Children's Ski and Snowboard Lessons and Equipment
Just because you have a baby does not mean you are unable to still go skiing or snowboarding. Most ski resorts have day care and depending upon the child's age, have age-appropriate indoor and snow play activities. While children can be ready to ski once they are stable walking and taking instructions, most resorts begin ski and snowboard lessons at 3 years or older.
Once they learn to ski or snowboard, riding with your child down the slopes and sharing their experience is one of the best parts of being a parent. Especially when you see the excitement in your child's smile and eyes as they learn and have a strong desire to show you what they have learned and even ski with them. Have fun, ski/snowboard safe! J. DeCarli |
My little girl, 2nd year at Heavenly Valley, advances to the top level and able to ski from the top of the summit. It's a wonderful experience knowing your child has the skills and confidence, and excited to ride with you.
Her 1st year
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Basic Clothing Layers and Equipment
- Socks: Always make sure you have two-pair of ski socks (wearing one at a time of course, but a second pair in case they do get wet). Ski or snowboard socks are longer as they go just above the child's calf. These must be of wool or synthetic fabric (again no cotton).
- Boots: When shopping for child's boots, make sure these are not only insulated, but also waterproof for use in the snow. Remember they will wear these up until they change into their ski or snowboard boots.
- Neck Gaiter: Gaiters help keep the child's neck, ears and lower face warm and protected from wind and even sun exposure. However, these must fit properly and not be in the way when they wear their helmet. These are of merino wool or polyester fleece fabric and soft since they are against the child's skin.
- Gloves/Mittens: Generally, mittens keep the child's hands warmer and are must easier to put on the child. Again, these must be well insulated and waterproof. Some child mittens or even gloves will have individual clips that clip to the sleeves of their jacket or parka. However, the best is those that have a strap that connects each glove or mitten and goes through the sleeves and are connected.
- Goggles: Goggles are highly necessary to protect the child's eyes from the bright sun and reflection on the snow. These generally fit most helmets but try to get there together or make sure there are not air gaps.
- Helmet: While it is safer for everyone to wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding, this also goes for children. You can rent helmets, but make sure they fit properly, as well as with their goggles. If shopping for a helmet again make sure goggles are compatible, but also make sure the helmet has an adjustable internal harness to help give a better fit for the child. It is recommended to purchase your own helmet for the child. You get a better fit and you can use for snow play sledding as well. Children like to use stickers on their helmets too such as skill level stickers, etc.
Ski and Snowboard Equipment
It is best to rent skis or snowboard for the first several times. It is also best to rent at the ski resort, so in case boots are too tight or loose they can be changes easily. Most ski resorts will have packages for rentals and lessons. Ski rentals include skis and poles but can include helmet. Snowboard rentals include snowboard and boots and can also include helmet. Renting is the best since the child outgrows boots quickly. However, if you plan on going more than several times in a season, compare daily rental prices at the resort compared to leasing for the season either at the resort or at a local ski or snowboard shop. Often leasing works well, especially after the child has gone several times, enjoys skiing or snowboarding and you know the proper sizes for their ski/snowboard and boots. This is helpful as well because you do not have to wait in rental lines and if often less expensive.
Lessons
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As a parent, even if you know how to ski or snowboard, lessons are still advised. I was a certified ski and snowboard instructor, but I knew with my child, at least for their first levels, it is best to have a qualified instructor teach my child. With lessons, it helps build self-confidence and they also get to ski with other children their own age. But nevertheless, make sure the instructor is a qualified instructor. Many ski resorts have great ski packages for various ages as young as 3-years of age.
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Energy and Hydration
Before you start the day with your child and especially before lessons make sure you have a healthy meal. It is always fun to make this part of the activity. Once you check in, you have breakfast at the restaurant at the resort of a meal they enjoy with hot chocolate and make it a fun experience. Generally, depending on if you keep the child full or half day, but full day generally includes lunch and proper hydration. Once your child starts skiing or snowboarding with you make sure they have proper energy snacks and hydration.
