March 4, 2009 E-MAIL PRINT

Ski area daycare shouldn't be scary

by Heather Burke/

Most ski areas offer certified daycare so parents can crush some corduroy while their kids are well taken care of. (photo: Greg Burke)

Most ski areas offer certified daycare so parents can crush some corduroy while their kids are well taken care of. (photo: Greg Burke)

Young moms ask me, “How did you survive not skiing when your kids were little?” Answer, “I skied.”

When my kids were tots, I quickly discovered that ski areas run some pretty fine daycare centers. You know that adage about necessity being the mother of invention? Well, young moms and dads need some recreational release, and ski areas need to get young parents back on the slopes. Ski areas have invested serious dough for the diaper set. Not only are these childcare facilities state-certified, but they also are usually steps from the lifts, so you are never far from your child.

Smugglers, Okemo, Killington, Jiminy Peak, Sunapee and Bretton Woods are a few with state-of-the-art slopeside facilities for downhill parents. Most ski area daycares take children starting at 3-6 months, and a few accept infants even younger. To sweeten the deal, some ski resorts offer daycare discounts when you purchase a ticket, particularly if you visit during midweek “ladies days." Daycare by the hour is a deal if you can bang off runs via a high-speed lift.

Here are some simple steps to find the right resort childcare, assuage your fears, and satisfy your child’s needs. Remember that it's healthy to break out of the parenthood rut for a few runs. You deserve some literal down time, and your child will be fine in the meantime with no resentment (likely no recollection at all) years from now.

1. Ask other young ski parents for their ski area daycare recommendations. Look for daycare deal days, particularly midweek.

2. Call ahead to speak with someone at the ski area daycare, ask questions, and request registration forms in advance if these aren’t posted online.

3. Pack a “diaper bag” with snacks, a change of clothes, and a familiar blanket and favorite toy — all labeled with your child’s name.

4. Make a list of your child’s likes, dislikes, nap time, eating habits and allergies.

5. Ask about the schedule for the day, i.e. any outdoor play, snacks, nap times and pickup time.

6. Tell your child what will happen, prepare them for their new experience by honestly explaining that mom and/or dad are going skiing on the big hill while your child gets to play with new friends.

7. Don’t create a long, dramatic, tear-inducing separation. Say goodbye and go. Like removing a bandage, be quick and be confident in the care you have hired, then grab your skis and skedaddle.

8. Ask for a pager or provide your cell phone number so you can be contacted if they need you. Then go with the “no news is good news” philosophy. If you must stop in to check on your child (discouraged), be sure you aren’t discovered by your child (read: disruptive).

9. Don’t be late picking up your child, as a courtesy to the caregivers and as a promise to your child. Besides, steep late fees often apply.

10. Stop worrying during your ski time. Maximize your moments on the mountain, because the meter is running ($$$) and soon you’ll be back to diaper duty.

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