Teaching Your Child to Ski

Teaching a child to ski isn't like starting her off in softball or soccer. You can't just go out in the backyard and start tossing or kicking a ball around. It is usually in the child's best interest, and well worth the investment, to enroll her in a qualified ski school so she can get proper instruction based on her age and ability, even if you are an experienced skier.

Whether the mountain is in your backyard or you will be taking a family vacation this winter to a ski resort, knowing what to expect when you enroll your child in ski school, and what questions to ask of the instructor, can make all the difference in making her first skiing experience a positive one. It will also make your own vacation more fun and less stressful to know your child is in good hands.

Every child grows and develops at a different pace. Your child is ready to learn to ski if you can answer "yes" to the following questions:

• Is he comfortable being dropped off in a school or pre-school type environment?

• Does he have the strength and endurance to be physically active for up to one hour in the cold and in weather that may be wet and possibly windy and stormy?

• Is he physically strong enough to walk around in skis and boots?

• Will he wear proper clothing without a fight?

The most important factor to consider is whether your child will have fun. Children have a lifetime to learn a sport. If you want them to succeed, it is important that they enjoy themselves.

If you decide to take your child on the slopes yourself keep in mind that taking your child skiing in a backpack can be dangerous on crowded slopes because of the risk of someone hitting you and your child. Ski harnesses give children an idea of how skiing feels, but put them in the same category as training wheels on a bike. The earlier you can get your child skiing independently the better.

Equipment Needs

It is important for your child's comfort and performance that you take the time to get your child properly fitted for ski equipment, just as you would for regular shoes. For many years ski manufactures were just making adult skis and boots smaller to fit kids. Now, top ski and boot manufactures make equipment designed to meet a child's specific needs.

When renting and purchasing, beware of what you are getting. Here are some things to consider:

• Buy or rent? If your child is only going skiing a few times in a season, it probably better to rent. Children grow quickly and it is difficult to keep up with their growth and keep them properly fitted. If you live near a ski area and you are going to ski more than several times a season, look for a ski shop that has a long-term rental program.
  
  

• Ski length is important: For beginners, the skis should reach between the child's chin and nose. For intermediates, skis should be at nose level. Most children's skis now have a side cut (the ski is narrower in the middle, wider at the ends). As with adults, sidecut skis for children should be 15 to 20 cm shorter than regular skis (Even World Cup racers are now using shorter skis with sidecuts).
  
  

• Boots should be flexible. Too stiff a boot will make it difficult for your child to move. Some shops simply rotate their old adult boots into their youth rental stock, so look for junior models of boots when purchasing or renting. When at all possible get boots with front entry buckles: they offer the best support and allow mobility to help performance.
  
  

• Other suggested equipment: Helmet, goggles or glasses, waterproof gloves, ski pants, coat, long underwear, ski socks (one pair), neck gator and sunscreen. HELPFUL HINT: Label all belongings and attach all items when possible.

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