Invest In Lessons
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.
Is Your Child Ready?
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.
When Your Child Is In Ski School
Here are some do's and don'ts:
- Do encourage small successes ?children need positive reinforcement.
- Don't push your child past her limits.
- Do
know when it's time to stop. Parents and instructors need to be
conscious of when a child is tired. A child can be like the Energizer
Bunny, always going and going. Remember, as with adults, accidents are
most likely to happen when a skier is tired. You don't want your child
to get so totally exhausted that she won't want to ski at all the next
day!
- Don't
hover. Hanging around too much while your child is taking a lesson
makes it difficult for an instructor to teach; she shouldn't have to
compete with parents for a child's attention.
- Do identify reasons for problems: try to find out why if your child is having a difficult time in ski
school. It could be due to separation anxiety or simple fear. A good
instructor will work with you and your child to ensure a positive
experience.
- Do try to sign your child up for three days of lessons
in a row. Continuity, familiarity, and repetition reinforce movement
patterns. Most children 4 years and older can successfully learn to
stop and turn on easy novice runs over the course of three days.
Ski Schools: What To Look For
Many ski schools will take
children as young as 3 years old. Find out the details of a specific
program. Ski school quality is truly a function of the quality of the
staff.
In selecting a ski school for your child, ask:
- Is the staff certified and experienced working with young children? If
a ski school uses its kids program to train adult instructors, it may
be a tell-tale sign that it is not geared to kids. Look for programs
that hire staff specifically to work with children and have low staff
turnover; these are signs that it is probably more committed to the
specific needs of children.
- Is the pre-school nursery licensed by the state? If your child is under the age of 3, check to see if the pre-school nursery is a state licensed program.
- Is the staff screened and trained to provide childcare? Training should include a mixture of on-mountain instruction and childcare.
- Are parents welcome to observe from a distance? Ask if you and your child can observe a class before signing up.
- Does the program have a separate play area? Some
children need a little extra Tender Loving Care. If a child is not sure
skiing is for him, it is important that he have a good time even if he
decides not to ski. If the experience is fun, he will want to come back
to learn to ski when he is ready.
- Does the program track where each class is on the mountain? That way you can check in on how your child is doing or if you need to cut the day short unexpectedly.
- Does the school provide progress reports for each child? Getting
feedback is helpful in deciding whether more lessons are needed and to
help insure proper placement if you enroll your child in a school at
another ski area.
- Are private lessons available? If
you child has a difficult time in a large group environment, you should
have the option of investing in private lessons with a children's ski
instructor.
- Is adequate security provided at drop-off and pick-up? Investigate whether or not the program has a security system in place for when kids are dropped off and picked up.
- Are safety and fun the program's main goals? They should be.
Keep these pointers in mind, and your child should have a safe, enjoyable experience learning to ski!
Sue Way is Director of Children's Programs for The
Aspen Skiing Company in Aspen, Colorado
Teaser title:
Teaching Your Child to Ski
Teaser text:
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.