Skiing makes for a great family holiday: spending HOURS outside, away from the TV or smartphones is one of the best ways to bond as a family.
However, as with most things, skiing does come with risks, like sustaining a head injury from a fall or breaking a bone.
But if you are careful and aware of your surroundings then you can make memories with the kids in safety.
If you are planning on heading up the slopes this year, bear in mind the following tips:
1. Stay within their limits
Even if you are an avid skier, things are a lot different when you have a number of kids to mind as well. Stick to the kids’ slope and no matter how good you may think they are, never put them in a situation that is way over their head.
2. Only rent or use skis suitable for their age group
The larger the skis are the faster they will go, so only ever use skis that both fit and are suitable for your child’s age and ability.
3. Don’t forget the helmet
Above all else, never, ever let your child go anywhere near the slopes if they don’t have a helmet on. You will need to rent or buy an actual skiing helmet – a bicycle or horse-riding helmet won’t suffice.
4. Make sure their boots fit
Il-fitting boots can affect your child's control over their skis; make sure they fit comfortably and are buckled up properly to give their ankles the right support.
5. Protect their eyes at all times
The higher you go the stronger the sun’s rays become. Coupled with the glare of the white snow it can actually be damaging to both yours and your child’s eyes. Make sure they always wear sports sunglasses and goggles in case it gets extra cold.
