How to Teach Kids to Ski

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.