Conquering the slopes can seem daunting when you’re trying to keep up with teenagers. But don’t let the challenge stop you! Ski holidays can be a fantastic adventure for both adults and teenagers, whether you are a single parent or not. With the right planning and mindset, you can create unforgettable memories on the mountains together.
What are the challenges?
Ski holidays with teenagers come with their own set of challenges. Perhaps your youngsters are daredevils and want to hit black runs and mogul pistes while you are more anxious or still getting your ski legs? Or maybe you’re worried about keeping them entertained off the slopes. Teenagers can be moody, often prefer their own company, and will want a degree of independence. It can be seriously tricky to keep them happy at this age!
Despite these challenges, a ski trip with teenagers is by no means out of reach. Many resorts cater for families and offer various options when it comes to activities and accommodation. Here is what you can do to ensure your single parent ski holiday with your youngster is a success:
How do I choose the right ski resort for teenagers?
Find family-friendly resorts with dedicated teen programmes
Not all ski resorts are the same. Look for those that provide specific programmes for teenagers, such as ski camps or social events, where they can make new friends, and meet up on and off the slopes.
Explore hotels with teenage facilities
Many hotels offer teenage facilities, such as games rooms, teenage lounges, karaoke bars, or discos, so your teenagers have somewhere to spend time when they aren’t on the mountain. It means you don’t have to worry about entertaining them and can relax and enjoy a drink or a spa session without worrying about their whereabouts.
Look for safe hotels and easy-to-navigate resorts
Choose hotels that are large enough to provide the right facilities, but not so huge that they are not safe for youngsters to hang out in by themselves. Both your hotel and the surrounding area should be easy to navigate, so no one gets lost. Ski-in and ski-out hotels can also save you a lot of time and hassle, allowing you to relax more and focus on enjoying the trip.
How do I budget for ski holidays with teenagers?
Look for ski package deals and discounts
Many resorts offer special deals for families, including single parent discounts. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for package deals, special offers, or group vacations like ski holidays for single parents to save some cash. Group holidays are not necessarily more expensive than booking the hotel directly as tour operators are able to source group allotments.
Consider alternatives to buying ski clothes
If your teens are still growing, renting clothes might be wise. Beware that not every resort offers ski clothes rental, so this is something to check in good time before you travel. Depending on where you live, you might also be able to rent in your hometown.
Another alternative to buying new ski clothes is to buy second hand or borrow. After all, it is likely that your youngster will only wear the clothes once – unless of course you live in colder realms. You could also consider buying a ski coat that can double as a school or weekend winter coat. That’s what I have always done with my children. The ski gloves and snow boots were also used for those rare times when we got snow in the winter.
Source cost-effective ski equipment and lessons
Renting gear can be pricey, so consider hiring online before you arrive or checking out local shops for a good family package deal. You usually get a discount hiring online in advance, but it’s also worth checking with your accommodation provider if they have a deal with one of the local shops.
Group ski lessons are considerably cheaper than private sessions. However, private lessons can be more effective than group lessons, which involve a lot of standing around waiting for others to take their turn (literally!). So, if both you and your youngsters require lessons, it may be worth working out the cost of shared private lessons v. group lessons.
What do I need to pack for ski holidays with teenagers?
Check out our ski packing list to ensure you don’t overlook anything important:
- warm, waterproof ski jacket
- salopettes
- ski gloves
- neck gaiter
- ski socks
- base and mid layers
- snow boots
- sunscreen and lip balm
- ski goggles
- helmets (unless you wish to hire one)
- a small rucksack for snacks, water bottle, goggles, etc. (optional but incredibly useful)
How else can I entertain my teenagers on holiday?
If your teens get bored easily or want to try something different, you could consider one of the following:
- a snowboarding trial lesson: You will need to factor in the hassle and cost of hiring boots and board for the day, but if your teenagers have been begging to give the ‘cooler sport’ a go, it may be worth giving them the opportunity.
- snowshoe hiking: If you are a beginner and unfamiliar with the area, book a guided snowshoe hike for yourself and your kids. You will need decent snow boots – the rest of the gear will be provided. Beware that snowshoe hiking is more challenging than it looks so not for the physically unfit.
- snow biking: Imagine a BMX bike on skis. It’s an activity that’s easy to learn as snow bikes are stable and relatively easy to manoeuvre. Compared to snowboarding, it’s a doddle.
- air boarding: Another cool new winter sports activity suitable for both parents and children where you race down a dedicated slope on an air board (image a short blow-up surfboard with handles) on your stomach. It’s an incredibly fun winter sports activity that requires little skill.
- tobogganing: If you are skiing in Austria, try to find a toboggan run near you. These are open daytime and/or in the evening. If you have some energy left after a day on the slopes, go for a couple of floodlit runs followed by dinner or hot chocolate in a cosy mountain hut.
How do I ensure my teens’ safety on ski holidays?
We all know that teenagers are risk takers. Driven by peer pressure, they often make poor decisions with little thought about what the consequences of their actions might be. This is why it is paramount that you sit down with your teens and talk to them about safety before you take them on a ski trip:
Safety on the slopes
Talk to your teens about ski safety. If your teenagers are beginner skiers in ski school, some of the following points might be emphasized there, too. But don’t rely on it – ski instructors only spend a limited amount of time with your kids:
- Helmets: Wearing a helmet might not look as cool as a beanie, but it can make the difference between life and death (or brain damage). Back this up with evidence if needed.
- Protective gear: If your teen is a daredevil on the slopes, consider buying protective wear for their spine, hips, etc. Make sure you get specific gear for skier v. snowboarders.
- Piste rules: Make sure your teenagers are familiar with the rules and regulations of the ski resort or check the FIS Code of Conduct rules expected of skiers and snowboarders. It is surprising how many kids are not aware of the rules of the piste!
- Speed/control: Explain how important it is to stay in control for their own safety and that of others.
- Off piste skiing: If your teenagers are experienced skiers and want to venture off piste, make sure they are aware of the dangers and take the necessary precautions, such as going with a guide (ideally), staying in a group, checking avalanche warning systems before setting off, and carrying avalanche transceivers.
- Getting fit: Skiing – and even more so snowboarding – requires a degree of cardiovascular fitness and strength. Getting fit for your ski trip not only prevents injury, but also makes your trip much more enjoyable.
- Emergency contact details: Save the local mountain rescue number in their phone and ask them to carry their ID or contact details with them at all times.
Safety off the slopes
Balancing independence with supervision for teenagers is tricky. If you have older teens, they might want to do a little après skiing with their new friends. Allow your teens some freedom but set clear guidelines and talk to them about alcohol and drug use, drinks spiking, and always staying in a group with their friends – safety in numbers.
Finally…
Ski holidays with teenagers can be done. Just make sure you manage their expectations, such as booking the right resort and accommodation and balancing their need for independence with family time. If you feel you cannot do it on your own, you can always join one of our single parent ski holidays. They will give both you and your teens company your own age in a safe setting with plenty of instant teenage friends in the group.
