Picture this: you’ve planned the perfect family day in the snow, but barely an hour in, the giggles turn to shivers, and suddenly, your whole day becomes compromised. Fear not my fearless family leader, in this blog we’ll share our top five game-changers for maximizing family fun in the snow.
#1) Rise Early, Eat Hearty
We’d be doing you wrong if we didn’t call this out. The best snow days start early and with a hearty breakfast. Plan your meals the night before so no thought is required in the morning while you’re tracking down lost socks and missing gloves.
Focus on limiting artificial sweeteners and ultra processed foods. Kids need nutrient dense foods to stay fueled all day. Look for ways to add:
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Complex Carbs: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
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Proteins: Lean meats, dairy, legumes, and nuts.
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Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
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Hydration: Nothing beats water. Limit drinks with high levels of sugar (juice and hot coco are wonderful on the way home ;).
#2) Sacks, Snacks, and More Snacks
Turn those empty pockets into snack shacks! Keep your coat fully stocked with a variety of snacks that you can whip out when energy levels start to fall. While we’re a big fan of “healthy snacks”, in reality the thing that is most important here is that they eat something, like right now.
From homemade trail mix to baked veggie chips, there are simple ways to DIY healthy snacks. For kids who like to engage with their food, banana buddies are our favorite. And, if you have to break into the sugar stash to get those next couple laps in, by all means, do it (Skittles to the rescue!).
#3) Don’t Forget The Hot Cocoa
Brew a pot of hot coco before you leave the house, pour it in a thermos and pack a few cups. If hot chocolate isn’t your thing, warmed cider is great too. At the end of your snow day, this is your ticket to a happy, quiet, relaxing ride home. It can also be a sneaky, guilt-free way to get a little extra protein in your littles if it’s made with whole milk or veggie-based protein powder.
#4) Make Snow Cones!
Turn eating snow into a fun activity! All you need is fresh snow (emphasis on fresh), a bowl or cup, a little sugar, and a pack of Kool-Aid. Follow these simple steps for a mountain-side snow cone making experience for your littles they’ll never forget!
- Pack your bowl or cup within an inch of the top with fresh snow.
- Mix your pack of Kool-Aid with half the amount of sugar called for and a bit of water (this is your flavor syrup).
- Pour your syrup mixture into your bowl or cup, grab a spoon and enjoy!
#5) Home Base & Extra Gear
Whether it’s your car, a camper, or a lodge, have a spot dedicated as a home base. Stash blankets, extra layers, pillows, and even pajamas. If you do have a melt down, at least you have a safe place to rest and warm up with a few familiarities of home.
To ensure you start your day with the best foot forward, don’t overlook the importance of proper thermal layering. For above the shoulder warmth, check out our selection of kids balaclavas. And if you need extra comfort from neck down, our base layers for kids are specifically built to keep them fired up and cozy all day.
