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Ski Safety for Kids: 10 Tips to stop you loosing kids on the slopes

Ski Safety Skills for kids' that all ski families need.

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Ski safety tips for kids: why they're important

A family ski holiday is an exciting and memorable experience, but it can also come with its challenges. One of the biggest concerns for parents is the possibility of losing a child whilst skiing on the slopes, and I am always being asked, ‘What should I do if I lose my kid on the ski slopes?’

I’m here to reassure you that whilst it is one of the major concerns faced by parents heading to the ski slopes each winter, it doesn’t happen that often. With proper preparation and a calm approach, you can navigate such situations effectively and practice good ski safety for kids. In this blog post, I’m going to share the top 10 tips to help you reduce the chance of this happening and also how to handle a lost child on the ski slopes if it happens. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable skiing experience for your family.

1. Ski Safety for kids: educate and prepare beforehand

The first step in building ski safety for kids and in preventing and managing a lost child on the ski slopes is to educate and prepare your children before hitting the slopes. Start by teaching them the essential information they need to know. Emphasise the importance of staying in groups and sticking to the designated routes or pistes. Teach them how to identify landmarks and ski lift meeting points. We make a game of identifying the chairlift names (who can name the most chairlifts, making up silly names for the chairlifts: Arpette chairlift is the Armpit chairlift, etc.).

By instilling this knowledge, you empower them to make better decisions and reduce the risk of getting lost. Most ski resorts now have interactive piste maps like this digital piste map for La Plagne, and if your kids are like mine, it's “cooler” if it's on a screen! Plus, you can enjoy looking at it together before you head off on your ski trip.

Additionally, provide your child with identification that includes your contact information. Some great ideas that I see ski instructors using with their kids are waterproof wristbands with their names and phone number. However, it’s easier for parents to have a laminated card or a printout, with important information on it. You can then attach it to their clothing or put it in their lift pass pocket.

Kids ski safety ID card

Along with this ID card, I always give my kids an emergency 5€. It’s put in their pocket and often stays there until the end of the ski season! But if they did need to wait in a restaurant, they could get a drink. My kids found it especially funny this winter as my phone died one day, and I couldn’t pay for our drinks on Apple Pay. So they came to the rescue with their 5€ to pay for our drinks!

Safe ID tags like this will ensure that in case they do get lost, someone can easily reach out to you and reunite you with your child.

2. Establish a Meeting Point

Selecting a central and easily recognizable meeting point is crucial for reuniting with your child if they get separated from the group. Choose a spot near the base of the slopes or a specific ski lift. Make sure it is a place where children can easily wait and be supervised, such as a designated area with ski resort staff. Communicate this meeting point to your child and ensure they understand its significance.

When we head out skiing with my 2 children, this meeting point will change throughout the day as we move about the mountain. But it is usually the bottom of the piste, and we tell them to go to the bottom of the chairlift. Then, they can speak clearly to the staff working on the chairlift and have a clear landmark (the name of the chairlift) to communicate back to us to be able to find them quickly and without stress. What we make absolutely clear is that they do not get on any chairlifts without one of us present. This limits them heading up and away from where we got separated.

By having a designated spot, and limiting how far your child will move from the point you got lost, you increase the chances of finding each other quickly and reduce the chance of a lost child skiing experience.

3. Use Technology to Your Advantage

In today's digital age, technology can be a valuable tool in managing a lost child situation. Equip your child with a GPS tracker or a smartwatch that allows you to track their location. Make sure they wear the device at all times and familiarize themselves with its functionalities and settings. Make sure you also know how it works! For example, I usually leave the technology to my husband, but it is me that heads out with the kids skiing most often, so it is important that I know how this system works as well.

This way, if your child goes missing, you can quickly locate them and coordinate with ski resort staff or authorities. Remember to charge the device fully before hitting the slopes and to have spare batteries or a portable charger as a backup.

This blog will give you an insight into which app(s) to download:

Ski Safety Apps: how to keep in touch on the slopes.

TOP TIP: If your child doesn’t have a smartphone yet, then one of the best solutions we have found is the Apple AirTags. They are small enough to slot into a ski jacket pocket with minimal inconvenience to your ski kids. But do make sure it is not in the same pocket at the ski pass as the lift pass and the AirTag can inhibit each other.

4. Encourage Communication

Teaching your child how to communicate effectively in case of an emergency is crucial when it comes to ski safety for kids. Especially if you are abroad and the native language is not your child’s mother tongue. Make sure your children are aware of the main language – by this, I don’t mean they need to be fluent in French! But for them to understand that the piste staff are likely to be speaking a different language to them and that it’s ok. Also, think to provide your contact information in the native language if you think it’s unlikely that the staff will speak English.

For older children, it can be beneficial to make sure they know or understand the ski resort's communication system, such as emergency phones or radios available on the slopes. Explain to them how to contact ski patrol or resort staff for help. Emphasise the importance of seeking assistance from authorised personnel rather than relying solely on other skiers. By fostering good communication skills, your child will feel more confident and better equipped to handle unexpected situations.

5. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

In the unfortunate event os a lost child skiing, it's essential to remain calm and think clearly. Panic can hinder your ability to make rational decisions. Take a deep breath and assess the surroundings. Look for any landmarks, slopes, or lift stations that might give you clues about your child's possible location. Consider factors such as the time of day, weather conditions, and your child's skiing ability. This assessment will help you determine the best course of action and guide your search efforts effectively.

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6. Ski safety for kids: Inform Resort Staff

Once you have realised your child is lost, report to the ski resort staff immediately that you have a lost child skiing. Provide them with a detailed description of your child's appearance, including their height, hair colour, and any distinguishing features. Mention the clothing and equipment they were wearing, such as the colour of their jacket and helmet.

Sharing relevant information about your child's ski level and preferred slopes can also be helpful if they are older or more experienced and you think they may have moved away from where you last saw them. The resort staff is experienced in handling these situations and will assist you in locating your child promptly.

7. Communicate with Other Skiers

Enlisting the help of fellow skiers can significantly increase the chances of finding your lost child. Inform nearby skiers about the situation and ask them to keep an eye out for your child. Share your contact information so that if they come across your child, they can quickly notify you. Skiers are a tight-knit community and are willing to support each other in times of need. By involving others in your search efforts for a lost child skiing, you create a network of individuals who can aid in reuniting your family.

TOP TIP: With my children, I have also told them to approach other skiers if they cannot find the ski resort staff. And specifically, to look and see if they can find another family, parent or mum with children. For me, my children are more comfortable approaching adults who have children with them.

8. Coordinate with Family Members

When dealing with a lost child situation, it is crucial to have a coordinated effort among family members. Assign a responsible adult who will stay at the meeting point while others actively search for the child. This person will act as a central point of contact, relaying information and coordinating search efforts with ski resort staff and other family members. By maintaining clear communication within your family, you streamline the search process and ensure everyone is involved and informed.

9. Follow Ski Resort Protocols

Each ski resort may have specific protocols in place for handling lost children. If the thought of losing one of your children on the ski slopes is a cause of real anxiety, or something that you anticipate happening, for example, if your child has a tendency to wander off or enjoys playing hide and seek! Then look to familiarize yourself with the resort-specific procedures before your family ski holiday.

Understand how the ski resort handles such situations and the steps you need to take as a parent. Cooperate fully with resort staff and follow their guidance throughout the process. They have the expertise and resources to assist you effectively. By adhering to the ski resort's protocols, you ensure a coordinated and efficient search, increasing the chances of a quick reunion with your child.

10. Maintain Open Communication with Your Child

Before hitting the slopes, talk to your child about what to do if they get lost. Teach them to stay put in a safe location if they cannot find their way back. Reassure them that you will come looking for them and that there is no need to panic. Encourage them to seek help from ski resort staff or other trusted adults. Emphasize the importance of open communication and that they should provide their contact information to authorities or fellow skiers who offer assistance. For example, if you have put a laminated card with their ski lift pass containing all the contact information, then make sure your children know where to find this.

By instilling these instructions, you empower your child to take proactive measures in the challenging situation os a lost child skiing.

That’s La Plagne & How to build good ski safety for your kids

A lost child situation can be a distressing experience for any parent/guardian on a family ski holiday. However, by following these top 10 tips, you can minimize the risks and effectively manage such situations. And if you have any questions about child safety on family ski holidays, then ask away in the comments. Or feel free to send me a direct message on the That’s La Plagne Instagram any time.

TOP TIPS

Educate and prepare your child beforehand, establish a meeting point, and use technology to your advantage.
Encourage communication and remain calm while assessing the situation. Inform ski resort staff, communicate with other skiers, and coordinate with family members.
Follow resort protocols and maintain open communication with your child. With these guidelines in mind, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable skiing experience for the whole family.
Check out this post with some fun help and advice for keeping kids safe on the ski slopes this winter.