By PETER HALEY,
Bumps Snowsports owner
I'VE been going to the ski fields with my family for 40 years and, as the owner of snow sports speciality retailer Bumps Snowsports, I speak with a lot of people about how to plan a family ski trip.
A ski trip can be quite involved, but with some planning, you can make it an enjoyable holiday for the whole family.
Here are my top tips:
Plan ahead
If it's your first time doing a snow trip, consider booking via a family–friendly travel company.
They can give you tips for structuring your holiday and create an all–inclusive package.
I'd also suggest booking as much as possible in advance, so you can enjoy more time on the mountain.
This includes ski and snowboard hire, which you can rent from my store Bumps.
We can fit and modify the required equipment to suit your needs and have it ready to collect ahead of your departure.
You can rent equipment at the ski resort, but waiting times can be long and the equipment hire facilities often have limited stock available, meaning you may not get the best fit or the equipment you want.
If you've never worn ski boots before, ask the technician to show you the right way to do them up.
Boots can be awkward unless fitted well – it's worth taking the time to get it right.
If you will be driving to the mountain, ensure you have anti–freeze in your radiator and that you have tyre chains at the ready.
Accommodation options
The most convenient is ski– in, ski–out accommodation.
It's the more expensive choice, but it will give you more time on the mountain as you won't have to commute in and out of the resort.
If you're staying just outside this zone, there is generally a free shuttle bus that runs around the village that can get you to your accommodation.
Some people choose to stay off mountain in nearby towns, as accommodation is cheaper, and they drive up to the resort each day.
This can be a pain, as there is daily commuting involved, and you're entering the resort every day which can mean paying more in fees and parking.
Wear the right gear
Your ski boots are your top priority.
Make sure they are comfortable and that they have been fitted properly by a technician.
For your gear, ensure it fits properly – it shouldn't be too tight or too baggy.
I recommend good mittens for small kids and those who feel the cold, while gloves are okay for everyone else.
For children under the age of five, a one–piece suit is a good option.
You want to dress in multiple layers – use thermals for your base layer, then a middle layer of polyester or wool (or a blend of the two), completed with your final layer, known as the outer shell, which should include an insulated ski jacket and ski pants that are waterproof.
If everyone is warm and comfortable, everyone has a good time.
Peter Haley is the owner of Bumps Snowsports, a snow sports retailer located in Melbourne. The store stocks the largest range of snow equipment and gear in Australia, and offers hire and tuning services. The family owned and run business is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Visit the store at 481 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick, VIC. Details: bumps.com.au
