4 Ways to Elevate Your Child’s First Ski Day

Skiing and riding is a life-long activity that can be learned as a toddler, and enjoyed until older age. Start kids young and they’ll be more likely to love the sport as much as you do. Introducing your children to skiing doesn’t have to be hard, and with these you can make it a fun experience for all.

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Start Small. Many of the smaller ski areas started off as family-owned and operated and continue to be a good environment for family skiing. The ski staff and instructors know the mountain well, and traditionally are approachable with the youngest ones. An advantage that these smaller ski areas have over the larger resorts is that it is easier to keep up with your group even if you’re skiing on separate trails for most of the day. Ask locals which areas they like and you’ll be sure to find a gem of a resort that your family will enjoy.

Get Great Gear. One piece snow outfits with mittens are ideal for the small ones, but save yourself some grief and let your older children to put together their own look. An affordable way to do this is to rent the gear from a trusted ski shop, and clothes from outfitters that rent jackets, snow pants, goggles and gloves. This way, your teens and tweens can demo the latest equipment without the investment of buying new. Take the time to fit their boots and helmets so that the equipment is not pinching, digging in, or falling off. A boot analysis will help your more adventurist riders get to the next level.

Use a Ski School. Ski schools are a great resource to help your kids learn the sport. Most ski areas have instructors that are great with kids and a structured program with designated area to teach kids to ski. A bonus is that many resorts offer free skiing for kids under the age of 5. There are also many free learning programs for students in the 4th & 5th grades throughout the nation. A good ski school will make a huge difference in your child’s enjoyment, so research your options and choose the best environment for your children. To get the most out of the day, make sure your kids are warm, well fed and rested before the lesson.

Take it Easy. Kids will be tired after a full day of learning and practicing their skills. A sure way to level up your ski trip is to stay on-mountain overnight, and as close to the lifts if you can. Spending the extra money on slopeside accommodations will be worth your peace of mind, and you won’t have to risk traveling icy roads in bad weather. Ski areas offer plenty of after-hour diversions for families like swimming, games and movies. Some ski areas offer afternoon hot chocolate and cookies, and winter forts and playgrounds to explore. Don’t forget to pack your usual comforts – snacks, water, toys and music are great items to fill the travel and down times.

Getting the family together for an all-family après at the end of the day is just as enjoyable as skiing itself. On mountain activities vary depending on where you’re staying, from snow forts, tubing and indoor water parks, to hot cocoa, warm cookies, live music and outdoor fire pit.  Food is usually part of the après mix when young people are involved. It doesn’t take long for children to catch on, the bonding is like none other, and in a few trips you will set them up for memories to last a lifetime.

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