There is nothing more rewarding than skiing down a mountain with my kids. To see their faces light up while they race across the snow and their confidence sore as they conquer the mountain is very satisfying. But in order to experience the exhilaration of skiing as a family, I had to teach my kids how to ski.
Teaching kids how to ski can be challenging. Children sometimes wake up and are just challenging for no reason. So, throwing on several layers, putting ski boots on, clipping them into skis, and watching them continually fall on their face can bring out the worst in our little ones. But this does not have to be your story. With some preparation and mindset adjustments you can teach your kids how to ski in a fun and memorable way. I was able to teach my three kids how to ski and wanted to share the lessons I have learned with you so that you and your family can enjoy the slopes together.
Teaching Kids to Ski Starts with Physical and Mental Preparation
What Age can Kids Start Skiing?
After teaching my three kids how to ski, I would suggest 5-year-old is the best age for kids to learn how to ski. Introducing skiing to your children at earlier ages is a great idea and is something I did with my youngest two. They have a natural curiosity and a low center of gravity which helps them pick up the sport more quickly than adults.
Take Your Kids Ice Skating for Ski Control and Balance
Before I invested in a day at the slopes with my kids, I made sure to take them Ice Skating first. Ice Skating helped them start building muscle memory, coordination, confidence, and balance before learning to ski. When I took them ice skating, I was nervous because they struggled. But their ability to overcome the challenges that came with Ice Skating translated into being ready to tackle skiing. Ice Skating ended up being a great spring board into skiing. All three of them had no problems balancing and they all loved their first day on the slopes.
Have Kids Wear Equipment Before the Ski Trip
The most challenging part about skiing for the parents and the kids is getting all geared up. Clunky boots, many warm layers, snow bibs, mittens or gloves, snow googles, and a helmet can be over stimulating. And if this is done indoors it can get very hot which tends to make even adults a little crabby. By having the kids try on their ski gear at home, you are preparing them mentally for what it will be like at the slopes. This expectation setting can be the difference between whining and crying or laughs and giggles.
I rent skis, boots, and helmets for my kids so there was a limit of what I could do. But dressing them up in layers and having them play outside in their gear is a good way to get them ready for skiing. If you live somewhere warm, then I still recommend trying on the snow bib, and other warm layers and play for several minutes inside before letting them change. We want them to be confident and ready for this ski adventure, so removing as many new experiences as possible will clear their minds and help them focus on having fun on the slopes.
When Taking Children Skiing, Set Your Expectations Low
Expect the Worst and Focus on FUN Instead of Skiing Excellence
Being a positive force on their first day of skiing is very important. They are going to fall. They are likely going to cry when snow gets in their mittens. They are going to have to go to the bathroom immediately after you get all their gear on (friendly reminder to take them to the bathroom before changing into snow gear). They are going to blame you. They are going to… you name it!
But if you stay positive, your kids will feed off of the energy and eventually come around to love the adventure of skiing. Focusing on fun, laughing out loud, and even falling with them once or twice is key to getting your kids to buy into the idea that skiing is awesome. Skiing is not for everyone and if your kid hates it, I recommend listening to that and taking a break in the lodge. After a while, you may be surprised that they want to get back on the snow after a little hot chocolate.
Take Your Children to a Cost-Effective Low-Key Ski Resort
Perfect North Slopes, Lawrenceburg IN
When I took my kids skiing for the first time, I didn’t know if they would even like it. To spend money for them to potentially reject skiing was a risk I had to take. I suggest going to a low-key cost-effective ski resort. If you are made of money, do whatever you want – but make sure wherever you take your kids that there is a solid bunny slope with plenty of beginner terrain.
We live in Indianapolis, so while skiing here in Indiana is not worldclass – it is an excellent place to teach your kids how to ski. I sent my cousin who lives in Denver a picture of me and the family skiing and said that one day we will head out his way. To my surprise he said that he wished there was a hill like the one in Indiana where he could avoid crowds and not blow his budget when teaching his kids how to ski. The lesson here is that you do not need to live out West to teach your kids how to ski.
Bring TONS of Snacks and Plan for Breaks
You know your kids better than me, but snacks seem like a universal need for kids not just at the slopes but anywhere. On the snow they are exerting energy and will be hungry. They also just like eating snacks. To keep them happy and focused on fun, make sure their bellies are full.
Plan for Family Time in the Lodge
Kids are little and will not just need snacks but they will need breaks. To make break time fun, we bring their favorite games and puzzles. Whether on the snow or in the lodge, creating ways for them to enjoy their time is a great way to cultivate a love for skiing.
Start Slow for Kids’ First Time Skiing
Start on Gentle or Flat Terrain – DON’T SKIP THE BUNNY SLOPE
While this might seem obvious, it must be said: start on beginner terrain. When they are getting on skis for the very first time, practice on an almost flat grade. Starting too aggressively is a way to turn a fun day into a miserable day. Also starting out on terrain that is too advanced can be dangerous. Start at the beginning and be patient. Encourage them to be patient too.
Each of my kids wanted to upgrade to more advanced terrain before they were ready for it. Be prepared for this. Plan your responses to be positive and reinforce that they are doing an awesome job right here on the bunny slopes.
Focus on Balance
The most important first skill is just being able to balance on the skis. Strapping into ski boots and sliding down the snow will be foreign to them. Being comfortable and confident in the skis and on the flat grade is important to become a great skier.
Teach Pizza
Pizza is the universal next step after balancing. Once they can balance and start down the slope, they will need to stop. Crossing your skis like a pizza slice is the easiest stopping method and should be taught early.
Encourage Safe Falls
Depending on how things go, teaching your kid that its OK and many times good to fall (in a controlled way) is… GOOD. Teach them to slide down on their butt skis in front (not head over heels) if they feel like they are getting out of control. Show them that falling can be fun too. There is no shame in falling, so lead by example.
Have Fun
Whether they go down the bunny slopes all day or seem to keep falling – stay up beat and positive. Shower your kids with praise, its hard to ski for the first time and trying it is a noble thing. Remember that you are in this for the long run and in a few years you will be skiing together on more enjoyable terrain.
Introduce New Skiing Techniques Slowly
Kids Need Repetitions to Become Good Skiers
Becoming good at anything takes practice and repetitions. Skiing is no different. The more your children can get to the slopes, the better they will become. Additionally, I noticed that the second or third time skiing they make major improvements. I believe this is because their minds subconsciously process the experience so that they are better prepared the next time you hit the slopes.
The second or third time you take your kids skiing, start at the bunny hill again and work your way up. I made a mistake once and took the kids to an intermediate run without letting them warm up. It almost ended in disaster. Learn from my mistake, be patient and warm up on the bunny hill.
Patiently Encourage Children to Master Basic Skiing Techniques
Many kids will get impatient and want to do more than they are able. Do your best to refocus them and encourage them. They probably cannot hear encouraging words enough, especially if they are struggling to grasp new techniques.
Patiently Introduce New Terrain
Before introducing kids to new terrain, they need to have a solid foundation of the basics: balance, pizza, and the ability to turn. If they cannot do these three things, then they are not ready to advance to more challenging terrain.
Tips When Taking Kids Down the Mountain for the First Time
Choose an Easy and Wide Green Run
Scout out the easiest widest run to explore once your child has graduated from the bunny slope. Make sure there are as few hazards as possible. I try to avoid steep drop offs near the edges of the run, advanced run shoot offs, crowds of people, and trees. A nice easy slope with plenty of space to make wide turns is ideal for their first mountain run. Make sure you stay close enough to them that when they fall, you can help them up and get back at it.
Have Your Child Make Wide Turns
My kids wanted to zip straight down the mountain. While this is fun, it can be dangerous and is not preparing them for more advanced terrain. Encourage them to make large turns. Tight turns are great, but also are more difficult so that they will more likely get tangled and fall. Mastering large turns will give them the muscle memory and confidence to gradually make tighter and crisper turns.
Have Child Practice Stopping on the Slope
Challenge your children to stop on the hill. This skill is important. If they can stop on the hill, then they are in control. If they cannot stop, they are at the mercy of the grade of the slope. As a parent you want them to have fun, but safe fun. Make sure that they can stop.
Have your kids make wide turns and stop by skiing up the mountain. This technique is another good way for them to be in control and a tool to help them not get out of control. I see ski instructors do this all the time. Ski down 10 yards, then turn until you are skiing up the slope and come to a stop. Keep doing this down the mountain and your child will improve their maneuvering control.
Have Fun – Let Them Show You What They Can Do!
If your kids are like mine, there is a point in time where they want me to stop teaching them. Giving them autonomy to go for it once their ready will bring them so much joy. Showing you and themselves, their new skills will make them beam with pride.
Equipment to Buy Before Getting to the Ski Resort
· Ski Socks
· Ski Jacket
· Ski Pants or Bib
· Ski Goggles
· Edgie Wedgie
· Harness
· Skis and Boots if you are not renting
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