How do you know when kids are ready to ski?
Ski season is starting. For parents, that may mean getting kids on the slopes for the first time. But is there a perfect age to learn to ski?
Nate Gardner, ski and snowboard school training manager at Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont, in the New England region of the northeastern United States, says that what’s more important than a child’s age is his or her readiness.
How well does the child handle other physical activities? Does the child separate well from parents so that he or she is comfortable spending a few hours with a ski instructor and other kids on the slopes, away from mom and dad?
“Every child develops at their own rate both physically and emotionally,” Gardner says.
“That’s going to be a big factor in whether the child is ready to learn to ski.”
Here’s some other advice from Gardner on everything from planning a family ski trip to tailoring ski instruction to a child’s learning style.
Private vs group lessons
“Private lessons are great for one-on-one attention,” Gardner says. “The experience gets tailored to you.”
But he adds that “kids learn a lot from their peers”. Children sometimes have more fun and get more out of a group lesson where they can interact with kids their age.
Pizza, french fries
You may hear and see ski instructors encouraging kids with the words: “Pizza! French fries!”
Gardner says it’s a creative way to help students configure their skis: angle the tips inward to slow down, like a pizza slice, or straighten them like french fries to go a little faster.
Learning styles
How long does it take for kids to learn to ski?
“It has to do entirely with the kids themselves, their age, their developmental level, their emotional readiness, their willingness to learn from a stranger. Parents need to gauge their expectations based on what they know of their child’s previous experiences.”
Instructors are trained to assess the kids and get the ones who are “doers” into the activity as soon as possible, while talking through the process with kids who are “thinkers and listeners and want some more of the information”.
Rent or buy?
Gardner suggests renting equipment. It takes the burden out of lugging gear from where you live to the mountain. It also ensures that you’re getting the latest, high-quality gear and that it fits your fastgrowing child every time.
Be prepared
Dress kids in layers so they can peel off midday when the sun is out and bundle up during early morning or late afternoon when it’s chillier. Don’t forget goggles and sunscreen. The snow reflects ultraviolet light with greater intensity than even the beach, Gardner says.