If you have ever been to the ski slopes, chances are you have spotted a group of small children making their way down the training slope with little balloons or colored balls on the top of their hats, bobbing along merrily. Surprisingly, small children are quite capable when it comes to leaning how to ski so if you want to include the entire family on your next ski trip, check into classes!
Now, many people question, “What is the right age for letting small children ski” and the answer varies. Obviously, the child would need to be able to walk and preferably, have a desire to learn. However, the other criterion is that the child should have good coordination skills to avoid injury. It is perfectly normal to see two and three-year-old children skiing right alongside older children or parents.
Today, ski slopes are set up with special classes designed specifically for the smaller child. While older kids or parents ski on the regular slopes, these small tots spend the morning or afternoon in class with other children their age and a qualified instructor. This instructor has been trained to work with small children, making the process of learning to ski fun. Amazingly, you will see children that went to class for two days, up on green runs by the third day, skiing quite proficiently.
You see, for the child, skiing is simply a higher tech way to play in the snow. As long as they are having a good time and wearing comfortable but warm clothing, they do very well. After they ski for a while in class, most of the time the instructor takes them back inside where they can play, color, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Therefore, for a child under the age of four, skiing is something they enjoy. The benefit that they do not realize is that by the time they reach 10, they are ready for black runs.
You can help your child love skiing and the winter environment by being encouraging but not pushy. Since many resorts also offer daycare while parents ski, if your child resists, do not force him or her. However, as you talk about your day and how much fun you had, chances are the child will begin to show interest. Although having a child prefer daycare to skiing is rare, it does happen. Just be patient and realize that for some children, it simply takes time.