Gnawing at the back of our minds for many months of 2015 was the knowledge that a pre-longed stay in a ski resort could potentially change the life of our 5-year old daughter.
Bo, born pre-term, has mild cerebral palsy. Returning from annual ski holidays, her physios have, for the last two years, remarked on how incredible skiing is for her, with the range in her legs being vastly improved after a 2-week skiing stint. Not only do ski boots lock her into the perfect position (that she currently relies on splints to do), skiing strengthens her torso, legs and increases her balance.
It’s a no brainer then that we, previously having done a total of 20 winter seasons between us prior to kids, would take the plunge and return to the mountains. But as easy as it is to flit off to do a ski season solo it’s a whole different ball game preparing for a family ski season. Many assume we’ve got pots of cash to make such a move – wrong. With lists as long as your arm, battling to keep the kid’s school places open (& failing) to constant worry about money (can we really afford it?) it’s a challenge to get to the start line, but as any seasoned adventurer knows the key is in the planning.
As we count down the weeks until departure, the next few blog posts will be updates from us as to how we’re getting on from moving schools and renting out our home, to practical tips on exchanging money and finding accommodation in the mountains. We’ll give you the low down on preparing for a 5 month family trip away, be it a ski season, backpacking around the world or a stint in a sailboat – the preparation is all much of a muchness. As with most things, once you’ve made up your mind to go, you’re half way there.
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What an inspiring post. I’ve just tweeted it out – was going to tag you but couldn’t see your handle on here? Perhaps I’m just not looking in the right place. Anyway, all the best and I look forward to following your journey.
Thanks Nell, I hope we inspire some other snow loving families to take the plunge. We’re not yet on twitter but thanks so much for sharing.
I’m so jealous! Your posts will definitely make me query my life choices!!
Such a fabulous opportunity but hard work. I’ll be following your blog to see how You get on. It’s definitely something we’d never considered, especially with children. I presume you are home schooling? Or is there options to attend a school while you are there? How exciting!!! Marie x
We’re home schooling for Dec, Marie, but then the girls are in a private Montessori school from Jan – April. I’ll be explaining a bit about schooling options in my next blog post. For me, this was the biggest decision to make and everything else slotted in around that. It’s important to me that the girls are really happy during our time away and they just loved the half day trial they had at the Montessori last March. Thanks for following our blog!
What a great adventure – something we are actively looking to do ourselves!
Dave that’s so exciting! Which resort are you thinking of going to? Even though it’s been a challenging season for snow (!) and I’ve snapped my ACL AND fractured my tibia, we’ve still had an absolutely amazing time. Slightly sad Spring is around the corner signalling the beginning of the end of our season. If you need any advice or tips feel free to email me!