When can my little person hit the slopes?

While the Kraken is way too young to ski, it has not stopped Chris and I from talking about when he'll be ready. Maybe next year, but lets be honest, they are the ones that let us know when they are ready. For those wondering how young you can start a child skiing, please read on.

The first thing you have to remember is that skiing in the beginning is about fun. Not the number of runs, not how steep the hill is, not if they are skiing by themselves, but that it is FUN! Without the fun factor they wont want to ski.

Before you can begin, you need to have ski gear. Many ski shops now offer junior packages. These packages come with skis, boots, and bindings and then offer you the ability to trade them in the following year, because chances are you will have to. I know our local shop has an offer where you can trade in junior gear and get 50% of the value to put towards the new gear within 2 years of original purchase. You can continue to do this swap until around the age of 12 years. What a great way to keep them in gear that fits.

Of course, you will need snow pants, jacket, mittens, etc, but please don't forget the helmet. When looking for a helmet make sure it fits properly. Don't buy a helmet thinking they can grow into it or that a certain price is too much to spend. This is your little persons brain after all. Can you really put a price on that? If you're not sure what to look for in fit, be sure to stop in at your local ski shop, they will talk you through it. I'll also try to post a helmet fitting blog soon.

Once you have them geared up, it's time to take them outside. This is not about giant steps, it's about making them comfortable and making it FUN! So take it slow. Let your little one walk around the house in their new boots. Take them for a walk, pulling them along in their skis. Let them play in the backyard with their skis on. Take them to the local park to experience a little hill in a safe setting. Anything you can do to encourage them to be comfortable in their gear and see skiing as fun.

When you feel they are ready for the real hill, we're talking bunny hill really, it's time for the real adventure to begin. With little ones just starting out, you will be physically supporting them and ensuring that they are maintaining a safe speed. Most of the time when kids start skiing, especially if they are at a very young age, they will not have the strength, or knowledge, to turn and slow themselves down. This is where you come in. In the beginning you will be skiing with them between your legs, helping them. You will help them slow down, stay upright and turn. At the same time you will be coaching them and providing words of encouragement.

Again, this is about maintaining fun. You might get one run in, you might get five. But take whatever you can get. Don't push, simply accept what your little one can give you. By remembering that this is a life long passion you are creating, you will remember to take the small steps and work to ensure that you make the whole thing fun. Notice that I keep coming back to the idea of “fun”?

You might be on the bunny hill for a long time. Be prepared for this. But you have to progress through all of this a the rate that you child is ready for. Don't push, but encourage.

With all of this you will notice I have yet to give you an number. That is because each child is different. Some are more daring than others, some are very active and athletic. A good rule of thumb for the lower limits of when a child is ready to ski is that they must be able to walk, run and jump with confidence. Another “rule” I've heard is that if a child can jump off a step, couch, etc. and land, supporting their own weight, then they have the strength to ski. But you know your child best and are the best determinate of what age they are ready to begin the adventure.

Have fun! I would love to hear stories of your first outing with your little one.