Skiing for the first time after having a baby

While many of us are given the all-clear to begin exercising after childbirth at their 6-week check-up, the general wisdom is that it takes up to a year for your body to fully recover. Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts.

Even uncomplicated pregnancies can take their toll. From relaxed ligaments to stitches, our bodies have a lot to recover from after giving birth. Go at your own pace and give yourself time to regain your strength before getting back on your skis or board.

Help boost your strength and fitness before hitting the slopes with some simple exercises in the weeks running up to your holiday. Core strength is particularly important to build up after pregnancy, as your posture will have changed to adapt to your bump.

The more prepared you can be, the less likely you are to injure yourself – and the more fun you’ll have. Even building up your stamina with some long walks or a jog pushing the pram will help you get back to your active self.

Life changes when babies arrive. In all honesty, you’ll probably be more tired, less fit and a bit more cautious than you were last time you were on the slopes. And that’s OK.

It’s all about accepting these changes and working with them rather than getting disheartened. Because life has also changed in some pretty incredible ways too!

Short of skiing with your baby on your back (which we definitely don’t recommended), if you want to get time on the slopes, you’re going to need to rope in some helpers. This could be in the form of family or friends, or you and your partner could even just tag team the day’s childcare.

Prefer the idea of skiing together? Our Neilson-run kids’ clubs take care of children as young as four months old, right up to the age of 12. They’ll have fun in the warm with our experienced nannies, while you get some well-deserved time to yourselves. Some of our resorts even offer evening sleep clubs or bespoke private nanny services, giving you the chance to tailor your childcare to your family.

Not all ski resorts are suitable for families, especially those with young children.

Look for somewhere with baby-friendly accommodation that is close to the slopes and offers plenty of activities off the mountain. You don’t just want to be stuck in your hotel room when it’s your turn to look after your baby. Having fun in the snow together is all part of the family ski holiday appeal.

Here’s a few of our favourite ski resorts for families:

Les Deux Alpes, France

With three Neilson-run kids clubs, a buggy-friendly town centre set across a flat valley floor, a great swimming pool and plenty of fun activities on offer, lively Les Deux Alpes is great choice for your first ski holiday after having a baby.

The resort is also home to our most popular family accommodation in France, Hotel Aalborg. Located right next to the slopes, it offers guests everything from a private nanny service and kids’ clubs to a 24-hour baby room and dedicated kids’ menu. You can even hire snow buggies for getting around town.

Livigno, Italy

The beautiful village of Livigno is nestled right next to the Swiss border, surrounded by soaring mountains. The resort itself, however, is flat and easy to navigate and bambinos receive a warm welcome everywhere they go. If you also have older kids, there’s plenty to keep them happy, including a kids’ terrain park, tobogganing and some great family-only slopes.

From its colourful playroom to its friendly kids’ club, Alpen Village Hotel makes an ideal base. There’s also a lovely swimming pool for a dip with your little water baby and a spa if you fancy treating yourself to a massage – you deserve it!

Katschberg, Austria

Low-key Katschberg is a wonderful choice if you want to enjoy some peace and quiet as a family. Set amongst snowy pine trees and uncrowded slopes, it’s one of Austria’s best-kept secrets. The quaint village centre has some lovely cosy cafes and kids can enjoy activities from sleigh rides to adventure snow parks, but this is a place where you can slow the pace right down and really unwind.

Slopeside Hotel Cristallo is fantastically family-friendly, treating its young guests to jungle-themed swimming pools, soft play, ball pools and the excellent ‘Falkyland’ kids’ club. Their room options include generous family suites and there’s also a tranquil adults-only spa area when you get the chance for a bit of ‘me-time’

• Consider booking your holiday later on in the season so you and your baby can enjoy the warmer weather.

• A sling or baby carrier can be much easier in snowy conditions. If you prefer a buggy, check if your hotel rents them out first.

• Don’t forget the baby suncream to protect against little faces against that snowy glare.

• Taking babies who are under three months old or have underlying health conditions to high-altitude resorts is a no-go, so check out some of our lower ski resorts, such as Zell am See or Söll, if need be.

Not only are you putting in the hard yards as a new mama, you’re introducing the next generation to the thrill of being in the mountains, enjoying fresh air and adventures as a family.