It is the first time that you take your little ones with you on your ski vacation and you have your mind set on giving them ski lessons. But separation anxiety can set in and this can make it difficult for your children to learn to ski and for you to enjoy the rest of the trip.

But there are a few things you can do to make sure your kids have as much fun in the snow as possible while learning the art of skiing:

1. Before you fly, do your research. If you’re planning your family ski trip with ski lessons in mind, do some research beforehand about the ski programs a resort offers. Find out if ski instructors are trained to teach children of certain ages. If you can, call the resort and ask for details, such as how instructors keep kids together while on the mountain and whether they include breaks in warm places.

TIP: If you can, show up a day early and talk to the staff or instructor to find out more about the ski lessons and how they are conducted.

2. Take ski lessons together. If you’re worried that separation anxiety might make your vacation a little less memorable and a little more stressful, consider taking ski lessons with your kids. There are resorts that offer group lessons for families, and some ski instructors are kind enough to give parents a few tips on how to help their kids improve their shredding skills.

3. Make sure your kids wear the right gear and that it fits well. Sure, kids outgrow their clothes in just one year. But if you want your children to have fun and feel comfortable climbing the slopes, it is important that their equipment, clothing and accessories fit them very well.

TIP: If you want to save on ski clothing for your children, opt for ski clothing that can be easily stretched or adjusted for another year of use.

4. Pack some snacks. If factors such as altitude and extreme cold are difficult for adults, they are even more so for children. That is why it is important to keep your children well fed and hydrated before, during and after ski lessons. So be sure to pack your little ones a hearty, healthy breakfast, and pack them with easy-to-open snacks and hydration packs before you send them off.

5. Have a separation plan in case your child gets lost. Talk to your child about what he should do if he strays too far from the trail or ski group and gets lost. Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, you can instruct your little one to blow a whistle or ski to the nearest lift station and notify the lift attendant that they’re lost.

TIP: On all your family ski trips, make sure your little ones have a copy of your contact information, as well as the name of the hotel where you and your family are staying.

Sure, entrusting the fate of your little ones to their ski instructors can be nothing short of scary. But with enough research and preparation, you can make sure your kids fly home in one piece after your family ski vacation.