Everything you need to know for your first family ski trip

Planning your first ski trip with kids can be a little daunting, especially if you aren’t a skier yourself. But we have you covered on all the basics for your first family trip to the mountain.

If it's your first time on the mountain, then beg, borrow or steal what you need. The main thing to remember is that you want to be warm and dry. Just like tramping, you will need base layers (thermal/merino tops and bottoms), a warm mid-layer (fleece) and a waterproof outer layer (ski jacket and overalls, or waterproof top and pants).

Be mindful of overdressing the kids. If they get hot later in the day, be mindful of that horrible cold sweat, so take off layers as you need. Moisture wicking merino will keep them warm and dry.

Waterproof gloves are one of the most important things for kids. Once their hands get cold, it's game over. An extra pair wouldn’t go amiss as kids love to dig and eat the snow, no matter how many times you ask them not to.

Don’t overlook ski goggles or sunglasses. Not only are they useful for sun protection, decent polarised lenses help kids to see the contrast in the snow more clearly. This means they’ll see the humps and hollows, not just bright white snow in front of them, and this helps to stay safe.

Finally, don’t forget a helmet. Many ski fields or hire companies offer helmet rental free with their gear hire. For parents, if you’re walking around with them (not on skis) insulated gumboots or snow boots will be a lifesaver.

Chains will be required for most mountain roads during winter, and even on a good day you are often required to carry them in your car. Check the snow report on the ski fields website on the morning you are travelling.

If you haven’t used chains before, I highly recommend practising at home with YouTube. Do check whether your vehicle is front or rear-wheel drive so you know where to place your chains.

Don’t forget a tarp, or picnic blanket to kneel on so you don’t get covered in mud putting them on, and a towel to wipe your hands.

If that sounds all a bit much, many commercial ski fields such as Mt Hutt, Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona run shuttle buses from local towns. You will want to book these in advance for busy school holiday periods and weekends.

To get the best powdery snow and the most out of the day, arrive early.

Some ski fields such as Mt Hutt will fill their carparks by 9 or 10am on a weekend. Everything takes a little bit longer in ski gear with kids: walking… anywhere, visiting the toilet, a quick snack break and picking up your hire gear. So go early and allow lots of time.

The easiest option if you want to teach your kids to ski is to buy them a set of lessons. But I can understand wanting to give them a go before you “invest” that type of money. In general, kids can learn to ski from about the age of two.

Here are a few tips for teaching kids to ski on your own:

Teach them how to click their skis in by themselves. When they fall, they will likely pop out. Toe first, then heel.

Practice how to fall and how to get up.

Teaching them to stop is as easy as creating a pizza with their skis – bringing the tips of their skis together, angled out like a teepee or piece of pizza. The pressure goes on the inner edges of their skis. (It’s not merely the shape that will make them stop).

Avoid standing in front of them, holding their hands. You’re better to stand behind them to stabilise around their hips before letting them go. This ensures they are more in control of their own centre of gravity, rather than just leaning on you.

A parent pass allows two parents to share a day lift pass. This will allow your partner to ski while you look after the kids on the beginners slope, or an option to take older kids to a more advanced section of the mountain. Then you can swap. There’s nothing more frustrating than not getting your money's worth.

Not all ski areas offer this, but Hanmer Springs, Mt Cheeseman and Mt Lyford are some of those that do.

You have the option to ski at the bigger commercial skifields (Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak, Remarkables, Cardrona) that provide a full range of services from childcare, to magic carpets and restaurants, or club fields which are often run by volunteers and offer a super chilled, more backcountry experience.

Ski lessons are available at most ski fields for school-aged kids, but if you have younger children who would like a mix of skiing and fun snow play, a childcare service at Cardrona or Coronet Peak in Queenstown is ideal. Coronet’s ski preschool is open to two-year-olds and up, whereas Cardrona offers childcare from three months old.

For a unique experience, try night skiing at Coronet Peak on Wednesday and Friday evenings or Mt Hutt’s moon ski.

Club fields are more no frills, but no less thrills and can provide a quieter experience in some incredible locations. You can’t beat the views from Roundhill Ski Area which overlooks glacial Lake Tekapo and their 80s theme day is a real blast.

A number of club fields offer alpine lodge accommodation which is quite a rare experience in New Zealand. Some offer self-catering options, and others have dinner, bed and breakfast deals where everyone chips in with chores such as the dishes.

Porters Lodge offers the closest on mountain accommodation to Christchurch. The family bunk room sleeps up to six people and you can order great pub style meals from the restaurant. The warm fire keeps everyone toasty and there are toys and games for the kids.

Keeping costs down is important, so check out these skifields who offer free lift passes for kids.

U13s free: Craigieburn Ski Area

Under 11s free: Broken River, Porters Ski Area, Hanmer Springs (free with a paying adult) Mt Cheeseman, Temple Basin

Under 10s free: Mt Olympus (free with a paying adult)

Under 7s free: Mt Lyford, Rainbow Ski Area (donation)

Under 6s free: Ohau, Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak, Remarkables, Cardrona, Treble Cone, Roundhill Ski Area

Under 5s free: Mt Dobson