How to Get Your Kids Interested in Downhill Skiing
Skiing as a family activity has so many benefits. It's a family-flexible sport, especially if you live close to the mountains. You can day-trip it, do a weekend getaway or even a week-long vacation.
Children develop many skills when skiing such as: strength, coordination and balance, along with an appreciation of the thrill to ski. Kids also learn to be conscious of their manners, their whereabouts and how they relate to others, since there are typically many other people that they are sharing the slopes with.
When to Start Your Kids Skiing
Children can start as young as two or three years old (and yes, there are even some one year olds out there). But many begin at age four. It just depends upon the child. Most three and four year olds can ride a chair lift once they have learned how to use them safely, have taken a few trial trips with an adult and have gained a sense of comfort and confidence.
What to Know about Kids Ski Equipment
If you buy new equipment, it can easily cost you over $500, which is somewhat costly since kids outgrow their gear very quickly. It's best to buy used equipment that is recent and not too old. Ski shops have to follow strict standards for equipment safety so, for example, if the bindings on the skis are old, they will not adjust them. It is also important to buy ski equipment that is the right size for your child. If the gear is too big it, it makes it harder to ski, which could cause frustration and abandonment of the sport.
Helmets are a must and in some places it's the law! Get modern helmets that are light and comfortable and fun. The National Ski Area Association has put together this informative and interactive helmet website helping to educate parents about the benefits and limitations of helmets.
Finally dress your child in warm moveable clothes and make sure to not have any dangling scarves and hats!
How to Introduce Skiing to Your Kids
Focus on fun and success. Restrain yourself from barking orders on what they are doing wrong. Better yet, sign them up for lessons as they will thrive better amongst their own kind. If you do go out on your own, try the "follow me" approach. It tends to work well, especially if there is more than one kid for a bit of peer pressure.
However, before you even hit the slopes here are a few tips to help condition your child to the idea of skiing:
- Get use to the movement- ice skating is good to get a sense of using edges and controlling movement on a slippery surface-sledding/tubing is great for getting them use to the sensation of going downhill
- Get used to the equipment - start wearing ski boots around the house or outside - play "space adventure"
- Have them watch older children having fun and understanding that falling is part of the sport
- Walk around a ski area/mountain with your child before you sign up for lessons
Final Tips
- Keep "skiing" fun. It could mean playing in the snow with skis on and not really "skiing" with maybe an excuse to drink hot chocolate, it doesn't really matter. What's most important is having fun in the snow and the skiing part may just be the by-product of the activity.
- Have lots of patience and low expectations. Some kids can hop on and off the chairlift right away, while with others it may take a little longer.
- Make the mountain a playground. Adventuring—through the trees, into the powder, playing with natural terrain features—adds to the fun.
- Light powder is fun to ski. Heavy powder can be nearly impossible for little ones to negotiate.
- Don't push racing. If you're child is interested, let him or her propose it so it's their thing. It's a big commitment for everyone involved.
- Take regular breaks to recharge enthusiasm.
- Don't go skiing when it's bitterly cold. If kids are cold, they can't enjoy themselves.
- Don't push beyond comfort zone while still trying to establish confidence
- Know when to quit - if you child is cold, tired or hungry, it's time to take a break or go for a hot chocolate.
Find out more about How To Teach Children to Ski.
