Ski Lessons for Kids: Tips for Moms Who Don’t Ski

One of the biggest mistakes we can make as parents is to prevent our children from learning skills that we don’t have simply because we are afraid of the outcome. Swimming and skiing are two of the outdoor activities that many parents don’t share with their kids because they can’t swim and have never donned a pair of skis in their entire lives. If you are set on giving your children opportunities that you never had and skiing is what you’d like to expose them to, here are some tips for moms who don’t ski.

kids learn to ski

Look for a Resort that Has Beginners’ Trails

Although most ski resorts do have trails for both beginners and experienced skiers, some will obviously have better trails than others for those just starting out. Ski Armadillo advises that you talk to your booking agent or ski consultant as to which resorts would have the best facilities and instructors that cater to children of parents who don’t ski. Believe it or not, this is more common than you think! Just as many parents make absolutely sure their children are safe in the water because they, themselves, don’t swim, so too do some parents give their children ski lessons because they never had the advantage of learning themselves.

Check the Instructor’s Credentials

You will also want to check the instructor’s credentials. Make sure they have ample experience teaching beginners and that they are equipped to handle children of all ages. A ski instructor may be experienced dealing with pre-teen and teens, but if your child is younger than that, you will need a ski instructor who speaks the language of children. As a parent you know that your child may not understand everything being said to them as they have their very own language. Consequently, the instructor you choose should know how to communicate on a level that kids can understand. For your child’s safety and enjoyment, this is an absolute must.

Buying vs. Renting Ski Gear

Here again, many parents get so excited by the idea that they are giving their children opportunities that they never had that they go out and buy everything under the sun. Perhaps it would be better to wait until you can determine if your child takes to the sport and will actually ever want to ski again! Buying all that equipment can be quite costly, so give your kid a chance to see whether or not they like skiing before going to a big expense.

Warm Clothing Suitable for Extended Wear Outdoors

Keep in mind that not all warm clothing is suitable for skiing. Each article of clothing must be rated for warmth and moisture/water proofing and some are even marked suitable for skiing. Some jackets and snow pants are too bulky to be worn for skiing whilst others can’t protect your child from the cold sufficiently for his or her comfort and safety. Buying ski attire from a sports store is often your best bet. These will be graded and marked so you know you are getting the warmest and driest clothing for your child to wear on the trails.

You should be congratulated for giving your child opportunities you never had as a child, but remember, those resorts and lodges can be a whole lot of fun for mom and dad too. Take time for yourselves, even if you don’t ski. This way the entire family does something they enjoy and everyone will go home happy. That’s the biggest tip of all – make learning to ski enjoyable!

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