Why Ski Lessons Are Good for Kids
Learn to Ski
Getting ski lessons for kids has many benefits. Let me explain a few of them and tell me at the end if there were some reasons you haven’t thought of – or if I missed any.
We know skiing and snowboarding are great sports. They’re fun. You can do it as a family. It’s good exercise in winter. Skiing is a sport you can enjoy your whole life. I know several people in their 70s that still ski. So getting kids started skiing or snowboarding is a great thing. They get an early start and if they take to it, they will no doubt thank you later in life for getting them started at an early age.
At What Age Can Kids Start Skiing?
You know, I’ve had kids as young as 3 years old in a private lesson. They do it. They even made it down the practice hill and were stopping… sort of. I think age 5 is probably a good age for most kids to start – or any time after that. They will understand instruction better and have fun as well since they really like to go fast. You, as the parent, are the judge. There are some kids that should definitely wait until age 6 or 7 to start. Maturity has a lot to do with it and you’ll know best. Just don’t be afraid to try it early. If it doesn’t work, try again the next year.
One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of Olympic skiers interviewed say they started at a very young age. It really doesn’t hurt to at least give your kids that chance and see how they do. They might just love it. They might join a junior ski team? Who knows?
Ski Lessons for Kids
Definitely get your kids into a kids ski lesson. Group lessons are fine or you can get a private kids ski lesson if you want. Kids ski lessons should last a few hours (or the popular full or half day lessons), giving you time to go enjoy the snow. Even though it may be kind of hard to do, it’s really best if you leave. If you’re hanging around, your child will see you and you will be a distraction to their learning. As a ski instructor myself, I know this to be true. Feel free to stop back in an hour and check on them but the ski instructors doing the lesson know what they’re doing and have lots of tricks up their sleeves to keep them entertained and learning.
The best kinds of ski lesson programs for kids are those that teach them to ski without them knowing it. For example, they’ll have their boots on and will play games where they’re running around in their boots in the snow. This gets them used to the new boots on their feet. Giving instructions to kids doesn’t work like it does with adults, so kids lessons are more creative and thus take a bit more time. A two hour or longer lesson is ideal. There will be planned breaks during the lesson and some programs give the kids a snack break to help them recharge.
What Kids Will Learn in a Ski Lesson
The main goal is for kids to learn how to use their skis to stop and turn so that they can safely get down the hill in control. They usually do not need poles and should not use poles as they only get in the way and are distracting. Kids learn how to use their short skis like skates and will learn how to move around in them without the use of poles.
Should Kids Ski or Snowboard First?
For kids, I would definitely say learn to ski first. With their feet separated, they can better get balanced and it’s so much easier to move around and stop. Once they master the basics of skiing or are good at it, see if they want to try snowboarding. If so, they’ll have a good start as they do it.
Why You Should Maybe Not Teach Your Kids
Most kids around age 5 and above understand what a teacher is there for. And when do they ever listen to what you have to say? Give that task to a kids ski instructor that, again, will make it seem like fun and play time instead of instructions from a parent. And again, get out of there. Go play in the snow while you can and let the kids and the instructor do their thing.
Some Things to Think About
When checking out different kids ski lesson programs, there are a few things you should ask or think about.
- Find out what programs are available. There are group lessons for full or half days. There are usually private lessons by the hour, too.
- Find out if there is a lunch and/or snacks fed to the kids.
- Ask what is the native language of the ski instructors. Many resorts will hire help from the Southern Hemisphere (because it’s summer there during our winter) and they may have a different native language. You will want to make sure your child can clearly understand the teachers.
- Make sure they require helmets. This is essential.
- Make sure there are water breaks as well or water available for them.
- Check out the area where the lesson will take place. Does it look good or is it too steep? Are there too many trees? Is the lift or magic carpet easy to use and is a lift attendant there?
- Find out where ski patrol is as you leave your child for the lesson in case you are called to go there (worst case, of course).
- Find out where to meet your child when the lesson is done. Make sure you are the only one that can pick your child up.
- Make sure your child is properly dressed. Do they have gloves, a helmet, a scarf, a hat? Are their boots fitting good? Do they have left and right footed boots on the correct feet? (seriously, please check this - it happens all too often)
- Ask if you can meet the instructor that will teach your child. Often, this introduction helps your child put some trust in the instructor if you introduce them.
Make sure you are comfortable with the environment, the people assisting you, instructors and the ski school in general.
Conclusion
Ski lessons for kids are great. Really. They get taught the right way, which makes it so much easier for them later. You can go take a break and enjoy the snow or read a book in the lodge. Check on your kids once or twice during the lesson to see how they’re doing but don’t hang out in the lesson (please). If the instructor did a good job, be sure to tip them. Ask your kids how it went and if they would want another lesson sometime.
One more thing, it’s good to promise your kids some kind of reward after the lesson if they do a good job. This will make it easier on the instructor so that your child can learn more!
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