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Children
- notes to parents |
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Clothing
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At the
beginning of the season (December/January) sometimes we
can experience very cold conditions especially if the
beginners areas are in the shade of the sun. In
contrast the end of the season can be very warm.
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It is
better to have salopettes and jackets rather than
an all in one suit (makes going to the loo easier for
them too!) Make sure that their trousers are
waterproof and insulated (or put fleece trousers or
Jammie trousers underneath). When children are
learning (or waiting around) they tend to sit around in
the snow a lot, the cold &/or moisture can penetrate
through thin/unwaterproof clothing very quickly and make
the child very cold very quickly.
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When
buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and
wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield
zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that
can be snuggled up to the chin and deep pockets. Be sure
to buy your children quality clothing products.
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Please
don't skimp on your children's ski gear. Make sure
that you kit them out with plenty of Layers to
wear (this helps to accommodate for the bodies
constantly changing temperature,) they can always peel
them off if they become too hot, but there is nothing
worse than getting cold and not being able to warm up
(especially when you're only 3!).
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Gloves/Hats/Helmets

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The same
is important about protection on their hands, ensure
that they have gloves that are not too tight,
leave a bit of room to let the fingers move around
(mitts are quite warm) and make sure they will stand up
to making snowballs! (elastic through their
sleeves and attached to their gloves at either end saves
any gloves getting lost!). A spare pair of gloves
is always a good idea. We all loose warmth through
our extremities (80% through our heads!), it is
important to have a warm hat that covers the ears
or a headband for slightly warmer weather, this
can always be discarded if they get too hot.
- Ski helmets
are a good idea. If your child wears a ski helmet,
remember you may have to raise your voice more to get
their attention because a helmet may impede their
hearing.. Make sure the helmet fits correctly. A ski
helmet is not an item you buy for your child to grow
into. Educate your child about the benefits and
limitations of the helmet. Wearing a helmet doesn't give
permission to ski or snowboard faster or recklessly.
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We at
BASS would always recommend that any children (and/or
adults) consider wearing a protective helmets during
their hours of skiing. This not only provides
warmth but also provides reasonable protection.
Articles for reference
1
2

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If your child has any medical or physical needs please
let the instructor know at the beginning of the first
lesson (or by contacting the
BASS Chamonix office beforehand) so that we can
ensure to make the lesson as appropriate for them as
possible.
Ski Way Code
Snowlife Awards available for the kids
In a small rucksack;
- Spare gloves/mitts
- Non fizzy drink in an easy
drinking bottle
- Snack (chocolate, sweets,
rasins, energy bar)
- A small amount of Euro in case
a hot drink is required
- Extra layers if required
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Sun Screen
- Be sure they wear
sun protection, even on cloudy days (higher the
factor the better). The sun reflects off the snow and is
stronger than you think! A ski holiday with a sun burn
is no fun!
- Kids should
have
sunglasses (for fine weather) and
goggles (for wind & snow) with them. Skiing is a lot
more fun when you can see. Always wear eye
protection.
Lift
Tickets
Security
- Be sure you child has
your name and phone number written
down on a piece of paper and it's in a secure pocket.
- Although it is very
unlikely that your child would get separated from the
instructor, be sure your child has a trail map
and is able to remember the instructor's name.
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Extra
Tips For All The Family |
| Equipment |
Pace Yourselves |
When buying or hiring
your equipment ensure that everything fits well (not too big, not
too small).
- Boots -
should
fit comfortably with one pair of ski socks (long enough to come
up past the top of the boot). The boot should fasten
snuggly round the top of the leg so that you can only slip a
couple of fingers between your leg and the boot.
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Visit your pharmacist before you come and purchase some Arnica
gel/cream. When you start skiing sometimes you shins receive a
bit of wear and become bruised, Arnica will help reduce the
inflamation & bruising. |
Ski resorts are at a
higher altitude to what you are used to, this has some effects on
your body while in resort.
- You may suffer from
dehydration - drink plenty of fluids (non alcoholic!) to
reduce risk of headache and tiredness.
- Day 3 of you holiday - we
usually find that on day 3 clients are very tired and their
systems have started to go into holiday mode. Either take
a day off or do half the amount of skiing you would
normally do to reduce the risk of injury.
- Be as FIT AS YOU CAN BE
for your holiday. Skiing is quite a demanding sport, there
is nothing worse than sore muscles on what should be a holiday!
When possible before your holiday exercise as much as you can,
walk or cycle instead of taking the car, go swimming or to the
gym. Every little will help.
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The Lesson; At BASS Chamonix we only use very experienced and Child
Friendly instructors, when children are learning a sport it
can sometimes be quite confusing for the child to know who
to listen to. Our instructors will involve the whole
family in the learning process of your child wherever
possible. If the instructor feels that they would like
you to help they will not hesitate to ask and will give you
an idea of what assistance they might require. However
this may not be needed so if not just stand back and let the
process begin. The quicker your child becomes
independent on their skis the more enjoyable a holiday your
whole family will have. Remember to ask the instructor
at the end of the lesson how your child is progressing and
if there is anything that can be practiced outside the
lessons to help their development.
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Starting your kids early,
opens a world of adventure, fun, laughter and beautiful
scenery unsurpassed, from many other sports and
interests. It's a tremendous feeling to learn that your
kids' fondest childhood memories were of your family ski
holidays and now skiing has become an important element
in their lives. Your kids will be forever grateful to
you when they become adults!
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