You're off on a ski holiday with your children?  They're never too young to have their first taste of snow.
However don’t forget that the mountain environment can be tough for children.

Sport at any age

Although there's no age for travelling to the mountains there is one to actually start skiing.
- 0 to 3 years old: your child can be carried in a backpack where they will become familiar with the mountain environment.  NB Infants and young children are very susceptible to the cold so it's important they don't stay immobile for very long.  There are also a range of creche and child-care facilities.
- From 3 years old: children can have their first experience of skiing, which usually involves sliding on skis without poles to improve their balance. 
- From 5 years old: children can try a variety of activities on the snow (snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, telemarking …) but these should be adapted to their abilities.

Child friendly ski resort

Although all ski resorts cater for children, some are better than others.  In French resorts "Skifrance" issue a "P'tits montagnards " child friendly label that should mean a successful holiday.
This indicates family style accommodation, a surgery, service for lost children, creche and child care facilities, reduced prices for young people etc...

Wearing a helme

Mountain, sun and other skiers are high risk factors.  Children are often victims of cranial traumatism, although this figure is in constant decrease since 1994 due to the French campaign to wear safety helmets.  Doctors strongly recommend helmets meeting European safety standards (EN 1077) for children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old.  Helmets need to be changed after any type of impact.

Snowboarding protection

Wrist guards are essential for beginner snowboarders to avoid sprained wrists from falling onto an outstretched hand or toppling over. Wrist guards are highly recommended for security and will make progress quicker.  Reinforced gloves are not recommended.

Protection from the cold

On the slopes the cold will get through whatever the weather conditions.   After making a physical effort, transpiration can make your child feel cold if he//she is not adequately dressed.  The basic ski clothes are: ski gloves, hat and ski suit to protect against the cold. Tights are enough for little feet (it isn't necessary to wear two pairs of socks, which can stop the blood circulating and cause cold feet).

Sun protection

Children are much more susceptible to the dangers of exposure to the sun as their skin is younger and so more sensitive. Use sun protection cream (containing a high UVA and UVB filter with a minimum 25 index), use lip protection and wear sunglasses or goggles to avoid snow blindness.  Sun protection is also important in cloudy weather. 

Food

Before going skiing it's important to have a good breakfast in the form of milk, fruit, cereal, bread… Don’t forget to put cereal/fruit bars or chocolate into your children's pockets for a snack and provide a drink.  Being dehydrated and hungry causes tiredness and leads to injuries.

Fatigue !

Parents won’t believe it but children get tired quicker than they do!  This means adapting to a mountain environment and making sure that children get enough sleep.   It is more difficult to sleep at altitude so you may have to change your daily routine.  Children need ten hours sleep per night to avoid accidents caused by tiredness.