Few things beat the look on a toddler’s face the first time they see proper deep snow. In much of the UK, a snowy day means a thin layer of slush that has gone by lunchtime, so a winter holiday somewhere with reliable snow can feel like a big adventure for the whole family.
The Sierra Nevada in the western US is one of the snowiest mountain ranges in the world, with Lake Tahoe at its heart and the city of Reno, Nevada, just below. It makes a brilliant destination for families with young children, as long as a few things are planned around naps, cold weather and the long journey.
Breaking the Journey in Reno
Flights from the UK to Reno usually involve a connection through a major US hub, and by the time a family lands, everyone will be tired, including the grown-ups. Booking a hotel in Reno for the first few nights makes a huge difference.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport is only a few minutes from the city, so it is a short drive to bed after a long day of travelling. Reno sits at around 4,500 feet, lower than the lake, which gives little bodies a gentle introduction to altitude before heading higher. It also means having supermarkets, pharmacies and familiar comforts close at hand while everyone adjusts.
Coping With Jet Lag in Little Ones
Reno is eight hours behind the UK, which means young children tend to wake very early for the first few days. Rather than fighting it, many parents find it easier to go with the flow at the start: early breakfasts, outdoor time in the morning light and an early bedtime. Daylight is one of the best ways to reset body clocks, so a walk along the Truckee River in Reno on the first morning can work wonders.
Naps will probably be all over the place for a couple of days. Packing familiar sleep cues from home, such as a favourite sleeping bag, white noise or a particular cuddly toy, helps young children settle in a new room. A travel blackout blind is worth its weight in gold too.
Food and Feeding on Holiday
American supermarkets are well stocked with baby and toddler foods, but brands differ from those at home. Parents using a particular formula should bring enough for the whole trip, as UK brands are rarely available and switching can upset little tummies.
For babies who are weaning, a holiday can be a fun chance to try new tastes. Soft fruit, avocado, steamed vegetables and plain yoghurt are easy to find, and many restaurants are happy to provide a plate of simple, unseasoned food on request. Parents following baby-led weaning will find plenty of options, and those still building confidence might find a list of baby-led weaning starter foods handy for shopping in an unfamiliar supermarket. Highchairs are widely available in restaurants, though a fabric travel highchair that wraps around a normal chair can be useful for cafés that do not have one.
Portion sizes in the US are generous, so sharing one adult plate between a toddler and a parent is perfectly normal and saves food waste.
Altitude and Young Children
Lake Tahoe sits at more than 6,200 feet, and the ski areas go higher. Most healthy children cope well at these heights, but it is sensible to take things slowly at first. Signs that a child is struggling can include unusual fussiness, poor sleep, headaches in older children or loss of appetite. Plenty of fluids, rest and a gentle first day all help. Parents of young babies, or children with heart or breathing conditions, should speak to their GP or health visitor before travelling.
The air at altitude is also very dry. Lip balm, moisturiser for little cheeks and a refillable water bottle are essentials, and some hotels can provide a humidifier on request, which can help with stuffy noses at night.
Keeping Small Children Warm
Young children lose heat faster than adults and often cannot tell parents when they are getting cold. Layers are key: a thermal base layer, a fleece and a waterproof all-in-one snowsuit work well. Waterproof mittens on a string, a warm hat that covers the ears and good boots are the most important items. Feeling the back of a child’s neck is a quick way to check whether they are too hot or too cold.
Babies in carriers should be dressed for the cold even if the adult carrying them feels warm from walking, as they are not moving to generate heat. Short bursts outside with warm-up breaks indoors suit under-fives far better than a full day on the snow.
Snow Play for Little Ones
Most under-fives do not need a ski lesson to have a brilliant time. Building a snowman, making snow angels and pulling a sledge around a flat area will keep a toddler entertained for ages. Tahoe Meadows, near the top of the Mount Rose Highway between Reno and the lake, is a popular spot for families to play in the snow, and several resorts and parks have gentle sledging or tubing areas designed for younger children.
For those around three or four, many Lake Tahoe ski schools offer introductory snow programmes that combine short lessons with indoor play. These are a lovely taster for children who show an interest, without pressure.
Car Seats and Getting Around
Car seats are a legal requirement for young children in both Nevada and California. Hire companies offer them, but quality and availability can vary, so many parents bring their own. Most airlines let families check in car seats and pushchairs free of charge.
Roads into the mountains can be affected by snow, and conditions change quickly. Booking a four-wheel-drive vehicle and checking the forecast each morning is wise. Building flexibility into plans, with the option of a cosy day in Reno if the weather turns, makes the whole holiday less stressful.
A Few Final Packing Tips
Nappies are easy to buy in the US, though sizes are labelled differently, so it is worth bringing a pack or two to cover the first few days. Calpol is not sold in America, and local children’s medicines have different names and strengths, so bringing familiar medicines from home, in their original packaging, is sensible. Sun cream is essential too, as the sun reflecting off snow is surprisingly strong, even on the coldest days.