Picture taken 9th March 2010: Kindergarten
Family holidays are something that some think will be too much bother. But many are grateful they took the plunge and took their family with them to the mountains. I have witnessed family skiing that did not work out and hte children were left behind on futire trips. A shame — but usually a disappointing holiday can be attributed to poor holiday planning.
Wherever you choose to hit the slopes, read on for my 21 top tips for a hassle free family skiing holiday. I first started my snow plough attempts aged five on a family skiing holiday, and have repeated this and made the ski bonding experience for my family. Those that do it, know it…that nothing can beat a family ski holiday, and the start of a passion — that often remains for life.
21 Tips For A Hassle Free Family Ski Holiday
1. Avoid high altitude resorts. These may dangerous for younger children, but I can’t sleep well in high resorts. Acclimitisation takes time that you may not have.
2. Travel on a Sunday, or a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Enjoy a quiet first day on the piste. Be greeted by relaxed hire staff and hotel check ins by avoiding the Saturday changeover day. Putting together your own diy ski package is no bother and puts you in control of which day you travel.
Grand Arena Kempinski: Ski in ski out luxury loacted by the gondola lift
3. Stay in a hotel or apartment on the piste, or within 300 metres of the lift. The 5 star Grand Arena Kempinski is the best hotel in Bansko for luxury and convenience. The Sport Hotel next to it is also on the piste in Bansko. Lucky Bansko is good for luxury and service, but a bus ride away from the lift.
4. Check that child car seats are available and included in your private transfer.
5. Ski clothes last just one season (one week) for your children. Family and friends often help out: try charity shops. For items not borrowed, then check out my article on ski fashion; you’ll find an extensive the listing of top value ski gear retailers and their internet sites as well as more high end gear to be found here in Bansko and eslsewhere.
6. If you really need a pushchair, then ensure it has bug chunky wheels to assist pushing in snow.
7. Pre book your ski/snowboard hire, lift pass and lessons. Saves hassle and cash. Blog readers are saving 25% in Bansko. Six days ski/board and boot hire is just 50 EUROS and just 37 EUROS for children. Helmet included. Always check that you can leave your skis very close to gondola in the fee. Never think of carrying young children’s skis far.
8. Make sure instruction is in class sizes of five maximum. Your children will learn a lot quicker. Virtually all Bansko instructors speak good English and all the ones we deal with speak excellent English. I recommend private instruction for children.
8. Rent an apartment if you have a baby — the kitchen will be invaluable for food and heating milk. Self catering saves cash and is ideal for yound babies and children.
9. Check the creche staff to baby/child ratio and the facilities.
Picture Taken 9th March 2010: Ulen's Kindergarten Area
10. Check if there’s a nanny service (see Bansko guide for useful numbers)
11. If you nappy age children, take enough for first few days. Bulgaria, for example, has most of the international brands. Stop at Metro if skiing in Bansko or Borovets.
12. If staying in a hotel, ask if there is a DVD player. Take a laptop and use that to play videos. If you don’t have one yet, use this electronics promo code and get one before your trip. It will be worth it.
13. Laundry service. Hotels have a service for this. If coming to Bansko just call Ivan: +359(0)899 866962. Just 7 lv (3.5 EUR); includes pick up and delivery from your hotel or apartment.
14. Ensure you have knowledge of the medical system of your resort. For Bansko, the subscribers free guide has all emergency numbers including English speaking doctors that will come out at any time of day or night.
15. Security matters. Will your hotel room or apartment be secure?
16. Is there evening entertainment nearby to your hotel, apartment or chalet? Family friendly restaurants such as Victoria, Fancy, and JJ Murphy’s are ideal for affordable food.
17. Bring medicine sachets and never bottles that can smash in your luggage.
18. Pack slippers. Kempinski has complementary ones.
19. Buy a local SIM card to saves wallet emptying mobile bills on all those little coordinating calls to each other. Walkie talkie sets only work on line of sight and, in my experience are too unreliable to be worth bothering with.
20. Have your mobile number on a card for the ski school to contact you in case of emergency.
21. Be sure to ensure you have a night out without your children. Kempinski’s Sing Sing is good — or how about St Patrick’s night at JJ Murphy’s on Wednesday 17th March? Plenty of baby sitters for hire in Bansko, mean you need not sacrifice a night out because you have your children with you!
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What are you tips for a successful and hassle free family ski vacation?
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Your children will thank you in their later years for making the effort taking them.
