General pointers for getting the children ready for the pistes…..There is no great science to this, just based on the experience of two winters in Vaujany with under 10s!

  • The basic rule of thumb is quality, not layers, and definitely no cotton. Quality high-performance base layers absorb moisture and allow heat to remain in on cold days, and flow out on warm days
  • Upper body layers: quality base layer + mid-weight fleece + outer ski jacket on top (remove the fleece in sunny, wind-free weather)
  • If you’re using salopettes instead of ski trousers, use a light weight fleece as the children will get extra heat from the body panels on the salopettes
  • Bottom half layers: quality ski leggings + ski trousers (don’t put children or yourselves in tights - they don’t keep you warm and any sweat remains wet against the skin)
  • Only one pair of socks (again quality is important - layers doesn’t mean warmth and cotton is to be avoided)
  • Goggles not sunglasses (the quality of goggles now, plus the fact that they are worn with a helmet mean they are the more comfortable and better performer over sunglasses) Our children ski permanently in goggles even on the hottest days - if you ski with a backpack, take them some sunglasses for lunch or they can wear their goggles! Most children's ski goggles are supplied with orange lenses for low light conditions or flat light (i.e. overcast weather) so make sure they have adequate protection for brighter weather conditions too.
  • Mittens - these are a definite winner over gloves. The fit should be a little on the big side - if they are too small the air cannot circulate and fingers will get cold.
  • A buff/neckwarmer/facemask is a must. Usually made of polyester micro fibre, they fit easily just around the neck or slip up over the head, under the helmet. Put one in their pockets if they don’t want it to start the day.
  • A helmet - a must, plus you can make it look cool with some great helmet stickers!
  • Sun cream - if you’re skiing with the children or seeing them at lunch you can cream their cherubic faces once in the morning before you go and once at lunch.
  • Tuck into their pockets:
    • A piece of paper (preferably laminated) with their name and your telephone number
    • A couple of tissues
    • A couple of small cookies!
    • A small tube of suncream if they’re out all day without you