We all know first impressions count and nowhere is that more important than on the snowfield. If your child's first memory of skiing is being wet, cold, lonely and miserable, it will leave an indelible impression and could turn them off the sport for life.
Preparation is the key to a happy first ski experience. Here are some of the tips provided by the readers of Holidays with Kids magazine, great ways to help instill a love of all things snowy in your child.
Clothing
It's imperative that your child is warm — there's nothing more disheartening that a whinging, frozen child who, understandably, just wants to get back indoors in front of a raging fire. Beg, borrow or buy good quality clothing that fits properly — some ski gear has a tendency to ride up, leaving gaps for the snow to get in.
For small children, oversized one-piece suits are ideal, plus mittens that are easy to get on and off. Dress them in layers, starting with polypropylene underwear that dries quickly and traps the warmth. A warm hat is also essential, though once they get up on skis it's best to purchase or hire a helmet. And don't forget sunglasses or goggles that are comfortable and won't fall off — the groovier the better!
Pack plenty of spare socks and pack some rope or string to hang up the family's wet clothes so they dry overnight.
Equipment
It's important that ski gear fits properly and is the right size for your child. Generally, the shorter the skis, the easier it will be for their first day; skis definitely should not come up any higher than shoulder level.
Ski boots need to fit with one pair of socks and no trousers tucked inside the boot. Make sure the gap between the calf and the boot isn't too wide and that the trousers come down well over the top.
It helps if you can get your kids into boots at home, to practise walking around and playing in them. You can even put them on the lawn in their skis and pull them around the garden!
First day on the snow
The best age to introduce kids to snow is really a matter for parents — every child is different and their needs will vary according to their size, strength and endurance levels.
Most readers recommend acclimatising young children to the cold at an early age, taking them to the snow to play, toboggan or just build snowpeople. Fun is the key here — if they love snow, then it makes sense that they'll love skiing too!
Children with older siblings already up on skis may find the transition easier and be up zooming around the slopes before you know it. Around three or four years is an ideal age to see if they like it. Try not to push them into having a go — instead, wait for them to express an interest in trying.
Remember, kids can't last on the slopes for hours and hours — they get tired and hungry, so plan several breaks throughout the day. Half-day sessions are ideal, whatever the age.
Ski schools
Just like learning to swim, ski lessons are usually best left to professionals. Good instructors are patient, know how to guide young children and can explain the techniques in simple language. So unless you are a saint, save your sanity by booking your child into a ski school, leaving you to enjoy your own time on the slopes.
If you do take your kids out on your own, give them plenty of encouragement and support — building confidence is the key in early stages. The idea is to get them balancing independently as soon as possible — don't allow them to lean on you for support, as it will become a habit that's difficult to break.
Whether the children have professional lessons or you are guiding them yourself, don't judge on performance — remember, it's supposed to be fun!
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