This story was Published in The New England Ski Journal

By Heather Burke

 

The ski resort brochure depicts the smiling family skiing side by side. What it doesn’t show is your little one pitching a hissy-fit while you carry him down the hill, equipment flailing, nose running and tears streaming.

Advice from someone who’s “been there” both as a ski instructor and a parent of two: Leave the teaching to the professionals by enrolling your child in a ski school program. By introducing your wee-skier to a fun filled ski camp atmosphere, odds are he will want to keep up with new ski camp friends and impress the “cool,” young (not related) instructor.

Ski camps are great for starting children ages 4-6, and most resorts offer instruction and supervision for kids up to age 12. Every well-orchestrated program I have found incorporates fun games and activities on snow into the skiing experience. Camps cleverly disguise learning with playful exercise, goofy animal mascots and lots of hot cocoa breaks for a winning kid formula. Here are some tips to prepare you and your youngster for a successful ski camp experience:

Surf, then get on the horn
A little web research at ski area sites can give you a good idea of what programs are offered. Stowe.com gives detailed descriptions of its Mountain Adventure program including prices, hours, and an on-line registration form. Or pick up the phone to get answers to your specific questions and to talk with a live body.

Look for parks and pals
Kids just love trails and terrain features that are designed with just them in mind. Okemo and Smugglers’ both have nature trails with signs, photos of wildlife, and fun twists and turns along the way.

Mascots help replace frowns and fears with smiles and cheers. Sugarloaf has Moose Alley, a woods trail to a cabin where mascots Amos the Moose and Blueberry Bear reside. Ascutney has a new kids-size house for its main mouse, Cheddar. Bromley has PigDog, bizarre but children love it. Keeping the kids entertained is key, and these resorts have devoted energy and resources tow ard that goal.

Get the how much and the what for
Day ski camps usually run from $50 to $95 per day, and include supervision, snacks, ski lessons in the morning and afternoon, lunch, and even equipment. Ask about multi-day discounts or package inclusions if you are staying at the resort for a few days. Half-day rates present a savings if you personally don’t carve the slopes from 8-4, this leaves time for family swimming or tubing in the afternoon. Sunday River’s Mogul Munchkin for 4-6 year olds is $56 for a full day and $28 for the half-day clinic (not including rentals).

Ratios, fractions and formulas.
You don’t need to be a mathematician here. You just want your child to be in a class with no more than 6 or 7 other kids, group size is determined by age. It’s all about personal attention.

Where and when
Get specific directions and hours for camp. Most ski programs allow you to drop your child off when the lifts open, but the kids don’t get out on the hill until 9:30-9:45 a.m. This gives your child some play time with new friends while you take some early runs. The meter is running.

What to pack for little Jack
Kids get wet, so a change of clothes, extra mittens and socks are all well advised. Note: Most ski camps require children to be potty trained — they will call you off the slopes for you to deal with “things” if there is an accident.

You should label everything with your child’s name, even their equipment. If you only plan to ski a couple of times this winter, you need not spend $175 outfitting your child with brand new equipment. Most programs offer rentals for an added fee of $10-$17 and some include it in the lesson price.

Your child will be fitted properly, in modern equipment and you reduce the amount of gear to lug. Parents can avoid some of the ski morning hassles by picking up the child’s rental equipment at the resort the night before. There’s the added benefit for “first timers” of suiting up your youngster in their gear back at the condo in a well-carpeted area. They can get comfortable with the “funny” equipment and excited about their “adventure.”

Sign up your little pup
Ski camps fill up due to space issues and a limited number of instructors, especially on holiday weekends. Enrolling your child usually requires advance registration with a credit card deposit.

Sign your life away
Ski camps require that you fill out necessary registration and health forms. Request that these be sent or faxed to you. Sugarloaf lets you print the form from their website. By filling out these lengthy forms in advance, you can write down important info about your child (allergies, likes and dislikes), and avoid the hectic morning-of scene of scribbling through paperwork in a ski resort hallway with an anxious kid on your leg and a line of parents behind you.

Get real
Be honest and accurate about your child’s ability. Don’t push your future downhiller into a class that’s over his helmet head.

Meet, greet and goodbye
On the day of camp, cheerfully meet your child’s instructor and introduce your child. Hide that anxiety — kids are super sleuths when it comes to parents’ apprehension. Instructors will really appreciate your helpful attitude on this point. Then, entrust your child to the pros and go have some fun skiing yourself — don’t look back!

Let the pros do their thing
It’s fun to observe your child on the slopes from a distance, but resist the temptation to interfere. There will be plenty of time for photos and accolades later. Let your little skier concentrate without sideline Little League coaching.

Get the straight scoop
At the end of the session, ask the instructor for your child’s ski report card and ask what they recommend next.

Schuss, don’t push
As with any learning experience, don’t force it. Let the professionals set the pace they feel is appropriate. Skiing isn’t about how many runs and the perfect wedge. If your child is playing in the snow at camp, don’t be disappointed. With time and a positive learning environment, chances are your child will grow to love the sport just as you do.
 

 

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