| |

Tips for Kids and Snow Skiing

 

One sunny, winter day at Mt. Spokane, my brother and two family friends thought it would be a good idea for me to cowgirl up and ski down the “big hill.” I was in early elementary and finished morning ski lessons. They convinced me it was safe to ride the ski lift with them, which I questioned, and they promised to bring me down safe and sound with their help, of course.

I still am not sure where our folks were that morning, but none the less, my brave side convinced me it was okay to trust these hooligans. We rode the chairlift to the top of the hill, skied down the exit ramp, and settled in at the top of chair two. My legs trembled as I watched older kids take off down the steep slope.

The boys must have picked up on my less than brave face. So my brother took hold of one arm, one of our friends took hold of the other arm, and the third friend, all guys, went behind me, holding onto the back of my ski jacket.

It took a while, but we made it down. I found my mom and bragged how the boys helped me come off the “big hill.” Her face turned read and she took off, hunting them down.

When my sons were in kindergarten, they learned to ski. Our school had a ski club and I was one of the chaperones. Back then, group tickets were ten dollars and we used equipment provided by the club.

My boys had lessons because I lacked the patience to teach them. In the morning we adults skied with the older kids and after lunch, we’d hit the bunny hill with the beginners.

This year, two of my grandsons began to ski at 49 Degrees North in Chewelah, WA with their dad who is my son. To my surprise, he decided to teach them himself and is doing a fantastic job.

I hit the slopes with them while on Christmas break. What a hoot. I can tell you Cody, has much more patience than I had with him and his brothers. By the time I met up with them, Cody had already taken the boys on the tow rope several times and the six-year-old was ready for the bunny hill. I stayed with the three-year-old while Cody and Carter skied chair one.

Cameron and I played and had snacks near chair one for a couple runs. Then Cody announced it was time for all four of us to go up. I looked at the three-year-old, at Cody, and lifted a brow.

Cody assured me both boys were ready. So up we went. I rode with the six (one month shy of seven) year old and oh did it conjure up memories. And I can assure you, for me anyhow, riding up with my grandsons was different than riding up with my sons at that age.

We got on the lift and a dizzy spell came over me. For some reason, I was fine with my sons at this age. It was a different story now. Perhaps it was my age. Or the fact my three-year-old grandson was in the chairlift behind us. Nevertheless, butterflies bumped around in my tummy. I used a pole (my son and I split the poles) as a brace to keep Carter in his seat as if we were riding a Ferris wheel at a carnival. After a bit my nerves settled.

When off the lift, we gathered at the top. I took the youngest and placed him in between my legs with a pole in front of him to keep him from getting away. Cody did the same with the oldest.

And down we went.

In all the years I’ve learned a few things concerning young kids and snow skiing:

  • They have to be ready to listen. Or teachable.
  • Don’t start them too early. Their bones need to be strong.
  • Bring lots of food, snacks, water, and hot cocoa.
  • Make learning fun.
  • It is a must to teach children to turn, snow plow, and stop before taking them up the chairlift.
  • I suggest putting your children in lessons. Ski the morning by yourself, then join them in the afternoon. Everyone’s attitudes will remain happy!
  • If you plan to ski a lot, purchase a family pass and save money.
  • Buy used equipment for children at ski swaps. They outgrow them fast.
  • Dress in layers.
  • Goggles are a must. Trust me. Or sunglasses for adults. The reflection off the snow can burn your eyes.
  • Use sunscreen. Your skin will burn especially during spring skiing.

I love how and why Cody teaches his sons to ski.

“I’m teaching them to ski because I want them to learn how to recreate and enjoy the outdoors. A bonus is that it may be something we can always do together. I’m teaching them by putting them between my legs and letting them go out in front of me as they gain their balance and control. The first thing I taught them to do was turn because you can’t stop if you can’t turn. So far so good.”

Peanut butter and jam. One leg is peanut butter and the other is jam. So when Cody says peanut butter they turn left. If he says jam they turn right. The boys identify with food, what guy doesn’t, and have quickly learned to turn and stop.

It’s not too late to ski this year. It’s never too late to learn.

~Happy trails. And remember to gallop into adventure.

 

Connect with Carmen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

6 Comments

  1. I grew up in Minnesota where there are cold winters and a few measly “hills” that inventive ski developers have turned into enterprises called ski resorts. That is where my husband, daughter and I learned downhill. (There were plenty of sitzmatks on the runs despite the gentle slopes.) Today my daughter, as an adult, skis in the Rockies and just took pics of a run that was above the clouds. So, IMO, no matter where you learn, start young when you have no fear but a wiser adult with you.

    1. Carmen Peone says:

      Your daughter’s trip sounds wonderful, Judith! I’d love to see the pictures.

  2. Jean Sutton says:

    This is so funny and good at the same time. It must have been Reed and Greg with Lance on the hill! Skiing is so fun for the whole family, I really miss it.

    Love the way Cody is teaching his boys.
    Mom

    1. Carmen Peone says:

      It was Reed and Greg! I figured you’d get a kick out of this, Mom. Cody is doing an amazing job!

  3. Some really good tips, Carmen. I’ve only skied a couple of times, so it isn’t a sport I’m really familiar with, but have always thought it would be a good family activity. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

    1. Carmen Peone says:

      I just, for the first time, went cross-country skiing with one of my granddaughters and her school. It was super fun. Much different than downhill. It was quite the learning curve.