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How long do ski boots last
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What Age Can Children Start Skiing?
Introduction
There isn’t a definitive answer to how old your child should be when they start skiing; it depends on a variety of factors. Technically kids can begin to ski as soon as they can run and jump (anywhere from 10 months onwards). However, every child develops at their own rate.
As a rough guide, typically children can start skiing at around 3 or 4 years old. It is key that they have the ability to interact with other children and take instructions from adults that aren't their parents, so it is best to wait until they’ve started nursery or primary school to ensure they get the most from their ski lessons.
Read on for more tips on how to get your children started skiing.
Children's ski lessons
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Most resorts allow (potty trained) children aged between 3 – 6 to join group lessons. There will generally be one instructor to a group of 5 – 6 children, teaching for the morning. Depending on the ski school, children will learn how to use equipment, ride the magic carpet (ski travelator) and perform a snow-plough. From here they will begin to practice turning and skiing further along the slope.
For those wanting to start earlier (2 – 3 yrs) private lessons would have to be arranged. This will be considerably more expensive than a group lesson but the teaching will be on a one to one basis.
Tips:
Practice at home
Before you set off to your destination consider getting your child some plastic skis (these are relatively cheap and have built-in bindings) and pulling them around the house. This way they become used to the feel of the equipment and the motion of sliding. It can also start to develop their balance and muscle strength.
Before a lesson
If possible take them down to the baby slope the afternoon before their lesson; let them play around in the snow and get used to the surroundings. This way when they go for their first lesson not everything is new and scary.
Teaching your children to ski
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Use a harness/leash to keep control of your child rather than have them skiing between your legs. This reduces the chance of them developing bad technique and should improve their balance and strength.
Mix in playtime with skiing. Building snowmen, bum boarding or going swimming should stop practice becoming boring.
Take some stickers and sweets with you for use as rewards.
Children's ski clothing & equipment
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Other tips
Keep an eye out for any ski taster sessions at your local indoor slope. They are often heavily discounted and are a great way for your kids to have fun and learn some basics.
Behave and speak positively when skiing. Kids will hopefully mimic this behaviour and adopt your attitude.
If your child doesn’t enjoy skiing or lessons straight away, don’t worry. It may be that in a couple of years (aged 6 or 7) they feel more comfortable and are ready to hit the slopes.
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