MOTHs Ski Gear Library now Open

Snow season has arrived and, for many Hills families, that means one thing….the annual pilgrimage to the ALDI ski sale.

Ah, the middle aisle. A place where you walk in for ski gloves and somehow leave with a waffle maker, a pressure washer and a kayak too.

We all love a good ALDI ski sale, but if you'd prefer to save that cash for ski lift passes, hot chocolates, or the remedial massage you'll need after a day on the slopes with the kids, Mums of the Hills might be able to help.

Many people don't realise we have a Ski Gear Library.

It's not really a hire service. It's more like a community sharing project. Local families donate gear their children have outgrown, and other families borrow it for their snow adventures. Then it comes back ready for the next family. We have a range of children's snow jackets, ski pants, boots and other winter gear available, helping make a trip to the snow a little more affordable.

One of the biggest challenges with snow gear is that children seem determined to grow at exactly the same speed as ski gear prices. Sometimes a jacket fits for one season. Sometimes one weekend. Our Ski Gear Library helps give those items a few more adventures before they're retired for good.

We also have a limited range of adult snow gear available, because while most parents prioritise the kids, we've learned that a warm, dry parent is a far more effective parent. It's difficult to maintain your gentle parenting credentials when you're standing knee-deep in slush with wet socks, numb fingers and a toddler who has just announced they need to go to the toilet after finally putting on the 12th layer of clothing.

Consider it an investment in family harmony.

For Mums of the Hills paid Community and Business Subscribers, access to the library is included as part of your subscription. For everyone else, we ask for a small fee. Not because we're trying to fund a luxury ski lodge, but because waterproofing detergent is astonishingly expensive and someone has to wash, sort, organise, catalogue and prepare the gear ready for the next family. It's one of those behind-the-scenes jobs that sounds simple until you're trying to match dozens of tiny snow boots that all look exactly the same.

If you're planning a trip to the snow this winter, take a look at what's available before heading to the shops.

After all, snow days create memories. Paying full price for gear your child wears twice... not so much.