How to Prepare for a Ski Holiday When You Can Only Practise in the UK
Getting children ready for a ski holiday when you live in a country famous for drizzle, not mountains, can feel… ambitious. But fear not! With a few clever tricks, your little one can arrive in resort feeling like a mini pro (or at least ready to shuffle onto the magic carpet without tears).
Let’s make prepping for your ski trip feel exciting — not overwhelming.
1. Turn Everyday Play Into “Ski Training”
You don’t need snow. You just need energy (which kids conveniently have in endless supply).
Simple swaps:
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Hopping becomes “jumping over moguls”
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Side-to-side steps = practising turns
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Balancing on one foot = “pretending to put skis on a penguin”
If they’re giggling, it’s working.
2. Bring the Mountains to the UK
Dry slopes and indoor snow centres might not be the Alps, but they’re perfect for cracking the basics.
A couple of short sessions help children to learn:
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How to snowplough without doing the splits
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How to slide without panicking
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How to stop (essential!)
Plus, they get that “I’ve been skiing!” buzz before you even pack your bags.
3. Let Them Get Silly in Their Ski Gear
Kids + new equipment = unpredictability.
Avoid day-one meltdowns by letting them experiment at home.
Try:
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Playing board games in ski boots
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Doing a “ski gear race” — who can put on goggles, helmet and gloves the fastest?
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Practising the ski-school shuffle across the carpet
If they feel comfy, they’ll feel confident.
4. Keep Expectations Tiny and Celebrations Big
Before the holiday, they only need to know how to:
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Balance
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Stop
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Not lick the ski lift pole
Ski instructors will handle the fancy stuff.
Your job? Cheer every tiny win and keep the vibes positive.
5. Make the Build-Up Magical
Talk about skiing as the ultimate adventure — new friends, snowy games, hot chocolate so thick you can almost stand a spoon in it.
Make a mini countdown, pack together, or let them choose their own Little Skiers outfit so they feel part of the excitement.
6. Warm Kids = Happy Kids
Trendy kit is great, but warmth is everything.
Pack:
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Toasty thermals
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A snuggly mid-layer
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Waterproof mittens (always mittens!)
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A neck warmer
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Spare gloves — because glove-soaking is a superpower
Preparing for a ski holiday in the UK doesn’t need to be serious or stressful. With a little creativity, a local practice session or two, and cosy gear from Little Skiers, your child will be ready to enjoy the slopes — tumbles, giggles, hot chocolates and all.