British Alpine Ski School, Megeve

• At the beginning of the season (December/January) sometimes we can experience very cold conditions especially if the areas are in the shade of the sun.  In contrast the end of the season can be very warm.
  
  
• It is better to have salopettes and ski jackets rather than an all in one suit (makes going to the loo easier for kids especially, one piece suits are so yesterday now anyway!) Make sure that trousers are waterproof and insulated (or put fleece trousers trousers underneath for kids).  When children are learning (or waiting around) they tend to sit around in the snow a lot, the cold &/or moisture can penetrate through thin/non-waterproof clothing very quickly and make the child extremely cold quickly.
  
  
• When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and deep pockets. Be sure to buy your children quality clothing products (warm kids are happy kids!).
  
  
• Please don't skimp on your children's ski gear.  Make sure that you kit them out with plenty of Layers to wear (this helps to accommodate for the bodies constantly changing temperature,) they can always peel a layer off if they become too hot, but there is nothing worse than getting cold and not being able to warm up (especially when you're only 3!).

Skiing Gloves and Hats:

• The same is important about protecting your hands, ensure that gloves are not too tight, leave a bit of room to let the fingers move around (mitts are quite warm) and make sure that kids ones will stand up to making snowballs!  (for young kids elastic through their sleeves and attached to their gloves at either end saves any gloves getting lost!).  A spare pair of gloves is always a good idea.  We all loose warmth through our extremities (80% through our heads!), it is important to have a warm hat that covers the ears or a headband for slightly warmer weather, this can always be discarded if you get too hot.
  
  
• Ski helmets are a good idea. If your child wears a ski helmet, remember you may have to raise your voice more to get their attention because a helmet may impede their hearing.. Make sure the helmet fits correctly. A ski helmet is not an item you buy for your child to grow into. Educate your child about the benefits and limitations of the helmet. Wearing a helmet doesn't give permission to ski or snowboard faster or recklessly.
  
  
• We at BASS would always recommend that any children (and/or adults) consider wearing a protective helmets during their hours of skiing.  This not only provides warmth but also provides reasonable protection.
  
  
• Be sure to wear sun protection, even on cloudy days (higher the factor the better). The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think! A ski holiday with a sun burn is no fun!
  
  
• Kids & adults should have sunglasses (for fine weather) and goggles (for wind & snow) Take both with you unless you can be sure that it is a clear day & Glasses will be suitable.  Glasses are no use in wet or snowy conditions as they steam up on the inside.  Skiing is a lot more fun when you can see. Always wear eye protection!

• When buying or hiring your equipment ensure that everything fits well (not too big, not too small).
  
  
• Ski Boots - should fit comfortably with one pair of ski socks (long enough to come up past the top of the boot).  The boot should fasten snuggly round the top of the leg so that you can only slip a couple of fingers between your leg and the boot.  Toes should be relaxed and not right at the top of the boot, the fore foot should be held with no lateral movement.  Clips should not need to be on their maximum (last) closure as this gives no room for adjusting during the day.

*Tip - Visit your pharmacist and purchase some Arnica gel/cream.  When you start skiing sometimes your shins receive a bit of wear and become bruised, Arnica will help reduce inflammation & bruising.

Choosing the Type of Lessons;    First you need to decide what is going to be the best option for your whole family.  Please consider your children's age/s, motivation and agility (just as for adults) when considering whether to go for Private Ski Lessons, or our special Family Skiing Package.

The Lesson; At BASS Megeve we only use very experienced and Child Friendly instructors, when children are learning a sport it can sometimes be quite confusing to know who to listen to.  Our instructors will involve the whole family in the learning process of your child wherever possible.  If the instructor feels that they would like you to help they will not hesitate to ask and will give you an idea of what assistance they might require.  However this may not be needed so if not, just stand back and let the process begin.  The quicker your child becomes independent on their skis the more enjoyable a holiday your whole family will have. The instructor at the end of the lesson will let you know how your child is progressing, and if there is anything that can be practiced outside the lessons to help their development.

• When kids come to our group lessons or private lessons we ask that you provide them with all the items from the following list with.
  
  Goggles & sunglasses / sun cream (factor 30+) / hat / gloves / snack (cereal bar) / non glass & non leak bottle of juice (non fizzy) / money for a hot drink stop (min €5) / Tissues

Starting your kids early, opens a world of adventure, fun, laughter and beautiful scenery unsurpassed, from many other sports and interests. It's a tremendous feeling to learn that your kids' fondest childhood memories were of your family ski holidays and now skiing has become an important element in their lives. Your kids will be forever grateful to you when they become adults!

 

If your child has any medical or physical needs please let the instructor know at the beginning of the first lesson (or by contacting the BASS Megeve office beforehand) so that we can ensure to make the lesson as appropriate for them as possible.

If you require all day care for your children please contact will@bassmegeve.com

Electronic tickets are great but must be in a pocket on the left and high enough to activate the scanner (a lot of jackets have a chest or sleeve pocket, check for this before buying your new jacket).  Make sure that you place lift tickets securely in a pocket which is zipped up and we recommend is used for nothing else that week. For Children place the ticket in a pocket on the right hand side. 

Lift tickets can be priced & purchased online from September.  Buy Megeve Lift Pass Online

Ski resorts are at a higher altitude to what you are used to, this has some effects on your body while in resort.

• You may suffer from dehydration - drink plenty of fluids (non alcoholic!) to reduce risk of headache and tiredness.
  
  
• Day 3 of you holiday - we usually find that on day 3 clients are very tired and their systems have started to go into holiday mode.  Either take a day off or on that day do half the amount of skiing you would normally do to reduce the risk of injury.
  
  
• Be as FIT AS YOU CAN BE for your holiday.  Skiing is quite a demanding sport, there is nothing worse than sore muscles on what should be a holiday!  When possible before your holiday exercise as much as you can, walk or cycle instead of taking the car, go swimming or to the gym.  Every little will help.  Advice would be to ease into your holiday and not over do it on the first day!  Check out the Ski Club of Great Britain for fitness advice.