• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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!).

• 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.

• 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.

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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

Extras to bring to their lessons

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

• 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

• Always make sure that you attach their lift ticket securely or in a pocket of an item of clothing that will not be discarded.  The new hands free tickets available (Cham'ski) are great but must be in a pocket on the left and high enough to activate the scanner (adult hip pocket height).

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.

Extra Tips For All The Family

• 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.

TIP - 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.

• 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.