This is the time of year that nannies start accompanying their employers on ski trips all over the world. Whether you’ll be skiing with your charges or on household and babysitting duties back at the chalet, here are some tried-and-tested tips from those who’ve been there, done that..and have the goggle marks to prove it!
Strings Attached..
A small but vital tip: good quality ski mittens are both essential skiwear and very expensive to replace, yet the mountain sides under chairlifts are positively littered with lost ski accessories. Make sure that your charges’ gloves or mittens can attach to their ski jackets (lots have hooks and clips) or attach them to a long piece of elastic and thread this through the arms of the ski jacket so that they don’t go astray. Because otherwise they will, and numb fingers are no fun for anyone.
Military Planning..
You’re a super nanny already so you’re excellent at precision preparation and juggling several tasks at once, but up in the mountains with children and skis you must be on your absolute A-game for organisation, all day long. This means getting all their ski equipment (including packed lunches if you’re in charge of these) ready the night before, as lots of families who like to ski will be keen to jump on the first lift of the morning. Get to know how their ski boots fasten up and label skis and poles with colour-coded tape strips if necessary – this will all save valuable snow time in the morning. If you’re tasked with getting clothes ready (and laundered, dried and warm) for the day, remember that layers are vital and that nothing ruins a day on the slopes for a child like getting too cold. Layers, layers, layers!
Choc Stops..
If you’re skiing with the children or looking after them in resort during the day, never turn down the opportunity to stop off in a cafe for a hot chocolate break to rest tired limbs, reapply sunscreen and warm up with a hot chocolate. Taking regular breaks and calling it a day before they’re over tired are other ways to make sure that your charges come away from their family ski holiday excited for next season, and not dreading it.
Pocket Fillers..
If it’s ok with the parents, pop a few sugary treats into inner pockets of your charges’ ski jackets for energy dips and hunger pangs, and also make sure that all children are carrying documentation that identifies them in case they become separated from their ski school or from the family whilst skiing on the piste. Sun cream is another wise thing to pack, if they’re old enough to apply their own, and make sure that mobile phones are carried in inner pockets rather than outer ones, for security as well as avoiding temperature damage.
What are your best tips for skiing with families and children? Got any clever hacks for smooth planning and perfect prep? Head over to our Facebook page or Tweet us @StJamesNannies.