This guide will show you how to prepare and outfit your child for skiing, on a budget.
Introduction
Winter is here with the usual snowy cold. Instead of snuggling up to the heater, couch potato style, take your child skiing! A favorite sport for many, skiing gives children the opportunity to learn new skills and stay in shape during the winter season. This thrilling outdoor sport, packed with fresh air and excitement, is the perfect remedy for winter blahs. Even more surprising, it does not have to break the family budget. Many ski resorts offer cost saving packages designed to help children learn how to ski safely.
Start with safe equipment
Keeping your child safe while skiing is the first priority. Quality equipment such as boots, skis and warm weather clothing will help ensure a safe ski experience. “One big difference between adult skiers and children is the absence of poles,” says Kevin Rogers, Manager of Canyon Sports. “It is just one less thing for a child to focus on other than their feet.” Rogers goes on to explain how important it is to “not under equip your child, just to save a buck. Ski equipment should keep up with the child’s skill level and aggressiveness.”
Prepare at home for skiing
Before beginning any sporting program a child should be in relatively good physical condition. Robyn Christiansen, Director of Children’s Ski Adventures Ski School, Alta Ski Resort, Alta, Utah, recommends involving children in cross training sports which offer skills that will carry over into skiing. Christiansen comments that “Gymnastics, ice skating are both sports that can carry over skills, like balancing, into the skiing experience. If you have a kid that hasn’t had much physical activity trying to ski on a mountain, well that’s a really tough day for them.”
Planning for the ski experience
Plan ahead when starting your child in skiing. Check the weather report and, if possible, go on a mild sunny day. Dress your child with layers of warm clothing that can be easily removed as the temperature changes. Avoid the big bulky ski coat as it will interfere in a child’s progress. Instead choose a sleeker coat design that will allow a child to move their arms more freely.
Ski Resorts are in the business to attract new customers so shop around and look for steals, deals and freebies. Many resorts offer free ski nights and custom amenities for children. Resorts also offer deals on children staying free and skiing free. They also offer package deals which include the lift pass, ski rental and a ski lesson.
Realistic expectations
In Christiansen’s experience, “realistic expectations,” are most important for parents guiding their child’s skiing experience. Christiansen states that “Parents think that it is going to be so fun and they tell their child, this is going to be fun! If they could just remember the last time they were on a mountain and how heavy the skis were and what it’s like to try and maneuver those skis! Children can get very tired.” Parents should be patient and not push their child to excel, but rather let them go at their own pace and provide lots of positive reinforcement. If a child falls down, help them up and encourage them to try and try again.
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