Tips on skiing with a newborn

Taking a newborn skiing? It seems very daunting, the prospect of adding a baby into the mix on one of your favourite activity holidays. But it can definitely be done! At Ski Magic we pride ourselves on our family friendly chalets so we’ve compiled some ideas on how to make it happen, step by step….

The Ski Magic Guide to skiing with a newborn

First things first: This is going to be easier than you think!

In fact, babies can make charming travel companions, and taking a baby skiing is no exception. It may sound like a mad enterprise but there are ways and means to make your first ski holiday with a baby smooth and (mostly) hassle-free if you do your research and make sure you’re organised, yet flexible.

When is the best time to take small children skiing?

If you’re worried about cold January weather, then perhaps its best travel in March or April when the weather will be warmer: great for walks with your little one and making the most of the fresh mountain air!

Christmas is also a magical time to be in the mountains, with all the twinkly lights around the resort: ideal if you’re looking at a 3G family holiday with grandparents.

> Contact us for family discounts
> More on When to go skiing

Where to go skiing with a newborn?

Skiing in Europe is the obvious choice if you’re coming from the UK. Not only is the skiing amazing, but importantly, the travel times aren’t too daunting with a small person in tow. Also Europe doesn’t experience such harsh winters as eg. Canada.

Which ski resort is best for babies?

Of course we would say this, but La Tania and Courchevel Le Praz should be at the top of your list of potential resorts. Here’s why:

1) La Tania is a pedestrianised village – not too large, not too small, and if you ride up the bubble you can happily entertain yourself and your baby in the lovely Bouc Blanc restaurant. Le Praz is very pretty with great views, and conveniently flat to walk around with a pushchair or baby carrier.
2) Both these resorts are part of a huge ski area (the Three Valleys), so are great for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Plus the efficient lifts are pedestrian friendly, and also make it easy to ‘swap’ between parent mode and skier mode for a few runs.
3) Both have gentle sledging areas at the base of the slopes, as well as at the top of the main lift.
4) It’s easy to get around on foot and using the free buses (there’s even a FREE soft play in Courchevel 1850, great for toddlers)
4) Using the bubble lifts are easy, so whoever is on ‘baby duty’ can meet up with the rest of the group for lunch

View our La Tania chalets

Chalet Matisse Bas, La Tania

Travelling to France with a baby

Driving is a popular option with families at it means you can break the journey up and stay in a hotel en route. More and more people are travelling by train as it means you can walk about during the journey and don’t feel so trapped! We don’t offer flights with our chalet holidays, which means you’re free to choose your own regional airport and a flight time that suits your other travel arrangements. We do offer private airport transfers, which are an easy and good value way to get from the airport to your chalet with no waiting around. (And yes, we can also provide age-appropriate car seats, you just need to ask us in advance.)

Ski Magic Airport Transfers

Taking a baby on a plane

Travelling on a plane with tiny people is not as horrendous as it sounds. In our experience, airline staff are generally very kind to people with little children. Younger babies will love the opportunity to be sitting on your lap for an hour or so, and if you can time your flight for nap time then a quick feed and the hum of the engines make perfect conditions for a doze!

For older babies (the wrigglier ones), it’s worth popping some distractions into your changing bag, but think carefully about what to take – anything with small parts that will drop onto the floor are a real nuisance! A brilliant idea is to take a piece of cord and thread or tie smaller toys onto it – ones with lights (not sounds!), buttons, switches etc. – something that is easy to keep on your lap and be interesting for more than 2 seconds, eg. a bottle with a screwcap, something with a zip, even your own cardigan with buttons… Think creatively! And for when all else fails, always have a stash of snacks…

Airlines generally allow car seats and buggies to be checked in through excess baggage (on top of your baggage allowance) which is really useful, but if you think that you’re going to find it difficult to manage a long walk carrying your baby on your hip then you can usually take a buggy or backpack carrier to the gate with you. This is also a great way of keeping all your bits and bobs together and saves you carrying several bags!

Top tip no. 1: Don’t overdress yourself in the airport – be prepared to get hot and sweaty (especially if you end up buying that bottle of gin in the duty free that you’ll have to carry in the nappy bag!)

Top tip no. 2: Some airlines will allow you to board the plane in front of everyone else. Don’t do it! Minimise the time you have to be strapped down and wait for everyone else to get on first. That way the plane will be ready to leave not long after you’ve sat down. (You should also know that most experienced parents are not at all phased by hearing a baby cry on a plane, they’re just glad those days are over and done with for them!)

Top tip no. 3: Laugh. It may not be the easiest of journeys, but when you look back, it’s only a very short period of the holiday – grit your teeth and giggle on through! There’s also bound to be a friendly granny who wants to chat with you and coo over your baby, so walk up and down the aisle and make some new friends.

Best ski accommodation for babies

A catered chalet is by far your easiest option if you’re travelling with a baby. Not only is your food prepared and cooked for you, so you can actually RELAX instead of cooking and washing up, but also your little one can have their own tea-time earlier and go to bed whilst you unwind with the grown-ups or even go out on the town! Babysitting isn’t included but contact the office and we can arrange one for you. Family groups or groups of friends often make arrangements between themselves to have nights on and nights off duty.

When will I get to go skiing?

If you’re travelling with family then it’s easy to swap so that you all get to spend some time on the mountain, doing what you love!

If you’re looking for a nanny to come to the chalet and look after your baby whilst you hit the slopes, contact us (in advance) to ask for childcare recommendations.

What to pack for a ski trip with small children?

Remember those days when you chucked a toothbrush and some clean underwear in a suitcase and off you went? This is a whole different board game… (And it’s the reason that some guests prefer to drive: no baggage allowance!) But IT CAN BE DONE, and doubtless you’re already used to carrying kilos of ‘stuff’ whenever you leave the house.

Here’s the link for a general ‘what to pack’ list for anyone going on a ski holiday.

And here’s a list of extras that you’ll need if travelling with a baby:

Milk – if your baby is bottle fed then you can purchase formula from the local supermarket, but bear in mind that it may not be the same brand as you usually buy.
Bottles – contact us to request a steriliser in advance
Nappies and wipes – again, these can be purchased at the local supermarket but possibly not the same brands or as cheap as you would usually buy, although cotton wool is inexpensive.
A warm suit – we’d heartily recommend the Columbia snowsuits which have a long, diagonal zip which makes it easier to get your baby in and out, and fold-over hands and feet which are so much easier than struggling with gloves and bootees!
Something to carry your baby: a backpack carrier gives you freedom to go up on the lifts and take walks around the village. If you don’t have one, hire one. Some of the local shops have them available or you can hire from this brilliant local service: www.holidaybabyhire.com and they’ll be delivered to your chalet.
Things to protect your baby from the sun: suncream, hats, sunglasses – bring it all! The combination of sunshine and reflective snow can be vicious for grown up skin, let alone for babies!
Books/toys/comforters. But you only need the absolute favourites, as we can provide a few extra toys to keep your little one entertained in the chalet.
Your baby’s usual paracetamol/other medication, just in case

Important to remember:

Keep your baby hydrated – the mountain air is dry so can mean that your baby is more susceptible to snuffles.

If your bedroom is hot then put a mug of water on your radiator or in a corner to help humidify the room.

It’s great for babies to be outside in the fresh air, just ensure that you cover your baby when out and about: sunshine and/or cold air can damage their skin.

Taking a baby skiing!