Snow skiing is, without a doubt, one of the most pleasurable winter hobbies, which is why it draws an increasing number of people each year. It’s also a popular pastime for kids, so if you’re a parent, you’ll want to know how they may participate safely.
This article covers tips on how to keep your kids extra safe when they are out skiing.
Tips on How to Get Kids Ready for Safe Skiing
1. Get Good Quality Skiing Gear
When your child is very young, plastic skis that attach to their ordinary winter boots work just fine for scooting about the yard. However, “real” ski boots and skis with metal edges provide children with the added stability their little legs need to learn how to plough snow and, ultimately, complete turns. Warm socks, long trousers, skiing pants, a jacket and waterproof mittens are essential when your kid will be playing in the snow,
A chilly day out may be made or broken by goggles, a neck warmer and a supply of hand warmers. Without these, you risk being stranded at the lodge. Don’t forget to wear a helmet, too. Whatever makes your kids happy to wear it, let them choose a wild-coloured one or let them personalise it with stickers.
2. Get Everything Ready the Night Before
Spend some time the night before your first day of skiing, gathering all of your equipment and placing it in the vehicle. The next morning, you’ll be ready to hit the slopes. That covers the skis, helmets, gloves, safety glasses, neck warmers and poles, as well as any additional equipment that you or your kids may need.
3. Enrol Your Kid in Ski School
Snow Ski lessons are an excellent method to make sure your children learn to snow ski correctly, even though training your children to snow ski is a wonderful way to connect. Snowski instructors are trained experts who understand how to motivate kids to pick up the sport at their speed. When children are young, building a positive connection with skiing is extremely helpful because they learn, as well as having great instructors who make the experience enjoyable.
A snow ski instructor will keep a careful watch on your child’s mood and energy levels and will know when to take a break and go on to something else fun, like looking for animal footprints or going inside for a delicious, comforting hot chocolate.
4. Layering is Crucial
To begin, children will need thermal leggings, a fleece jumper, a long-sleeved t-shirt, ski socks, gloves and a cap. For toddlers, an all-in-one snow ski costume is ideal since they can roll about in the snow without worrying about snow getting up their back and down their pants. Dress them in knickers that can also be utilised as clothing if you are going straight from the chilly snow to a heated restaurant.
A two-piece uniform is frequently preferred for toddlers. Get the greatest quality skiing gear at Snow + Rock, with materials that are waterproof, windproof and breathable. When kids are old enough to use and pay for snow ski lifts, a ticket pocket on the sleeve of their ski jacket is required. A hat and ski boots are also needed. If there is a cold wind, a neck gaiter or mask can also be very helpful.
5. Keep Dehydrated and Bring Snacks
Make sure to give your kids plenty of water in the days leading up to your snow skiing vacation. The easiest approach to acclimatise and lessen the possibilities of altitude sickness after you get to any high-altitude place is to drink a lot of water before, and preferably during, the journey.
Take a break if they become upset, tired or start to lean backwards while snow ploughing. Get some steaming chocolate, spend some time in the lodge or return home. It is better to leave them wanting more than to snuff them out and remember their favourite snacks.
6. Getting on the Chairlifts
When you’re snow skiing with little kids, ensure you have the appropriate skiing gear since the lifts can be tricky. To begin, use the slow, easy lifts with guardrails. Show them how to jump on their own, move the bar down every time and hop on it. Allow your kids to jump off the lifts at the right time, but make sure they always have a firm grip on the handle of their vest. Don’t let them ride alone without an adult, even when they are good at it. When lifts break, kids shouldn’t be left up there alone in the cold.
7. Go When Other Toddlers are Present
Visit the mountain while the junior racing team is training or during an after-school kids’ ski programme if you don’t know any other families with ski-learning children. If you want your child to take up skiing, or at least agree to go up the bunny hill with you one more time, there’s nothing like a little healthy competition or motivation.
Parting Words
Above everything, keep your expectations modest. Given the cost, it may be tempting to encourage small children to snow ski all day, but they often require several breaks or can’t ski all day on their first or second outings. Hopefully, you will find the above tips to be very helpful when you are on your skiing vacation.