You picture fresh snow on a quiet slope. Your toddler pictures snowballs, the sledge and that big gondola with windows. A ski holiday with a toddler gets fun once you put both wishes side by side and stop counting runs.
Pick a small, compact village
With a toddler you will walk the village more than you ski the slopes. Look for a place where the supermarket, a warm café and the beginner area sit within walking distance. Check the paths too. A short stretch on the map can turn out to be an icy slope with steps, and then you push the buggy uphill. In many villages a sledge with a backrest beats a buggy. If your place sits on the slope or close to the lift, you carry less and get indoors faster after a long day. In strong wind your toddler will want to go inside fast, so pick a sheltered village with trees along the paths over a high, open spot.
An apartment with a kitchen
A kitchen of your own gives you room to breathe. Your toddler eats familiar food at the times that suit them, and naps in a dark room. Late in the afternoon you make pancakes while the snow falls outside. If you do want to eat out, go early.
Skiing is optional, snow play is a must
Some toddlers shuffle around on tiny skis for twenty minutes, all smiles, and then ask for a biscuit. Others refuse the boots, the gloves or the helmet. Both are fine. For a toddler, the first meeting with snow is what counts: walking without slipping, riding the gondola, getting used to skiers around them. You will reap the benefits when proper lessons start later.
Want your child to ski? Keep it short and playful, and stop while it is still fun. Check the ski school’s minimum age and its meeting point before you book. Many resorts offer childcare or a snow club for the smallest ones, for half or full days. Book it in good time, because places fill up during school holidays.
Layers, spare mittens and sunscreen
Dress your toddler in layers: a thermal base layer (no cotton), a fleece and a waterproof suit. Cold hands end a day faster than anything else, so bring proper ski mittens and a spare pair. Mittens go on more easily than gloves. Up the mountain the sun reflects off the snow, so cover face and hands and pack an SPF lip balm. Put a sticker on the helmet and skis. At ski school all the kids’ kit looks the same.
Plan warm breaks
Bring a flask of hot chocolate and a bag of snacks. A cold, hungry toddler turns into a crying toddler within minutes. Head inside at the first grumble, loosen the boots and warm those little hands. Have a bad-weather plan too, such as a pool or an indoor play area nearby. And skip skiing on arrival day. Let everyone land first.
We find the mountain that suits your toddler
Wabokkio plans family holidays for young parents with toddlers and works on request. Tell us how old your children are, whether you ski yourselves and how your toddler sleeps. We look for a compact village with a place near the lift, childcare or ski school for the little ones, and a room layout that suits your family. You receive a personal quote within 5 working days. We charge no service fee and show no off-the-shelf prices.