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How to Teach Kids to Ski

How to Teach Kids to Ski
Skiing is a great outdoor activity for people of varying ages. Childhood is an excellent time to introduce skiing. Begin with instruction involving not only the how but the why, explaining the reasons for wearing certain types of clothing, why sunscreen is important, and why you need to wear a helmet. By teaching a child in all aspects of the sport she will develop an understanding that will help her appreciate the sport.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

How to Teach Kids to Ski

Things You’ll Need:
  • Ski helmet and goggles Snow pants, jacket, and other warm clothing Ski gloves Sunscreen Skis
  • Ski helmet and goggles
  • Snow pants, jacket, and other warm clothing
  • Ski gloves
  • Sunscreen
  • Skis
Step 1
Begin with an assessment of your child to determine if he is ready to become involved with skiing. Keep in mind that there are certain physical demands that are placed on the body during this activity. For example, the act of simply walking in ski boots can be a challenge especially if leg muscles are not developed to sustain such a difficult movement. Also take into consideration where your child is mentally and emotionally. If she is easily frustrated when presented with a new task, then skiing might be overwhelming.
Step 2
Decide whether you should rent or buy equipment for your child. A tip here is to go with renting. Unless you are absolutely sure that your child is going to stick with skiing go with rental equipment. Just about every ski venue has rental equipment and personnel to help match equipment to your child. This can also be a great source of building confidence with your child as the staff pores over him in an effort to get the correct fit. If you decide to buy, once again seek the help of professionals who can properly match equipment to your child.
Step 3
If you're unsure of your teaching abilities, you might consider signing your child up for lessons. Most ski slopes have lessons available from knowledgeable instructors. This is a time for instilling and building confidence in your child. Do not risk frustrating your child with improper teaching methods. If you are confident in your teaching skills, go for it and make use of beginners' aids for instruction.
Step 4
Learning to do something requires practice, practice, practice. Arrange to begin lessons during a time when you will have access to beginners' slopes for several days in a row. Avoid the last-minute lessons while you are at the slopes for an afternoon. Allow sufficient time for your child to receive instruction and then practice what she has been taught. Children assimilate information at different rates and also apply what they have learned at differing rates. Allow your child the time to put the pieces together without being rushed to learn in one afternoon so the whole family can ski together.
Step 5
Finally, allow your child to progress at her own rate. If she needs to stay on the beginner slope for a while, that is fine. Do not push or rush her to the next level when she's not ready. Continue to have her receive lessons or continue to teach as you go. Time the learning with her progression. This will help your child avoid becoming overloaded with information while continuing to teach which will help to keep her interested in the sport.

Tips & Warnings

 
Stress safety to children before and during the learning process. Also instruct them on proper etiquette for the slopes.
 
Skiing, as with most outdoor sports, does contain elements of hazard and danger. From broken legs to more severe injury, properly sized and fitted equipment is essential to your child's skiing experience.

Article Written By Tara Dooley

Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.

Write for Trails.com

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