After a skiing holiday in France, Elaine Leddyneeds a vacation
THINKING OF JETTING off to the snow with the family this winter? Does the idea of escaping from the rat race seem blissful? Do thoughts of swishing serenely down Alpine slopes with children in tow, von Trapp-style, appeal to your sense of adventure?
Before you embark on your healthy, active family holiday, allow me, as one who has suffered from similar delusions, to give you a few useful tips.
Firstly, we all know that travelling with a family means a lot of luggage. But pack light, as you will be in ski gear most of the time. If you have the energy left to dine out in the evenings, most restaurants in ski resorts are casual. If you are bringing your own skis and boots, be aware that Ryanair has introduced a policy that stops you from taking your boots on board as hand luggage. Taking your own gear may end up costing more than renting – unless you are as innovative as a person I heard of who wore ski boots on to the flight. Why not? Nothing they can do about that. Better for the money to be in your pocket than in Michael O’Leary’s. And if he could turn his car into a taxi in order to use bus lanes . . .
Secondly, lower your expectations. If you plan to share childminding duties – schlepping to and from ski school, hanging out on the nursery slopes with younger children – with your partner, to avoid arguments be prepared for the balance not to be exactly 50-50 (think housework). You might think I’m being sexist, but I’m just being realistic.
Thirdly, if you are booking lessons for the kids, take afternoon ones if possible. Running around the apartment at 8am, screaming at children who can’t find their hat, scarf or gloves, is far too reminiscent of home. You’re supposed to be having fun, remember.
Fourthly, you know the way you’re looking at the piste map and see all those nice easy green and blue runs bunched together, and there’s a chairlift that takes you right there, nearly (nearly being the operative word)? That little gap between the lift and the run is significant. That lift is really for all those nasty black runs on the other side, and that little gap is impassable. So know where you are going before you go.
Finally – and I know this might seem random, but for some women this is the most important tip – if you are breastfeeding, either don’t go at all or do not go outside if it’s very cold, no matter how many layers you have on. Those who have experienced this will know what I mean. There is nothing more painful than feeling your milk freeze inside you.
If I haven’t put you off your holiday, bon voyage and break a leg.