Toddler skis

Question
I'd like to start my two children, who will be two and four this winter in learning to ski.  The older child is a little more cautious and the younger one is a little more adventurous.  Do you have any advice about what sizes/types of skis/boots to buy/rent?

Thanks,

Craig

Answer
Hi and thanks for the question.

Ski gear for kids can get very expensive to buy as you will have to buy new gear every season [if not twice a season]as they tend to grow quickly without you even realising!  

However, having two kids close enough in age that one may be able to follow the other into the gear may be a benefit, but it will still get expensive buying for the first. But then again - you may spend just as much on rentals.

First determanent will be how often will you use the gear each season?
If you're going to go skiing more than 10days a season, buying could make sense. But you will have to do the math.

Skis will last the longest with movable bindings to adjust to ski boot changes. Boots may last a little longer - but dont buy them too big, as that can make it difficult for them to ski/walk in. Clothes will probably get out grown quickest - however if you live in a cold area where you will use it, then it will be a good investment. They can probably also last for both kids too.

Kids are just like adults when it comes to skiing - they either like it or they don't. If your 2yr old is already going to daycare or kindy where they are used to being seperated from you; then they may be ok in a kids ski program, designed for that age group. If they are used to you being around - then best to do private lessons where you can be there too - otherwise they will not enjoy it - nor will you enjoy trying to walk away with them crying their hardest.

Two year olds; in my experience, have done well in private lessons to start with. They have one-on-one attention, which allows the instructor to design and change the lesson to suit. And they can work with you to show you the best way you can ski with your kids. Kids this age, who have had some time on skis can do better in group lessons as it is not all new to them. Remember, for a child that age, a ski area is a completely new world, there is little they recognise due to everything being covered over and with so much happeneing they can be quite overwhelmed and find it difficult to concentrate.

Another consideration for this age, is how active and co-ordinated they are? Can they kick a ball? Do they have reasonale balance? How strong are their legs and can they easily get themselves up off the floor back onto their feet or are they awkward? And when something doesnt go right, do they cry and come to you, or do they like to figure it out and have another go at it?

Remember, your going to put them into shoes that will restrict their ability to bend their ankles and will weigh 'a ton' to them. Then you will make their feet another 60cm in length and put them onto a slippery surface, all the while expecting them to enjoy it!! That goes for your 4yr old as well.

You haven't said if your kids have been to, or seen snow before. If not, make the first part of your trip about having fun and enjoying this cold wet stuff. And if you have bought gear - get them to walk around in it at home before you go to the snow. That will remove a 'first' when you get there.

Other things to consider:
* Dont over dress your kids - they will overheat just as fast as they will freeze - and when learning to ski - its hard work, layer clothes so they can be easily removed. Also - when its snowing, it is warmer than when it isn't [unless its a warm spring day].
* Consider your kids personalities when choosing how to learn to ski. Spending $200 on an all day program, may be better spent on 2 or 3 private lessons [check with the ski schools for cheaper times of the day - often first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon]
* Choose a lesson time that suits their body clocks. If they are morning kids - dont plan a lesson for afternoons; likewise if they are not morning people, an early morning class will only end in tears [it can take 2hrs to get ready to go skiing with kids. Dont even consider heading out to ski without breakfast!!
* plan the day around lots of drinks and snacks and call it a day sooner rather than waiting for tears of tiredness - they will remeber the tired tomorrow and can be reluctant to go out the next day especially if they didnt get a good nights sleep.
* If you want to ski - either take it in turns to watch the kids or if they are in a class and are ok - go skiing, dont hang around to watch. You will have plenty of time to watch them for the rest of the day. Or can you 'kidnap' a grandparent to join you on the ski trip to watch them while you ski?
* Helmets are a personal choice, but some ski schools will require helmets for kids under a certain age. Check with the ski school. Use a ski specific helmet as it is designed to keep heads warm and for the type of impact they are likely to have when skiing [unlike bike helmets]
* Gloves, eyewear and a change of clothes at the end of the day are vital. And put a snack in their poket that wont crumble [chips] or hurt to land on - the snack needs to provide good energy, not just sugar. And lots of small drinks when you are you are out with them. Oh and dont forget regular toilet stops - hearing "i need to pee" just after you have gotten on the chairlift that will take 7 mins to the top is a very long ride...[trust me]

I hope this is helpful, if there is anything more specific you would like to know, dont hesitate to ask.
Have a great time introducing them to a great lifelong sport.

lisa