Ski resort as cheaply as possible

[Wewillallhavebadteeth]

Planning to go to a ski resort in March for two nights with one young dc
We won’t ski…Dh might snowboard, but will rent that there if he decides he wants go
We basically just want to go for the snow and so that our dc can play in the snow
What do we need clothing wise? All of us?
Can you rent kids sledges at resorts or do you bring?
I have no idea!

The Bulgarian ones are the cheapest but can be quite rowdy.
You can definitely rent sledges at Borovets

Do you know which country you are going to??

So you want to go somewhere (anywhere?) as cheaply as possible that will allow your DCs to see/play in snow?

Does it even have to be a ski resort?
There are plenty of places where you can see snow and not ski that will be cheaper than going to a ski resort

Where do you live? Are you hoping to drive/fly/train to this place?

Sorry, didn’t explain properly. Know where we’re going-ski resort in Spain, transport organised and place to stay sorted.
Just need to know what clothes we bring if we’re not ski ing and if we need to buy a sledge or you can rent at ski resorts

Flights in and out of Turin in Italy are very reasonable, lots of family friendly resorts within 1-2 hours. Car hire also much MUCH cheaper than French Alps etc.

Good coats and salopettes available on Vinted. Most important thing for kids in snow: proper ski gloves (even just for sledding); decathlon have these for a reasonable price.

If your DS is boarding then you need to beg, borrow or steal goggles for him (unless a beginner, when wrap around sun glasses will probably suffice as he’ll spend most of the time on his bum).

@Boomarang Do we need salopettes if not skiing?
If Dh does snow board, surely we can rent goggles etc?

You’ll be able to rent skis/ boards/ helmets in resort- but generally cheaper to book online in advance.

Id say ski trousers for anyone likely to roll around in the snow, warm (but not necessarily skiing) jackets, GOOD ski gloves (defo for kids in snow) and some decent socks/ snow boots.

Ive used Vinted for first time for ski kit for kids this year. Really impressed with the bits and bobs I got. Most obvs only used for 1-2 weeks.

You can’t normally rent goggles- and they are expensive to buy in resort.

For non skiers the salopettes not compulsory but if you are planning on sledging then would certainly be more comfy

Never seen goggles for rent. You can buy them pretty cheaply though. Or if it’s sunny then sunglasses will do but it’s not an option if he wants to see where he’s going if it’s snowing. You’ll definitely need snow trousers or salopettes if you’re going to be sledging. Check with your accommodation re sledges- chalets in France usually have them for instance!

^agreed re kids sledging DEFO need salopettes. If £ is tight the adults could manage with some warm trousers and rainproofs, but you’ll get a numb (but hopefully dry) bum.

My plan was to get dc all the gear-snowsuit, gloves, boots, hat etc. Would we be okay in hat, gloves, boots, winter coats & jeans? Or is that weird?

Children will be miserable if wet and cold without the proper gear so you need sallopettes, ski gloves, wooly hats, warm waterproof jackets, thick socks tried on with the snow boots. Mountain warehouse has good sales. Try TKMax too. Never seen goggles for hire only helmets. You can rent toboggans at some ski hire shops.
Beware the alure of winter sports is addictive

Sierra Nevada?
The wonders of Google https://www.lovegranada.com/sierra-nevada/sledging/

@Caroparo52 Yes dc will have the full outfit, just wondering if we will need salopettes etc if just playing in the snow/sledging?

If you p,an to be outdoors with dc you still need winter clothing as if you were skiing. You could forgo salopettes and layer leggings with waterproof outer trousers if needs be and winter boots/long socks.

Jeans are hideous in cold/damp. Buy him goggles but you can rent a sled.

I’m just thinking of my childhood and playing in thick snow, we kids had snowsuits but my parents had regular, warm clothes

March is late, there may not be much snow left at base level. Avoriaz ?

You’d be ok dressed like that to walk to a restaurant. Your DH definitely can’t snowboard in jeans! Even for you, what if it’s actually snowing the whole time and you still want to be playing outside with the kids? Jeans would be cold, wet and miserable. Get some cheap snow pants and wear legging underneath for warmth.

It won’t look weird if adults are in warm clothes, not ski kit. Lots of people in resort cruise around/ play with kids without salopettes. But I’d defo advise a minimum waterproof trousers in your bag if this is what you go for. A soggy bum will not enhance your experience. And proper gloves for all.

March typically is quite warm- you can easily to get up to 20C; so if you’re not super high you could easily forsake the adults salopettes for snow play.

Yeah but would they have been outside in heavy snow dressed like that? When we lived somewhere snowy we’d usually wait for the snow to stop then go out and play. Less likely in March but it’s not impossible that it snows your entire trip. Also what if you want to ride a lift as pedestrians for views, walks, to access mountain restaurants, some resorts have kids areas in the mid station etc. They can get quite wet, even the gondola bubble ones, from the skiers and their equipment. Maybe a cheapo pair of waterproof trousers for you that you can chuck on over whatever you’re wearing if needs be? Like the ones you get for your toddler to wear in the playground. If DH is skiing/boarding though he’ll need proper gear. Snowboarders spend a lot of time on their arse, especially beginner ones!

Haunt your local Facebook selling pages after February. There'll be loads of stuff for sale.

As mentioned above, your DH and kids will need all the stuff. Decathlon is good for goggles. You at a minimum need a thick jacket, ski trousers and of course snow boots. Your DH needs a proper ski jacket with all the external pockets for lifting pass/cream/gloves etc.

Personally I'd get ski stuff. What if your children decide they want to have a go at skiing?

If current conditions are anything to go by, there will be no snow.

When I take my kids sledging, I wear snow boots, winter walking jacket and thick walking trousers or my salopettes depending on the weather. I have sledged in jeans but if you plan to play in the snow, kneeling to build a snowman / snowballs, waterproof trousers / rain pants would be a good idea.

You'd get even wetter sledging than skiing... I'd have thought being low level especially on the bottom half.

Seems weird. You pay all the money to go to the resort but then don't ski ! I think you would be better off waiting til the child is bigger and then taking them for ski lessons also. For the moment I would just drive up to Scotland and play in some snow there.

Everything in ski resorts is expensive. Food, booze. So you would be far better staying out of the resort and then getting a bus or taxi to the resort to play in the snow for a couple of hours, then get back, because realistically how long is your child going to want to play in the snow ?

You may also find a weekend would be better, but it might be hard work with a kid in tow.

If you are keen on resorts my experience is Germany Austria is cheaper than France for food/alcohol, but it may have changed since my time.