We started our son skiing at age 1. Mind you, he was actually 23 months old…but technically still 1 – providing us with bragging rights and photos. We brought little rentals skis and boots home the night before his ski debut and let him wear the equipment in our carpeted playroom. He was enthralled, and his ensuing three bunny hill ski runs gripping the handle end of my ski pole were just the right dose of downhill. He has since grown and has no recollection of that first ski day – so it was purely for parental pride.
Its overzealous parents (like us) that push their kids downhill, sometimes literally. You have witnessed those fanatical fall line parents, with their barely walking child stuffed into snow gear. Mom and Dad are doing all the work, the lugging, the backbreaking bending over with little Suzy slumped between her skis. Not quite the family picture in the ski brochure.
The classic question among new parents (whose pursuit of powder has been interrupted by baby powder and binkies) is, “When should I start my child on skis, when is too soon, and what’s the best approach?”
Tom Butler, Sugarloaf’s Ski School Director, said, “My first concern for any child is that they need to want to be outside with everything on. Forcing them isn’t the answer and negative experiences early on could turn the child off from the sport.”
If you really want to get your child out at 2 or 3 on your own, it should be for a photo opportunity, and actual ski time should be short, sweet and safe – meaning you are right next to your child at all times. End your snow day well before meltdown. For equipment, check out rentals or used equipment at a ski shop (or a ski swap), but don’t shell out big bucks for all new gear for two runs this season, that won’t fit next.
As someone who has “been there” both as a ski instructor and a parent of two, my advice is to get professional help. Trust the experts to introduce your child to skiing and riding properly, covering the basics so your child learns safely, with other children, without parental pressure, tension or tears.
Most ski area lessons start children at ages 3 – 6 when they are physically and emotionally ready (and potty trained) to learn new things and can handle parent separation. Snowboarding lessons typically begin at age 6 or older. The ski or snowboard camp atmosphere is so effective - the combination of “cool” instructors leading silly but skill-developing games, and the camaraderie of other small fries as peers are powerful motivators. These lessons can be pricey at $50-$90/day, but it’s an investment in expert teaching, safety (priceless), and socialization for your child – that can be amortized over a lifetime of skiing.
Bretton Woods, Sunapee, Ascutney, Okemo and Smugglers’ Notch combine daycare for 2-5 year olds with an add-on introductory (half hour or so) ski lesson, so your youngster samples skiing with an instructor during the day or half day of childcare (note: this gets mom and dad out on the slopes for their own turns).
Smugglers Notch has had success starting children as young as 2 (even in diapers) in their “Little Rascals” program, according to Peter Ingvoldstadt, Director of Smugglers’ Snowsports University. With a convenient Wonder Carpet lift right outside “Treasures” daycare, toddlers get mini-ski lessons for as few as 15-minutes up to 2 hours of ski time, always dictated by the child – before tears, and ideally leaving them wanting more.
Smugglers’ has been a leader in teaching children to ski for two decades now, with unique programs like “mom & me” and “dad & me” which allow parents to teach their 3-5-year old child, aided by an instructor.
Smugglers’ most popular Discovery Dynamos Camp for ages 3-5 has taught thousands of kids. Ingvoldstad said, “It has been my observation that almost all 3 year olds can learn to ski. We build in them and their parents the belief that they can be successful in everything they are willing to put the effort in to learn.” Smugglers’ is currently experimenting with teaching 18-month olds with new equipment specially designed for this youngest set.
If you are in no rush to start your toddler skiing, waiting until age 5 or 6 certainly won’t lengthen the learning curve, it may even provide a more memorable ski experience for all. As a parent you should gauge your child’s readiness (not to be confused with your eagerness).
Ingvoldstad said parents should plan the experience, and be sure it includes safety, fun and learning, “and always have a plan B and C – your child is very unusual if they are totally predictable.”
Just like a snowman needs a good strong base or it will tumble apart, you should provide your child with a positive introduction and a fun pace so they will learn to love snow sports like you do, and discover that you’re a “cool” parent in winter.
