Seeing a child on skis by the age of 18 months is relatively common on today’s slopes. With expert instructors, children have a blast “playing” in the snow on skis. While parents see the adventure as a great opportunity for the child to learn to ski, the child generally sees it differently. To the child, they play with other children in the snow and nothing more.
In fact, for the small child on skis, putting on the gear, getting dressed up in snowsuits, and spending time with other children on training slopes is no big deal. In addition to giving the child a great opportunity to learn a wonderful sport that they can take with them into adulthood, this also provides the parents with time to ski the more advanced slopes without having to worry about the child. Because family skiing has become such a popular pastime, classes for children are organized and safe.
The key is not to make the process of learning to ski a big deal. While you might think your child is doing something great, he or she will just view it as snow play. In most cases, parents will wait until the child is around four years of age but keep in mind that your child, as long as he or she can walk and has some coordination, can learn much younger. Just make sure the child is potty trained or the ski slope will probably not accept the child into class.
The following tips will help you decide if skiing is right for your child and when:
•See if your child is willing to be exposed to skiing. Some children will simply not show interest while others will. The right time depends on a child-to-child basis.
•Prior to taking your child to the ski slopes, if possible, take time outdoors in the snow with your child, getting him or her used to dressing up warm and being pulled on a sled in the snow.
•$Take your child to a local ski shop, having him or her fitted with skis and boots. With this, the child can walk around and become used to the feel of the equipment.
•Although you might be a snowboarder, most experts recommend a child not learn this sport until at least six years of age when the child has stronger and better upper and lower body coordination required.
•Most importantly, you want the ski experience to be a positive one for your child. Therefore, if the day is bitterly cold, chances are the child will be miserable. In this case, wait a day for better weather.