised that the place did not have mattress protectors! Anyway, we have a good waterproof cover, so will take it with us. I like the idea of a plastic bag, but my kid tosses and turns so much, that I bet the plastic "lining" will move to the foot of the bed within seconds.
We are away for a week, hence I thought I should ask here about other parents' experiences. We are off to Flims, so it should have lots of shops which would come in handy. Still best to be well prepared. Specially as Neddy commented, the kids always need something when the shops are not open ;o)
2x the amount of underwear as the number of days. 2-3 sets of thermals if you got them. We were fine with 1 set of gloves (granted we had more as they all bought new mitten ones while there last week as they had cold fingers) - they always dried out overnight without problem.
1-2 sets of PJs. if there is a place with a pool, I would take 2 suits per kid. Since you have 2 boys, 2-3 pants and a few t-shirts for the evening will do. My one daughter took about 20 outfits last week, and then they end up wearing the same thing all the time anyways!
A couple of favorite small toys can't hurt, either - my son took a car and a SpiderMan figure with him last week...
Have fun! Are the kids doing ski school?
second the sunscreen, otherwise you'll pay a premium on the mountain. goggles on helmet and some sunglasses in your pocket as you might want to take the goggles off during breaks and lunch etc. Not in kids# pockets as they will fall on them more often (in their jackets).
You've not seen me and my kid trying to ski then, I'm pretty sure the opposite is true.
Maybe you should give them yours then
Time like that I am glad I don't have a daughter ;o). The oldest one is going to ski school, but the little one is a bit too clingy (trying to be as kind to him as possible ;o)) and will just spend a bit of time with the grandparents. But we are renting some skis for him too, just to acquaint him with the idea of skiing.
Oh no, you folks have mentioned the S word! I don't know how to deal with that one as the kids are quite sensitive to sunscreen and I am now fed up trying new types . It's hard to choose between sunburnt skin and skin scratched so much that it hurts Apparently we should avoid waterproof sunscreen, but we just cannot get anything that works for them!