If you are a fan of hitting the slopes, then it’s likely you will want to get your little ones in on the action ASAP. Although it can be a lot of fun to watch your toddler trying to learn the tricks of skiing, it’s still a good idea to wait until they have some balancing skills to work with.
Although it’s never too early to get your kids out in the snow to play, skiing requires a decent sense of balance and muscle control that just isn’t common in toddlers. Get them used to the elements and the equipment first.
A good quality pair of skis should be non-adjustable and fitted to the skier. With the cost of equipment, outfitting your child can get expensive considering the rate that they grow. Getting some with rental equipment is a good plan for your kids until you know if they are ready for custom skis.
Skiing Tips 1: Trust The Pros
If you are an experienced skier, you may be tempted to teach your children how to ski on your own. This can be a great bonding experience for families when kids are learning the basics. You may be a great skier, but that doesn’t necessarily make you the best teacher for your child.
When it’s time to hit the slopes, setting your child up in a skiing school program or private skiing lessons is the best way to make sure that your kids learn everything they need to know.
Professional instructors are experts at dealing with children and can be a valued authority figure for your children to follow. Plus they know all of the skiing tips and tricks in the book!
Skiing Tips 2: Wait For The Right Age
While your kids are never too young to start enjoying the fun of winter, it’s advisable to wait until they are between 3 and 4 years old before getting them up on skis. Skiing even the easiest bunny hills is a big challenge for many children.
They should have good coordination skills and excellent balance to be able to give the powder a try. Many resorts want children to be at least 4 yrs old and fully potty trained before taking a ski lesson.
Skiing Tips 3: Sign Up The Whole Family
Many resorts offer full family lessons that you can take advantage of. Even if you know how to ski, it can be a great family experience to take lessons as a group.
Help give confidence to your children and learn the proper ways to guide them from your ski instructor.
Skiing Tips 4: Get The Right Gear
Properly fitted skiing equipment can be expensive, especially for children that grow out of it quickly. When your child is a skiing newbie, it’s better to use rental equipment.
Once your child has more experience, you can have a set of skis and boots customized to fit them.
Skiing Tips 5: Don’t Forget Warm Clothing
Kids don’t feel the cold the same way as adults do, especially when they are having fun, so it’s important to make sure that they are properly protected from the sun and cold.
Make sure that you are outfitting your child with thermal underwear, a neck warmer, proper goggles or sunglasses, waterproof jacket and pants, and a certified children’s safety helmet.
Bonus Skiing Tips: Don’t forget the sunscreen; those winter rays can be deadly out on the bright slopes!
Lots to take into account for skiing even with grown ups. Good to pick up skiiing at a young age. I did, and had so much fun. Stay warm folks
Yes, for real. I can’t go down a hill without making myself fall. I get scared about the speed and just fall lol.