I recently took my 12‑year‑old daughter (mentally 18, emotionally 6, and dramatically 30) on a ski trip… Our first ever just‑the‑two‑of‑us ski trip.

Both of us were a bit nervous. Without her mum there, would we cope? Would we bond? Would she speak to me? Would I embarrass her simply by existing?

My knowledge of what 12‑year‑old girls need, want, or consider “the end of the world” is fairly limited — but this felt like the perfect chance to get to know her better before the teenage years fully kick in and she starts crossing the road to avoid being seen with me.

So, here it is: my official list of do’s and don’ts for dads taking their daughter on a ski trip. Use it wisely. It may save your sanity.

1. Be organised

Because they won’t be. You must think of everything. Remind them constantly until they actually hear you. Know where you’re going, what you need, and what they’ve already forgotten.

2. Check everything

Goggles? Gloves? Lift pass? Double‑check before leaving the room — because they won’t.

3. Be patient

Her hair will take forever, even though she’s wearing a helmet all day. You will go back to the room multiple times for forgotten items. And yes, she must message all her friends every morning, despite messaging them right before bed.

4. Don’t expect to hit first lifts

See rule 3. And rule 2. And rule 1.

5. Be flexible

Rigid plans? Forget it. Everything changes the moment she wakes up. Move at her pace or suffer the consequences.

6. Don’t nag

Count to ten. Smile. Breathe. Turn nothing into a chore. Turn nothing into a fight. You’re on holiday — allegedly.

7. Expect to carry everything

Skis, helmet, boots… apparently all yours now.

8. Wear sunscreen

When she says she’s put it on, she probably hasn’t. Check. Then check again.

9. Stock up with beers & movies

Your après‑ski will be… limited. Room beers are essential survival equipment. Make sure you download movies for the room. Although you will probably end up watching solo as I did, while she doom scrolls Tik-Tok and messages her friends.

10. Try not to embarrass them

You’ll fail, but it’s adorable watching her try to pretend she’s not related to you while still needing you to carry her skis. Just remember, one wrong move and she’ll act like you’ve ruined her entire social reputation, in a ski resort where she knows absolutely nobody.

11. Bring extra chargers & a battery pack

This is the most important rule. A dead phone is unacceptable and may cause an international incident.

12. Let them be independent

They’re not little kids anymore. Let them buy their own lift pass, choose the route, grab breakfast alone. They love it — and you’ll love the peace.

13. Buy lots of snacks

She will be “starving” at all times, including five minutes after a buffet breakfast. Snacks prevent hangry chaos.

14. Treat them to a special dinner

I took mine for her favourite meal — a big, juicy steak. It became the moment she talks about the most. Sometimes the best memories are made off the slopes.

If you’re considering a father‑daughter ski trip, absolutely go for it. You’ll laugh, you’ll bond, and you’ll make memories she’ll cherish for life — even if she acts like she’s too cool to admit it.

Want to find out more about where we stayed and where we skied? We actually had an amazing time in the Zillertal Valley in Austria and skied – Three different resorts in Three days.