Skiing with a baby

[espoleta]

Hi everyone,
My DP and I are looking at taking the kids skiing again during half term, the only difference is this year we will have a new baby (appox 4 months- its not out yet) as well as the boys who are 7 and 9.
My DP is french and has skied all his life and so has his family. We go with his two brothers, SO and their kids and this year MIL is looking at joining us. She doesn't think she is going to ski so will hopefully be our babysitter.
With all these facts does everyone think I'm crazy taking a 4 month old skiing? We're planning on hiring a place around Bellevaux as there are many ski resorts close by and everything is cheaper than going to Chamonix.
What do I need to consider?
Thanks in advance

[dontcallmethatyoucunt]

I've taken a baby, sounds like a great plan. Just be prepared to come back and feed or pump and dump up the hill! Enjoy

[Bluerose27]

What happens if Mil decides not to be Baby sitter?

[LIZS]

Watch out for altitude and bitter cold. Babies lose heat more rapidly as they don't move as much. Plan to book accommodation where you or dm could stay indoors with the baby during the day if needs be. Also be careful with cable cars and lifts which suddenly change altitude as can trigger ear pain.

[starsinyourpies]

MIL said this to us too then the sun shone every day and she was out drinking wine and skiing. The next year we booked a chalet with childcare, it was amazing.

[WiggleYourWoo]

Both my eldest and youngest were around 2 months old when we first took them skiing. DH and I didn't have anyone to babysit and skied (still do it) in turns. One skies in the morning (we go skiing with friends so not alone), another in the afternoon.

[espoleta]

Thanks everyone.

If MIL does ski (which I doubt as she had massive surgery in October and I don't think is fighting fit for the slopes) we will take it in turns to hand out with the baby. I spoke to my SIL who lives in a ski region and she's more than happy to take a morning with the baby.
I am worried about keeping her warm and the altitude. How rapid of a change is bad/ what altitude? And is a snowsuit with a fleece underneath it?

[Twickerhun]

We took our 4 month old. Went with friends who helped out. Was so much fun. Babies at that age, as you know, are really portable. It's a great age to travel. Just apply for a passsportas quickly as you can and an ehic card for the baby if travelling in Europe

[LIZS]

In very cold conditions we used a fleece all in one over indoor clothes and under snowsuit, plus hat , mittens etc. Iirc 2000m was the upper limit for altitude suggested to us. Slower lifts like gondolas may be better than cable cars, you can usually wheel a pushchair on. Also as your sil to check f you could hire an all terrain buggy locally.

[espoleta]

Thanks for advice about the passport! Didn't think about that as well be getting her both French and English ones

[espoleta]

Thanks for the advice about clothing and altitude. The highest at this ski resort that the baby can access is 1600 so we should be ok!

[Twickerhun]

Great advice re clothing and altitude
Don't forget to check that baby also doesn't over heat. Lots of layers are ideal.
Lots of sun cream too, the reflected light is strong.