How To Teach Children To Ski

If you're like me, you've been looking forward to the day when you can take your kids skiing with you for the very first time.

Skiing is an activity that transcends the idea of "sport" for me. It combines skill, athleticism and harmony with nature; what could be better! I began skiing at the age three and despite breaking my leg at that tender age I never looked back. I have always considered it to be one the things I love to do most in life.

So naturally, you want to share it with your children. And you want to get them started at an early age so that they build confidence as they grow older, and hopefully become as passionate about it as you are.

Well, the picture doesn't necessarily match the reality in my case.

This past Christmas I decided that I would introduce skiing to my son Ben up at Whistler, B.C. (curiously, or frighteningly if you are my wife, he is three years old, the same age I was for my little mis-hap).

When I pictured the event in my mind, I saw Ben & I laughing as we snow-plowed down the bunny-hill, chuckling as we occasionally fall in a heap.

The reality? We never made it to the hill. Gauging the volume of his objection to the idea as we approached the ski rental shop - everyone within earshot would have concurred - he's just not ready....yet.

So, what to do next?

What could I have done differently, or better yet, what can I do to prepare him for next time? Here's some of the things I'd suggest before attaching what a 3yr old sees as large, clumsy wooden sticks that disable their ability to walk:

1. Do NOT force them to go skiing

The last thing you want to do is imprint them with skiing = no fun

2. Go to a local tobogganing hill first

The sensation of sliding takes some getting used to, something that I can't even remember experiencing for the first time. Whistler has an exceptional Tube Park. They will love it. And if you think you won't have just as much fun as your kids, think again.

3. Get them excited by the idea in the weeks prior

"We're going skiing together, wohoo!" I did this with Ben and he was genuinely looking forward to the idea of it, at least.

4. Book your ski rentals at the hill

Up at Whistler they have a great program available called the 'Ski Lease' pass. It goes on sale in September/October and for $130 + tax your kids can get a pass which permits them to rent skis/boots/poles for the entire season; awesome deal. You leave the equipment at the hill and pick it up each time you want to rent.

5. Get them into lessons

One of the things I've heard from friends who have their kids in lessons is that they will listen to their instructor sooner than they listen to you (no, you say, it can't be!) Why fight it?

Yes it's fun to have them join you on the hill, but it's important to start them off on the right foot and have them learn from the experts. Plus it gives you the opportunity to selfishly ski away the day occasionally on your own! Whistler Blackcomb has excellent programs in place: visit here for more details.

Finally, don't give up if it doesn't work out the first few times. Like anything, it's a learning experience, for both of you.

Good luck!