balaclava under the helmet.

The physical risks of cold

True frostbite is quite rare in the typical winter sport situation. Very low temperatures and prolonged immobilisation are required to produce this serious condition. Nevertheless, it can sometimes occur in Val d'lsere, a resort renowned for being 'cold' in December.

The cold can manifest itself in many ways while skiing. If boots are tight, and feet are moist, there is a risk of frostbite. If the extremities are white, it is imperative that they are re-warmed immediately, at around 38°C {never in hot water). In addition, the skin frequently becomes chapped in children. This is due to the skin drying out an

Dressing your children in preparation for the cold Winter sports can be great fun, but it is often bitterly cold in the mid winter, and it can be a living hell for a poorly equipped youngster. Your children's clothing must protect them from the cold.

You could opt for a trouser and jacket combination, the quickest and most practical solution for young needs. Go for some salopettes, which do not let the cold in, but still allow a layer to be easily removed or replaced if you take a break somewhere a little warmer.

With the all-in-one ski suit it is more difficult to respond to temperature changes and toilet stops, but it is very comfortable for the child and is completely waterproof. Beware of cotton underneath the jacket or all-in-one. It traps their sweat when they exert themselves (going up or down steps for example). If this humidity is not retained by the tee-shirt it will reach the jumper (second cotton layer), with a risk of freezing in low temperatures.

Choose "breathable" garments, which let the perspiration through. A Patagonia thermal vest (just one recommended brand, but there are several similar ones at various prices) plus a fleece top is a good defence against the cold. Similarly, go for a breathable membrane for the ski jacket too, so that the humidity will not be trapped by any of the clothing. This is the 3 layer system: an undergarment, an intermediate layer and finally a jacket or ski suit. If one of these layers does not allow the perspiration to escape there will be condensation. As protection from the cold goes it is by far the best solution, but can be expensive. These garments are rather costly, and because our children grow out of them quickly we are reluctant to make such investments. For each child-sized breathable under garment sold, fifty adult ones are sold. If buying two technical undergarments and two intermediate layers seems too expensive, just buy one of each and be prepared to wash them frequently.

Don't forget that a ski jacket can also be worn to school or at the weekends. As far as socks are concerned, multiple layers restrict the circulation, making the feet cold. Adding extra layers therefore produces the opposite effect to that intended. A good pair of ski socks (warm, but not too thick) is good enough, or if the instructor agrees, a thin pair of socks over some tights. Rather than gloves, get them some mittens. Although they allow less freedom for movement, they are 8 times easier to put on, due to the number of awkward fingers that have to be positioned in a glove. They are also warmer than gloves, because the fingers are together and keep themselves warm. If the weather is exceptionally cold you can also add a thin pair of gloves inside the mittens, thermal longjohns, and consider a fleece balaclava under the helmet.

The physical risks of cold

True frostbite is quite rare in the typical winter sport situation. Very low temperatures and prolonged immobilisation are required to produce this serious condition. Nevertheless, it can sometimes occur in Val d'lsere, a resort renowned for being 'cold' in December.

The cold can manifest itself in many ways while skiing. If boots are tight, and feet are moist, there is a risk of frostbite. If the extremities are white, it is imperative that they are re-warmed immediately, at around 38°C {never in hot water). In addition, the skin frequently becomes chapped in children. This is due to the skin drying out and

tely waterproof. Beware of cotton underneath the jacket or all-in-one. It traps their sweat when they exert themselves (going up or down steps for example). If this humidity is not retained by the tee-shirt it will reach the jumper (second cotton layer), with a risk of freezing in low temperatures.

Choose "breathable" garments, which let the perspiration through. A Patagonia thermal vest (just one recommended brand, but there are several similar ones at various prices) plus a fleece top is a good defence against the cold. Similarly, go for a breathable membrane for the ski jacket too, so that the humidity will not be trapped by any of the clothing. This is the 3 layer system: an undergarment, an intermediate layer and finally a jacket or ski suit. If one of these layers does not allow the perspiration to escape there will be condensation. As protection from the cold goes it is by far the best solution, but can be expensive. These garments are rather costly, and because our children grow out of them quickly we are reluctant to make such investments. For each child-sized breathable under garment sold, fifty adult ones are sold. If buying two technical undergarments and two intermediate layers seems too expensive, just buy one of each and be prepared to wash them frequently.

Don't forget that a ski jacket can also be worn to school or at the weekends. As far as socks are concerned, multiple layers restrict the circulation, making the feet cold. Adding extra layers therefore produces the opposite effect to that intended. A good pair of ski socks (warm, but not too thick) is good enough, or if the instructor agrees, a thin pair of socks over some tights. Rather than gloves, get them some mittens. Although they allow less freedom for movement, they are 8 times easier to put on, due to the number of awkward fingers that have to be positioned in a glove. They are also warmer than gloves, because the fingers are together and keep themselves warm. If the weather is exceptionally cold you can also add a thin pair of gloves inside the mittens, thermal longjohns, and consider a fleece balaclava under the helmet.

The physical risks of cold

True frostbite is quite rare in the typical winter sport situation. Very low temperatures and prolonged immobilisation are required to produce this serious condition. Nevertheless, it can sometimes occur in Val d'lsere, a resort renowned for being 'cold' in December.

The cold can manifest itself in many ways while skiing. If boots are tight, and feet are moist, there is a risk of frostbite. If the extremities are white, it is imperative that they are re-warmed immediately, at around 38°C {never in hot water). In addition, the skin frequently becomes chapped in children. This is due to the skin drying out an

an intermediate layer and finally a jacket or ski suit. If one of these layers does not allow the perspiration to escape there will be condensation. As protection from the cold goes it is by far the best solution, but can be expensive. These garments are rather costly, and because our children grow out of them quickly we are reluctant to make such investments. For each child-sized breathable under garment sold, fifty adult ones are sold. If buying two technical undergarments and two intermediate layers seems too expensive, just buy one of each and be prepared to wash them frequently.

Don't forget that a ski jacket can also be worn to school or at the weekends. As far as socks are concerned, multiple layers restrict the circulation, making the feet cold. Adding extra layers therefore produces the opposite effect to that intended. A good pair of ski socks (warm, but not too thick) is good enough, or if the instructor agrees, a thin pair of socks over some tights. Rather than gloves, get them some mittens. Although they allow less freedom for movement, they are 8 times easier to put on, due to the number of awkward fingers that have to be positioned in a glove. They are also warmer than gloves, because the fingers are together and keep themselves warm. If the weather is exceptionally cold you can also add a thin pair of gloves inside the mittens, thermal longjohns, and consider a fleece balaclava under the helmet.

The physical risks of cold

True frostbite is quite rare in the typical winter sport situation. Very low temperatures and prolonged immobilisation are required to produce this serious condition. Nevertheless, it can sometimes occur in Val d'lsere, a resort renowned for being 'cold' in December.

The cold can manifest itself in many ways while skiing. If boots are tight, and feet are moist, there is a risk of frostbite. If the extremities are white, it is imperative that they are re-warmed immediately, at around 38°C {never in hot water). In addition, the skin frequently becomes chapped in children. This is due to the skin drying out an

multiple layers restrict the circulation, making the feet cold. Adding extra layers therefore produces the opposite effect to that intended. A good pair of ski socks (warm, but not too thick) is good enough, or if the instructor agrees, a thin pair of socks over some tights. Rather than gloves, get them some mittens. Although they allow less freedom for movement, they are 8 times easier to put on, due to the number of awkward fingers that have to be positioned in a glove. They are also warmer than gloves, because the fingers are together and keep themselves warm. If the weather is exceptionally cold you can also add a thin pair of gloves inside the mittens, thermal longjohns, and consider a fleece balaclava under the helmet.

The physical risks of cold

True frostbite is quite rare in the typical winter sport situation. Very low temperatures and prolonged immobilisation are required to produce this serious condition. Nevertheless, it can sometimes occur in Val d'lsere, a resort renowned for being 'cold' in December.

The cold can manifest itself in many ways while skiing. If boots are tight, and feet are moist, there is a risk of frostbite. If the extremities are white, it is imperative that they are re-warmed immediately, at around 38°C {never in hot water). In addition, the skin frequently becomes chapped in children. This is due to the skin drying out an

balaclava under the helmet.

The physical risks of cold

True frostbite is quite rare in the typical winter sport situation. Very low temperatures and prolonged immobilisation are required to produce this serious condition. Nevertheless, it can sometimes occur in Val d'lsere, a resort renowned for being 'cold' in December.

The cold can manifest itself in many ways while skiing. If boots are tight, and feet are moist, there is a risk of frostbite. If the extremities are white, it is imperative that they are re-warmed immediately, at around 38°C {never in hot water). In addition, the skin frequently becomes chapped in children. This is due to the skin drying out and is actually made worse by moisture. If the chin comes into contact with the zip or the top of the ski jacket it can cause red patches. Apply some thick cream to nourish the skin.

A last piece of advice: make sure they have a good breakfast, and put a snack in their pocket.

The calorie expenditure is considerable when skiing at -10°C