Good-bye 2013/14 Ski Year

We have officially come to the end of the 2013/14 ski year here.  It was a long year with lots of great snow.  Looking back I can't believe how many times I got out considering we had the Kraken in tow every time.  But he was a trooper right to the end and allowed us to get some great turns in.  Our last day at Sunshine was a quiet day, so the lifty offered to let the wee one and Chris ride to the top and explore for a bit.  An adventure both loved.

I was super lucky to have had the opportunity to test out so many skis and many other items of ski gear.  The local reps and my local shop (the Ski Cellar) were great at making sure I got to test gear and gave me any opportunity they could to expose me to the latest and greatest gear.

So now I look to the summer and plot my off snow adventures.  There is a trip to Nova Scotia to see my family for sure.  Lots of biking and running.  I'm sure a few weekend trips closer to home, as well as many hiking outings.  All I know for sure is that I will be outside.  The Kraken wakes in the morning and asks to go out before he's even eaten breakfast.  But regardless of the adventures I promise to continue filling you in on the blog.  I'm sure the shift will be more to family and Kraken adventures, but stay tuned and I'll do my best to keep you entertained.  And I'll be sure to start next ski season with lots of tips, gear and fun adventure.  

Thanks for your support for this ski season and for checking out the blog.      

Panorama family fun

We had the chance to get away for a little family time at Panorama ski hill this weekend. What a great place for a family to spend a little time.

We stayed in a nice room that had a kitchenette and separate bedroom – perfect for travelling with a wee one. We did hull our own pack-n-play and other baby gear. There were no baby/kid items in the room, but we had all the gear we needed. Including this handy little chair attachment. It's called a SIT-seat by G-Baby Designs and attaches to any chair – we've used in many times and it's super handy to have tucked away in a diaper bag. Check out the independent owner of this little business. She has lots of great baby gear available.

Taynton Bowl

But outside of the limited baby items in the room the resort was super baby/kid friendly. All restaurants had high-chairs in them. And not just one, but many. The coffee shop/restaurant (the Picnic Cafe) where I ate a few times had 4-5 chairs. The pub we went to the first night, the T-Bar and Grill, where you might think kids weren’t welcomed, was more than happy to accommodate us until 8:00pm. In reality the pub had a lot of kids in it. And all places had kids menus and a variety of foods that kids enjoy. I had no problem finding food for a 12 month old. And my picky eater was more than happy to chow down.

Hiking to access Taynton Bowl

And the activities! Yes, there is skiing an amazing hill. The runs can accommodate all levels of ability. They even have a back bowl – the Taynton bowl. This is a super fun area full of black runs, that offers a variety of open bowls and tree skiing. A superb area for the more experienced skier. The front side has a great mix of runs for all abilities and can really be a fun time for all members of the family. We've skied there in the past with friends and had no problem finding runs that made everyone happy and gave us all a great skiing experience. And don't forget the all important magic carpet. It's interesting how ones perspective changes when they have a kid.  Not sure I ever would have noted this part of the hill before. It's right there, very easy to access and use for the little people in your group.

Beyond skiing there are lots of activities for kids and parents alike. There are ski and play programs – a half day skiing, the other half spent playing. With lunch included. There are heated outdoor pools – great for young and old. In the summer they have a little water park, including a water slide. They have tubbing and tobogganing. They have daily/nightly activities. I know when we were they they were offering a cupcake decorating lesson. There were art activities for all ages. On Friday nights they offer a program where kids can be dropped off to play while being cared for by experienced child minders   And parents can go have a little alone time. And they offer private baby-sitters as well. I could go on and on about all of the activities offered. And the ones I've mentioned are just some of the winter ones. They have summer specific programs as well.

In all, even though it was late season, there was so much to do and it was a great weekend away. I'm seriously plotting our next family trip there. Can't wait until the Kraken is a bit older and will will enjoy the experience.

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.