Skiing RSS

How many pastries do you ski tour with? Grand Montets, Chamonix, France. Mid Easter holidays, the forecast for Easter Monday looked perfect for an adventure. Our group's experience of skinning up (walking up hill on the snow on skis or split boards) varied from none at all to very experienced indeed. The route planned was to get the Bochard gondola up at Grand Montets and walk up and over to what used to be Point de Vue (a ski run named for it's fantastic view of the glacier, but not open since the lift station burnt down a few years ago). From...

We try to keep the cost of skiing with kids down as much as we can. Along with picnicking we look for versatile clothing. In the summer we bought an oversized waterproof for our 11 year old. It's just been brilliant. A light weight, summer waterproof, but he's also worn it throughout the ski season. Whatever the weather. It's kept him dry. On cold days he's worn warm layers underneath and on spring ski days it's great just as a windproof. This particular waterproof was bought from Quechua (Decathlon, UK)    

While the big ones play the little ones need to be kept amused. They love to copy their older brothers or sisters so we found it was best to dress our youngest in the same gear as his older sister. A helmet and goggles will keep the head warm, protect the eyes and generally they're comfortable enough to be forgotten about and actually keep a chance or remaining on. Spare gloves are essential if it's cold and they're playing in the snow. I found, rather than annoying elastics, glove clips work well.  Playing on snow for some toddlers is a little like...

Keep it fun. Don't get nervous and if you do, don't show it. If you're lucky enough to be going skiing with the kids for half term I'm sure it will be great fun, rewarding but really hard work. Here are a few things we've learnt from our experience with kids on slopes. They will need a lot of refuelling. Eating in cafes on the mountain can be expensive. We always take picnic. Nearly all ski areas have indoor picnic areas for when the weather is cold. If you can't find one just ask. They can be hidden away. And when the weather is good it's fabulous...

It’s a lot to live up to. Pre-owned by Eva Walkner, prepared for me by the lovely Jim at EchoBase, a pair of WhiteDot Directors for half term. It’s not that I’m any good but I’m told that these skis will make me look good. Super cool and easy to ride. Apparently its ease of use, playfulness and versatility make the Whitedot Director their best seller. It’s all about lightweight skiing. I think I might just be a lightweight, but lets see if I can keep up with the kids over half term. I will be the one carrying the picnic, along...