Hucksters Budget Ski HolidaysHucksters Budget Ski Holidays

Top Tips for your Family Ski Holiday this Winter

A holiday should be relaxing… but when it’s a family holiday we know that with all the planning and packing, dietary requirements and travelling, it isn’t always as relaxing as you’d hoped. We’ve looked after so many families over the years, so we know what you need to have an amazing Winter escape for BOTH kids and grown-ups. With that in mind, we asked our teams what expert advice and tips they’d recommend ensuring your holiday goes off without a hitch.

‘Check-in’ in advance if you’re flying

A lot of airlines and booking agents offer a free mobile app where you can check your flight details, any delays and even ‘check-in’ before you get to the airport. This is so worth doing - all you need to do then is check in your luggage.

Be the master of all activities

Children can get bored while travelling, and we can understand why, especially if there are delays. Make sure you pack lots of activity books, travel games and have some ‘go-to’ guessing games you can play while you’re waiting. It will come in handy too while on holiday if they’re feeling the chill and want to come off the slopes early.

Top tip: Ski school is exhausting and being outside can be hard if the weather is bad. Sledging or bum boards can be fun and most chalets will have them for the kids to use. Ask about swimming options or bowling and other indoor activities if the kids need a break from the outdoors.

Enrol in Ski School

Serre Chevalier has tons for beginners. The local ski school 'Ski Connections' that we use have very friendly and professional instructors at competitive prices. In Vallandry, ESF offers excellent lessons too. These schools are a great way for your children to meet others their age, learning at the same pace. There are a variety of beginner slopes in Serre Chevalier as well as up the mountain - up here there are some pretty awesome runs for beginners with beautiful views. In Vallandry, we can provide lifts to ski school at the beginning of the holiday so that you have more time to get settled in the first couple of days. Whether you want to sign your children up to ski school or book private tuition, there is an option for all!

Top tips:
Use tape and a marker pen to label your kids skis, boots and helmets. There can be a lot of equipment in the ski lockers and unless you know which is your child’s belongings, it is very easy to pick up the wrong set of skis, boots or helmet in the rush to get out to ski school!

Book the right room for you

In Serre Chevalier, we have two family rooms in our chalet, Le Petit Sport, which includes a twin and a bunk bed, perfect for a family of 3 or 4. Alternatively, for those wanting to go self-catered, our stylish and spacious Apartments sleep between 4-12 people, making them ideal for families who want to put kids to bed earlier without being disturbed! In Vallandry, our lodge, Petit Mont Blanc, has triple en-suite rooms as well as one en-suite annexe (3 bedrooms) sleeping 5/6 people. There are of course Apartments available too, and for families with teenagers, we can book your rooms right next door to each other.

Keep those stomachs happy

When there’s a hungry toddler (or teenager!), they are certainly a force to be reckoned with and need to be fed quickly. Our team cook simple, tasty, wholesome food to fuel you all for the day and warm up after returning from the slopes. Before dinner, we provide tea and cakes to keep rumbling tummies at bay.

Our 3-course Dinner Menu usually includes children's favourites such as Shepherd's Pie, Spaghetti Bolognese, Roast Dinner and Tartiflette - a win if your child loves cheese and potato! Dietary requirements can be catered for if you let us know in advance. Soft drinks are provided for little ones, while beer and wine are available for the grown-ups.

It's a good idea to have some activities to keep children busy while waiting for dinner. iPads and a video with headphones is great, plus Julie supplies colouring books and crayons in our Vallandry chalet, so the kids can draw or colour in pictures for the host!

Top tip: It’s also worth packing some dry snacks, so you’ve got some nibbles throughout the day. Don’t forget that we also offer a packed lunch option where you can order baguettes the evening before, ready to collect the next morning when you set off.

Pocket Money and Pockets

It’s worth giving your kids a little pocket money for their ski lessons, just in case they have a break and want to buy a hot drink.

Top tip: That clever inside pocket in their jacket will be a lifesaver for keeping their lift pass safe. Make sure they only use this pocket for their pass.

Layer up little ones

You may have grown accustomed to the chilly weather and snow abroad, but your children won’t be as used to the plummeting temperatures. Think lots of layers that will keep them warm and are easy to take off if they get warm. There are lots of budget-friendly options nowadays with plenty of sports and outdoor clothing stores offering affordable ski wear.

Book childcare in advance

Should you want a few hours to relax and unwind at a local restaurant, it’s worth booking childcare before your holiday. We can recommend some excellent nannies and babysitters.

Know your location

Just like any other day out or staycation, scout out all the pit stops you might need to take before you set off (ask our team for local tips too). Check where all the cafes and restaurants are, along with loos and lifts. Our Vallandry lodge is in fact right next to the Grizzly chairlift and a beginners slope! Map of Tignes Map of Peisey Vallandry Map of Serre Chevalier

Finally, don’t forget all of your passports, EU Health Insurance Cards and travel documents! If you have any questions before booking your holiday, feel free to get in touch with us. For the latest Vallandry, Tignes and Serre Chevalier deals, check out our website to book your budget Winter Holiday 2018/2019 with us! See you soon?

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Customer Reviews

Hucksters, are to be highly recommended as they offer a very personalised service at package deal prices and take a genuine interest in making sure you have a good time. I have done 4 trips with them in the last 2 years so they must be doing something right!

A.T.

Always wear your helmet and be mindful of the position your skis are pointing when carrying them around to avoid accidentally hitting anyone.

Top Tip

The wider your snowplough is, the slower your speed will be.

Top Tip

Just back from a fabulous week in Vallandry. The lodge was great and the location to the lifts perfect. I wanted to say thank you for all your help and the wonderful staff, they are all good bunch and made us feel very welcome. Please let them know we did appreciate their hard work, and smiles every...

P.L.

You don't have to buy the snowshoes, ice grippers and trekking poles you'll need on mountain walks. If you don't have the necessary kit for hiking, Evolution 2 offer kit for hire.

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