Skiing with children can be a magical experience, but it’s not always love at first sight. Even as adults, let’s be honest – we all have grumpy days on the hill sometimes. However, getting children excited about skiing is the best way to secure your next ski holiday, because once they get the bug they’ll be begging you to return to the mountains!
In collaboration with Cirkel Supply, our ski wear rental partners, we’ve gathered some useful tips to take your kids from timid first-timers to confident shredders!
Start with fun, not perfection
When teaching children to ski, the goal isn’t to make them experts right away – it’s to make sure they’re having fun. Let them explore the snow at their own pace: whether it's building snowmen, skiing, or sledging, every positive experience in the snow helps build their confidence and love for the mountains.
Book your child into ski school in Verbier with one of our trusted partners, so that they can get the necessary technical input in a fun environment with their peers.
Good quality ski clothing is a game-changer
No matter your age or ability, nothing kills the skiing spirit faster than being cold and uncomfortable. The right ski gear is essential. Keep your children warm and dry on the mountain with technical ski clothing, and you’ll be surprised how much longer they’ll want to stay on the slopes.
Our partners Cirkel Supply offer high-quality ski clothing to rent for all ages. We love their kids’ outfits from Patagonia, Namuk and Picture; clothing that is technically sound, and available in fun styles, prints and colours. Pro tip: choose bright and unique patterns, so that your child is easy to spot on the mountain.
Make it easy - book in advance
Plan ahead to make life easy! Avoid starting your trip with a long ski rental store queue by reserving your equipment in advance. Your Verbier Exclusive Concierge can assist with this, as well as helping you to rent ski wear with Cirkel. Enjoy the freedom to pack light, and arrive at your Verbier ski chalet to find your family’s handpicked ski outfits ready and waiting for you to hit the slopes!
We can also help you to discover exciting family activities in Verbier, pre-book your childcare, and more. When you arrive, you'll simply drop your bags, get cosy and sink straight into that ski holiday feeling.
Gamify your family skiing adventure
The joy of skiing can be found in smooth turns or soaring jumps – but there are also some boring bits in between (lift queues, we are looking at you!) Here are Cirkel's tips to make the mundane more fun for kids:
Getting ski gloves on little ones can be a struggle - turn it into a game where they’re trying to touch your nose (making it easier to get the gloves on, and more fun!)
Start family traditions, like creating a human slalom course in bad weather
Keep warm and guarantee giggles in lift queues by teaching your kids patty cake and other hand clap games
Emergency snacks & breaks
Take snacks and water on the mountain, and ensure your child gets the breaks they need to refuel and re-energise. Choose a special snack or drink your kids love and make a rule that it’s a treat only to be enjoyed above 1600 m – another positive association with high alpine life. You’ll be surprised how motivating the promise of a hot chocolate with whipped cream can be.
Celebrate their progress
Every little achievement, from mastering the snowplough to making it down a slope, deserves celebration. If they earn a medal or a badge from their ski school, take it home as a reminder of how fun ski holidays are, and how far they’ve come!
Beyond the slopes, helping your kids fall in love with skiing or snowboarding can spark passion, build confidence, help you bond as a family and inspire a love of the great outdoors. There’s truly nothing quite like it!
If you need any assistance booking ski lessons or ski and clothing rentals in Verbier, simply reach out to our Concierge team. We are delighted to play a part in making skiing your child’s new favourite activity!
Family Chalets in Verbier
Will you choose Rosalp 3, with its cosy bunk room? Nyumba (pictured) where the view from the lavish spa invites you to retreat for some 'you time' while the children are at ski school? Or Les Attelas, where you'll gather around the crackling stone fireplace and share stories from the slopes?
Our portfolio of the finest rental homes in Verbier is full of hidden gems, so you can find a hideaway just as unique as your family is.
Need help choosing your home-away-from-home this winter? Enquire with our team of Verbier chalet experts who will help you in your search!
