Tips for travelling to the snow with children
Snow. Who doesn't like to go to the snow? Winter is a season full of fun and adventure for children. Imagine, if it can be exciting for you to go skiing, it is even more so for them. Moreover, as we have already mentioned on several occasions, the outdoors and mountain activities are very beneficial for the body and brain, even for development, so travelling to the snow with children can be a perfect plan.
However, you must bear in mind that you are travelling with children and that they will not have the same needs as adults. That's why we're going to give you some tips that may be of interest to you when it comes to this type of trip.
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7 Tips for going to the snow with children
Every child is different and you probably know yours better than we do, but this will help you. We also hope to motivate you and take away your fear of "anything that might happen" in the snow.
1. Let it out
The environment and weather may worry you but let him go out and play in the fresh air. Don't worry about the cold, the cold itself won't make him sick. What you should avoid are sudden changes in temperature. Try to go to places that follow a good "climate regulation", i.e. places where the heating is not too high, as this continuous change can be harmful to him, but playing is not.
On the other hand, you should make sure that they don't spend too much time in wet or damp clothes. We recommend that you buy clothes designed for snow (that protect from water and do not get hot, that are thermal, etc.). And also, make sure that they are not wet, as spending a long time in wet clothes can also make them sick.
Go to spare clothing with children is important, whether you go to the snow or not, but in this case even more so.
2. Have him drink water frequently
He is going to be in a cold environment, but he should hydrate himself as much or more than in a warm one. Remember that he will be constantly on the move, because snow is something that motivates and moves children, and even if he does not feel thirsty, he can become dehydrated if he does not drink water or if he expels too many minerals.
3. Dress them in layers
It is very important to maintain the body of the little ones warm, that's why they are we recommend that you dress them in layers. And you should not only put several layers on your body, but also on your hands and feet. In addition to what we have already mentioned: the outer layers should be waterproof so that moisture does not soak into the body.
At this point, we think it is important to point out that you should be careful with long garments such as scarves. They can pose a danger: they can get caught somewhere and create a problem, for example. If you want them to have their neck protected, the best thing to do is to buy a scarf.
4. Laundry or drying facilities nearby
It is not essential but can play an important role in your trip to the snow with children.
As mentioned above, you should bring enough spare clothing: especially socks, gloves and hats (the three items that will be most exposed). But beyond this, the ideal is to make sure you take off wet clothes and leave them to dry so that they are ready the next day. For this reason, if you choose a hotel or flat that has a laundry service, you can use the tumble dryer so that you always have the clothes you need ready.
5. Carry creams
How important it is to protect the skin in a cold and snowy environment is rarely discussed.
Moisturising creams are vital because the cold dries out the skin and can cause itching and even cracking. Sun protection is also essential. The reflection of the sun on the snow is one of the most common causes of sunburn on trips to the snow, so don't forget good sun protection.
6. How to deal with possible skin problems
It will not be difficult for certain parts of your body to become red from the cold. It can happen on their feet, hands or face. If this happens, and you feel discomfort, you should warm up your baby's skin little by little. Warm towels with lukewarm water and leave them on your baby's skin for 10 minutes; this way the area will warm up and he will not feel a very intense contrast.
What you should never do is wash these areas directly with hot water, as the temperature contrast is greater when the skin is in this situation and it will feel the heat much more intensely.
7. Beware of hot drinks
You will be going to places where you are likely to be served this type of drink and this means that your child is more likely to get burnt or spill the liquid on himself. For this reason, try to control more during these days what your baby drinks or doesn't drink and try to wait until it cools down before giving it to him/her.
That said, we hope that with these tips you will enjoy a trip to the snow with children much more and lose certain fears. It is very important that you take care of aspects such as those we have described above, but it is also important that you let him or her discover what snow is, what it can cause in him or her and, in short, that you let him or her investigate and discover. It will help him or her in his or her development.
5 safety tips for family skiing family
Are you going skiing with your family, do you want to enjoy some unforgettable days in the mountains? Now that we are in the middle of the season, we are going to give you some safety tips so that you and your family can take all the necessary measures to avoid risks in the snow.
1. Plan well the activities to be carried out and think of alternatives.
Planning is essential. It is not the same to go with the children to the children's area of the resort - which is perfectly equipped and marked out for them - as it is to go off-piste on skis or snowshoes. Nor is it the same to go snow-skiing, cross-country skiing or cross-country skiing. You should always have a plan B in your head in case the weather or any other circumstance forces you to change your plans. And it is very advisable to take out ski insurance for families, so that you can enjoy the mountains with the peace of mind of feeling protected.
2. Select the right equipment and clothing.
This includes all ski and snow equipment (boards, boots, bindings and poles), which must be in perfect condition to ensure both comfort and safety in the snow, as well as clothing and accessories (from anorak and trousers to the essential goggles, sun cream and rucksack).
3. Pack your backpack well.
Have you thought about which rucksack you're going to take, and what you're going to put in it? You should always include water and dried fruit and nuts, which will help you get your strength back whenever you need it without having to look for a bar or restaurant on the slopes, as well as a well-charged mobile phone. And if you're going with children, don't forget to take something special for them (juices, milkshakes, chocolate bars) that will give them all the energy they need to enjoy the exercise in the mountains.
4. Heed information signs and the directions of station staff.
It is essential to pay attention to the signs in the resorts, not only those that indicate the colour of each slope, but also those that warn of any possible risk. They are there for your safety. Read them all and you will know if there is a closed access in any area of the resort or what the avalanche risk is and the weather forecast. And always take heed of any instructions from the resort staff. The aim is to guarantee your safety, that of your family and that of all the users of the slopes.
5. Act prudently.
You should always choose the activity you want to do according to your ability and preparation. Always check the weather forecast and remember that the weather in the mountains can change suddenly and a sunny sky can quickly become cloudy and turn into a freezing day with a blizzard. You must be prepared for any inclement weather! Inform others of your plans and schedules so that they can be alerted if you are delayed.
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