Hucksters Budget Ski HolidaysHucksters Budget Ski Holidays

Parent's Guide to Sending Kids Off on a School Ski Trip

Our Six Top Tips

Preparing your teenager for their first trip without you can be a daunting prospect, from what you pack for them, navigating the separation to ensuring their safety when you are miles away. It’s only understandable that you will have some concerns and want to seek some advice on how to prepare and protect your child who is going on their first school ski trip.

1. Packing

The common misconception is that the bigger the coat or jumper, the warmer they’ll be. When going on a ski trip, layers of purpose-made clothing will be important. Temperatures can dip as low as -20 degrees in the mountains so you want items that will keep them well-insulated but easy to take off when inside with the heating. You’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of spares as clothing can get damp during a day of skiing.

The key items to pack will be:

  • A good quality ski jacket and trousers or a sallopette (an all-in-one suit)
  • Ski socks
  • Warm hats
  • Ski goggles
  • Gloves
  • Thermal vests and jumpers
  • Sun cream and lip salve (as although it’s winter, the sun can beam strong).

You may be tempted to cut corners and pay less for items but investing in something specifically designed for snow sports will ensure your children is warm and safe on the slopes. Buying all the products new can be pricey, so look second-hand or even consider hiring out the clothing and equipment.

Needless to say, label everything with their name as it can be easy for kids to misplace or lose something when sharing their room with others.

1. Packing
2. Check Their Passport and Insurance

2. Check Their Passport and Insurance

Your school should keep you up-to-date on what documents your child will need, but it will be your responsibility to check that your child’s passport and EU Health Insurance Card (EHIC) have, at least, several weeks left on them prior to the trip.

As with any sports, there can be a chance of injury. Your school will have insurance, but it will be worth asking them about the insurance policy in more depth. After talking with the trip leaders, you may consider getting out your own separate insurance too.

3. Look into the Accommodation Provider and the Area

Your school will most likely have a lot of information about the accommodation which will be handed over with the permission slips. They would have done their research before selecting the right accommodation, picking a tried-and-trusted provider who have experience hosting a school trip. For example, we have over thirty years’ experience in the industry, and in this time, we have welcomed many school groups to our chalets and apartments. School ski trips are always a busy time for us, lots of excited faces (and nerves), ready to get on the snow.

Knowing the key contacts will ensure you can check in with your child as/when needed. You will also be able to use their location to review the location and ensure your child knows the layout before going, to avoid them getting lost or taking the wrong ski lifts.

3. Look into the Accommodation Provider and the Area
4. Set the Ground Rules

4. Set the Ground Rules

There’s no escaping it. Your kid is growing up, and taking their first trip without you is a significant milestone. However, they are still a child. While they are in the care of responsible adults, it’s still important to set some ground rules around how to behave and keep themselves and others safe. You may want to consult with the school organiser around their supervision of the children and their health & safety planning, as well as touch base with the accommodation providers around any potential hazards on the slopes.

5. Don't Forget the Extras!

When packing for a ski trip, it’s easy to get tied up in the necessities, but don’t forget those little extras that will help to make and capture the memories. First and foremost – the camera. Encourage the kids to snap as much as possible so that they can share the stories of their adventures when they get back.

You may want to make sure they have a phone or tablet so you can keep in touch with you. Many chalet providers have WiFi, like us, to help with the peace of mind for you both.

Once all the skiing is over in the day, there will be a few hours each evening where the kids could get bored, plus there’s the coach trip which can be a lengthy journey. Consider small things that could entertain like game consoles, cards and books.

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When packing for a ski trip, it’s easy to get tied up in the necessities, but don’t forget those little extras that will help to make and capture the memories. First and foremost – the camera. Encourage the kids to snap as much as possible so that they can share the stories of their adventures when they get back.

You may want to make sure they have a phone or tablet so you can keep in touch with you. Many chalet providers have WiFi, like us, to help with the peace of mind for you both.

Once all the skiing is over in the day, there will be a few hours each evening where the kids could get bored, plus there’s the coach trip which can be a lengthy journey. Consider small things that could entertain like game consoles, cards and books.

5. Don't Forget the Extras!
6. Try it Out First

6. Try it Out First

There are many great dry and indoor slopes across the U.K. If your kid is nervous or wants to make the most of their trip, you may want to get them some lessons at a nearby slope. Practice before they head off can help to boot their confidence (and your own while you’re at it!). They’ll learn the skills they need before taking it to the snowy slopes.

Want to Talk Further?

If your kid is heading to us on a school trip, please feel free to reach out to us and we'd be happy to answer any more questions. Alternatively, if you want to organise a group skiing holiday on behalf of a school group, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to talk through some of the details. We have welcomed many school groups to our half-board accommodation, and with excellent deals on larger bookings, you’ll quickly find out why we are so highly recommended by others.

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By dispensing with things such as towels and complimentary toiletries (bring your own) and guaranteed en suite bathrooms, Hucksters has managed to create accommodation that is definitely communal and cheap but in that no-frills way that makes you feel pretty smug at the money you are saving. It has ...

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The staff were more like friends than employees and knew the area very well. Can't fault them. They sorted an issue with my wife's ski pass with as little stress as was possible. To start your day of skiing one had only to walk about 20m from the door, pop your skis on and off you go. You could eit...

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We stayed with Hucksters in Serre Chevalier, they went above and beyond to provide an outstanding service. The best value for money I've ever had, and the area is stunning! We will definitely be returning.

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Just a quick note to thank you all for hosting the Bennett clan the other week, we had a great time and are hoping to return with Hucksters for the new year.

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