Skiing is great exercise and also a fantastic activity all the family can get involved in. Most slopes have lessons for kids and areas dedicated to beginners so you can drop them off to learn while you hit the higher heights. Or if they’re more advanced you can all ski together. Either way, to have the most fun and stay safe here are a few important tips.

Have the Right Equipment

The larger the skiis the faster it will go. For beginners and children it’s obviously best to choose smaller skis. Unless you’re an actual expert the bindings should only be adjusted by trained professionals, such as those in a ski shop or the instructor, as loose or tight bindings increase the chance of injury. The poles and boots need to be the relative size to whoever’s using them too. When you grip the pole as it touches the ground your arm should be bent at a right angle. Do not go cheap with getting ski masks for the slopes. They will enable you to feel safe and enjoy the experience instead of worrying about the little things. Not wearing a ski or snowboard mask can be uncomfortable or worse give you frostbite.

Dress for the Occasion

It’s going to be cold so pack plenty of layers. Children have a habit of saying they’re not cold one minute then are freezing the next, so ensure they wrap up warm before setting off up the slope. Being too warm is a far better scenario than too cold.

Ski boots, gloves, hats and scarves are other key items. Goggles are required to protect from the sun’s rays and reflection off the snow too and are available from High Octane Sports.

Physically Prepare

To prevent injuries when skiing, especially if it’s only an annual or rarer event, doing plenty of exercise in the weeks and months leading up to the trip is helpful for you and your children. The stronger and fitter you are the easier skiing becomes.

Preparation could be as simple as playing a sport or two regularly a few times a week. Or as a family you could create an exercise routine to work on together, which would get you all in shape and build the excitement.

Stay Smart on the Slopes

When you’re all out on the slopes it’s vital to stay safe by everyone following the rules put in place. Ensure your children are aware of their boundaries both ability wise and where they can and cannot ski. Instil the etiquette of the slope into them as well, so they don’t stop in the middle of a trail or come out in front of other skiers. .