First day at ski school: our top tips

The good news? A little preparation goes a long way.

Here are our top tips to help make your child’s first day with Oxyski as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

1. Dress them for the mountain

Mountain weather can change quickly, so the right clothing makes all the difference.

Start with technical base layers – leggings and a long-sleeved top in wool or a synthetic material rather than cotton. Add ski-specific socks, a warm mid-layer and waterproof ski trousers and jacket.

Warm, waterproof gloves are essential too. For younger children, mittens are often a great choice as they’re warmer and easier to put on.

Finally, don’t forget a neck warmer, properly fitted ski helmet and goggles.

Top tip: Layers are your friend. They’ll help keep your child comfortable as temperatures and weather conditions change throughout the day.

2. Don’t forget the suncream

Sun protection is just as important in the mountains as it is on a summer holiday – even when it’s cloudy.

At altitude, UV exposure is higher and snow reflects UV rays, increasing your overall exposure. Make suncream part of your morning ski routine and pay particular attention to exposed areas such as the face, nose, ears and lips.

Choose a high-SPF, broad-spectrum suncream suitable for children and remember their goggles or sunglasses to protect their eyes too.

And yes, it’s still important on those grey, snowy days!

3. Give yourself plenty of time

Lessons booked? Ski gear sorted? Everyone dressed? Great. Now you just need to get to the meeting point.

On the first day, give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Walking in ski boots takes longer, carrying children’s skis can be an adventure in itself, and finding your way around a new resort isn’t always as straightforward as it looks on the map.

Check your Oxyski meeting point in advance and aim to arrive a little early. That gives your child time to meet their instructor and settle in without anyone feeling rushed.

If something unexpected happens and you’re running late, contact the Oxyski team as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to help.

Top tip: Check the meeting point the evening before. It’s one less thing to think about in the morning.

4. Think practical when it comes to ski clothes

For younger children in particular, ski clothing needs to be warm and waterproof – but it also needs to be practical.

A one-piece ski suit might look adorable, but toilet breaks can quickly become complicated when everything needs to come off at once!

A ski jacket with separate salopettes or ski trousers can make things much easier, especially when your child needs the loo in a hurry.

Make sure everything fits comfortably and that your child can move freely. It’s also worth checking that zips, fastenings and braces are easy enough to manage.

5. Keep their energy levels up

Learning to ski uses plenty of energy, especially for little legs. A good breakfast before ski school will help get the day off to the right start.

Depending on the lesson and your resort, it can also be useful to pack a small, easy-to-eat snack to keep energy levels topped up.

And don’t forget hydration. Children might not always realise how thirsty they are when they’re having fun in the snow, so encourage them to drink regularly before and after their lesson.

Top tip: Check what’s included in your child’s lesson and whether you need to provide a snack or drink. Some Oxyski resorts also offer lunch options, making it even easier to organise their day.

Ready for their first lesson?

The first day of ski school is all about getting comfortable, meeting the instructor, discovering the snow and, most importantly, having fun.

A little preparation beforehand means less rushing for you and a much smoother start for them.

So get the layers ready, pack the suncream, double-check your meeting point and let Oxyski take care of the rest.

We can’t wait to welcome your little skier onto the slopes!