10 Commandments of Ski Area Daycares

This story was published in Mountain Sports and Living
Published: September 1999

By Heather Burke

Skiing has always been a love affair for my husband and I. There is something so romantic about braving the winter elements to carve those rhythmic turns together. And of course there is the much anticipated hot toddy (or Chardonnay in my case) by the fire at the end of a perfect ski day. THEN WE HAD KIDS! The perfect skiing family picture we envisioned was interrupted by the realities of the oh so complicated (and expensive, I might add) Ski Area Daycare.

It is unfortunate that some great ski areas, that have poured millions into high speed lifts and massive snowmaking coverage, have really missed the boat when it comes to skiing parents’ most precious commodity. Daycare seems to be an afterthought. In our travels, we have found daycares that open 30 minutes after the lifts do, unclean and poorly organized facilities, surly attitudes from staff, all this for $50 a day. On the other hand, we have found a couple of fabulous facilities with caring, trained staff who anticipate your concerns and make your child feel right at home. And in recent years more areas are recognizing their importance and dedicating the attention they deserve.

Hopefully these 10 Daycare Commandments for a Skiing Parent will help you navigate the daycare dilemma.

I. Call ahead to inquire about Daycare facilities, be prepared to reserve space with a credit card over the phone. Could there be anything worse than driving hours for your long anticipated ski day only to find the daycare is full? A day in the crowded ski lodge with a toddler is surely not what you had in mind.

II. Accept the fact that ski area daycare facilities are expensive, ($20 to $50 per day). If skiing all day is not your style, ask if hourly or half day rates are available. This may present a savings to you, allowing you the best of morning skiing, and time with your child after you get your turns in. Be sure to ask exactly what is included in the price, ie: snacks, lunch, and what do you need to provide (diapers, bottles, snacks, lunch). An interesting option, some areas offer a one hour private ski experience for 2-3 year olds in daycare for an additional $30.

III. When reserving, inquire as to the daycare center’s hours. What time do they open and accept children in the morning? Take it from one who knows, there is nothing worse than waiting outside the daycare with an anxious child and a twitchy Dad watching the first chairs loading skiers up the hill. And what time must you pick up your child?

IV. Find out about their systems. Some buzz words: What are their ratios? Well run centers will provide 1 adult to 3 infants and 1:5 toddlers ratios. Is the facility Licensed? Do they enforce Parent/ child Security ID checks? One of our worst experiences occurred at a ski resort that had a number & name tag system, but did not enforce it. When I questioned their lax attitudes, I was comforted with “Don’t worry we won’t sell your kid.” This is not the response a new parent likes to hear. This Daycare, which shall remain nameless, will never see my child again.

V. Once you have made your reservation, here is a great time saving idea for frequent daycare users. Print up a form with your child’s name, birth date, address, emergency contact information, pediatrician, any allergies, likes, dislikes, eating patterns, nap schedule, a check list of what you bring to the daycare: diapers, # of bottles, favorite foods, favorite toy, blanket, comforting book, change of clothes. This helpful information should be presented to the Daycare providers at check in. They will appreciate your organization, it will save time during what can be a long registration process, and they will know more about your child. You will likely still have to fill out their standard form, but you’ll have all the information right in front of you. Some day we hope to find an area that will mail their lengthy forms to fill out in advance.
 

VI. On the big day, explain to your child the special adventure that awaits them, and Mommy will be back after lunch or after nap or after the lift closes (like your legs would allow that)! We expect the daycare to be responsible, we must respect their policies and pick up our children on time (not 5 minutes after closing). Some areas have “steep” penalties for tardy parents.

VII. Make personal contact and name introductions to one staff member in particular. Then when you call in from an on mountain phone (all nervous Moms do) you can say, “I told Kathy I would be calling to check on my daughter.”

VIII. Do ask where they post emergency messages and how they can be reached when you are on the slopes. Some resorts have in-house extensions you can dial from on mountain phones. Truly impressive, a few progressive resorts have pagers for the parents to carry (these usually require an additional fee $10+/-).

IX. Try to remember that prolonged, tearful good-byes are a bad habit. Be strong, be brave, and your child will learn from you.

X. Enjoy your precious ski time. Get maximum runs in, and don’t let parental anxiety or guilt ruin your ski day.

Welcome to the complicate and expensive world of skiing parenthood. Good luck and don’t forget your credit card!

 

 

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