How to entertain a one year old on a ski holiday?

[ArialAnna]

We're going skiing in Obertauern with our one year old in January. There'll be three adults taking turns looking after him (swapping in and out to get plenty of skiing in). Obviously we'll probably spend a lot of time just playing with toys in the apartment, but does anyone have any suggestions of things to do with him out and about?

Have this picture in my head that I could just wrap him in a snowsuit and find somewhere to play in the snow / slide down a little slope on our bums - but is this realistic? Has anyone tried it? Any other suggestions gratefully received!

Hire a traditional wooden sled with a baby seat and take a pushchair foot muff with you. Ds slept happily in one or you can walk along cleared paths. Some resorts will have accessible play areas with swings. Bear in mind January will likely be very cold and , being relatively static , your dc will feel it more than an adult. Layers, mitts, snow suit and hat, thermal boots or soft sheepskin shoes plus don't forget baby sunscreen and sunglasses. Ds hated the feel of snow underfoot and dd refused to wear snow boots so try not to have too high expectations!

When our son was 16 months we did some snow play and took him sledging. He also liked going for rides on the ski bus. We went in jan too and it was really cold so we didn’t spend too much time outside. We booked him into crèche for a couple of mornings too so he could play with some other kids.

A one year old can definitely have a wriggle round in the snow for an hour, and a bit of sledging. Will tire him out too.

Not sure if there's a pool in the hotel /near the chalet, could take him swimming?

Playing in doors with toys, ice creams, playing in the snow for 15 mins before a warm bath.
I think the main thing is finding things to do in the warm, which isn't a lot different to what you'd do at home

Sand toys are great in the snow (bucket, spade, etc) as are diggers and trucks
Most resorts have a pool which is also fun
You can rent all sorts of sledges either for the day (a wooden or plastic one to sledge on together) or the week
If it's snow covered, a sledge with a seat is easier than a buggy (rent this!)
You can get a day pass for non skiers on most cable cars which is fun and then go meet the skiers for lunch
You could also go out for the day eg down into Salzburg. There is loads to do there loved the science museum when my DD was 1 she just pottered about
And obviously take lots of toys for indoors.
Might be worth shifting their routine a bit of possible so you sleep in and can go out for dinner? Not that we've ever managed that but it's the dream! If not, go out for lunch especially if it's sunny and you can watch the skiers and big kids sledging from the window

Thanks all for your helpful suggestions. We don't have a pool Janet but we might be able to find one nearby. There aren't any non skiers in the party Phryne so I don't think anyone will want to take a while day out to go to Salzburg but sand toys are a great idea!