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Monday 04 November updated on 11-04-2024 at 8:06
Monday 04 November updated on 11-04-2024 at 8:06
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You adore your children. BUT! When the time comes to book a winter holiday, you sometimes nostalgically think back to those intense ski sessions from a previous chapter of your life... That blessed time when you went off with friends or your partner for a week of powder and fun.
Does that make you bad parents? Not by our standards! Love (for skiing) has its own reasons that reason doesn’t understand. So this year, treat yourself to a part-time family holiday: time for them, time for you. Not only will your kids not hold it against you, but it might even make you more amazing parents. Here are 3 reasons why!
Before becoming a parent, you had high standards. Diapers? Washable. Toys? Wooden. Ski lessons? Taught by you personally! After all, who better than you to pass on this passion that’s fueled you since childhood? Except, in real life, it's not that simple. Your little prodigies take advantage of your big skier heart to do whatever they like. At this rate, they'll get their driver’s license before earning their first ski star.
The solution? Put your ego aside and call in a ski instructor! Your kids will progress quickly in the children's ski area (starting at age 3), on secure beginner slopes, and on the green slopes (then blue, red, and black over the years).
The best moment? When they proudly show you their progress on the Minis slope (a fun slope themed around little creatures they love: ants, dragonflies…) or on the Mont Blanc blue run, leading to the Giants of Malgovert (giant fun wooden structures, allowing you to cling to at least one of your big principles—those famous wooden toys).
Enjoy it while it lasts: soon enough, they’ll be beating you at your own game on the kickers at the snowpark and the banked turns of the boardercross…
Think your kids can’t be without you? Unfortunately, you don’t hold the monopoly on their hearts. Sad news? Rather, it’s good news! It means you can absolutely entrust them to childhood professionals for an hour, a day, a week; and they’ll come out unscathed (you, on the other hand, might feel a bit jealous of the “super cool” instructor or the “really nice” activity leader).
Depending on your fatigue level (or your inability to resist the call of fresh snow), choose either occasional or full-time care for your little ones during the holidays: baby/kids/teen clubs, nursery care, babysitters... The slopes are yours; they’ll enjoy ski lessons, creative activities, outdoor games, and meals with (new) friends... So much better than the traditional “family vacation”—it’s a “vacation for the whole family” instead.
The best moment? When they tell you about how Theo, Jade’s crush, accidentally spilled his hot chocolate on Gabriel, who had hidden Alice’s teddy in Lou’s ski boots (just pretend to keep up, and all will be fine).
Find accommodation with a kids' club included or a separate childcare option.
Your own parents (or in-laws) are asking for their beloved grandchildren? Kill two birds with one stone: plan a family ski vacation with the extended family! So many benefits: you can confidently slip away on your own for a few hours (time to go skiing or relax in a jacuzzi with your partner), your kids are thrilled to spend quality time with Grandpa and Grandma, and Grandpa and Grandma are proud to walk around the resort with such perfect grandchildren.
The best part? When they giggle over the “hilarious” blunders your dad “accidentally” made at the Mountain Animal Museum (accessible even to pedestrians via the Vallandry gondola). “And then! Grandpa! He yelled! He thought the wolf was real!!!” Wink wink… Kids are wonderful.
On the chairlift? You talked about the kids. At the restaurant? You talked about the kids. During your couple's massage? Okay, you didn’t exactly “talk” about the kids; you just whispered about them. Phew, guilt be gone: you’re not bad parents because you missed your kids!
Prepare for a shock when reality hits: there’s a fair chance they won’t even notice you when you come to pick them up... The thrill of playtime and new friends can temporarily cloud their sense of priorities. To win them over, mention the light murals of Aiguille Rouge (a perfect place to hide those teary eyes of yours), the swings with panoramic views at Carreley and Cachette, or the big SPLASH waiting at the swimming pool if they hurry up a bit.
No reaction? Move on to the big guns: sledding race! Adventure course! Electric snowmobile! Bowling! With such temptations, they won’t resist the urge for a big hug. Make it last: you’ve got time, it’s vacation...
Happy holidays to all the awesome parents!