The 2009 Ski Season Is Just Around The Corner

As winter approaches in Europe, the US and Canada skiers and winter-sports enthusiasts around the globe are getting ready for the upcoming ski season. The 2009 ski season is expected to be busier than the 2008 season, despite economic worries. For many, an extended ski vacation is more appealing than any beach vacation. Over the last 5 years, several studies have shown that more families are enjoying a yearly ski vacation. Children are learning to ski at a younger age and family ski vacations help encourage the love of sports among families and children.

Family Ski Vacations

Ski resorts around the world offer discount ski packages for large groups and families. Some of the most popular resorts include Andorra, Mont Blanc, Vail and Okemo. Family friendly ski resorts often offer added special events for children and teens. Okemo ski resort in Vermont boasts features like 'excellent kids programs' and 'kids six and under ski free.'

Adventurous families with children under the age of six could benefit greatly from the free ski passes. Parents should be the primary judge as to whether their child is ready to strap on skis. The instructor may also offer their opinion if they fear potential injury to the child. Children under the age of 14 and adults just learning to ski are often encouraged to wear a helmet. Helmets go a long way in protecting new skiers from injuries.

Other family friendly ski resorts include five of Colorado's most popular resorts: Aspen/Snowmass, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte and Winter Park. Each of the five offers special incentives for families. Ski lessons for beginners, intermediate or even advanced skiers could help ensure fewer injuries occur on the slopes.

Some instructors suggest an instructional session each ski season to help keep all who share the slopes up to date on the latest updates in ski technologies. Newer styles of ski boots and skis often make a significant difference in comfort as well as speed and ski style.

Learn to Ski

Non-skiers-turned-skiers emerge year after year. Several ski resorts are promoting ski instruction for the 2009 ski season. Ski instruction is a good choice for beginners as well as advanced skiers. Instructors often cover the basics of first aid as well as stretches and ski-related information. Each resort offers a different level of instruction.

To achieve the best ski education, aim for a school that focuses attention on a small class size. Six to eight people per group allows the instruction more one-on-one time per new skier. Special family instructional lessons are often available on request.

Multi-Lingual Ski Resorts

Not all skiers speak English, Spanish or even French. Some of the most popular ski resorts are now fully multi-lingual. Of course, it is always advantageous when traveling to different countries, to speak the language. However it is no longer a requirement in some areas. Multi-lingual ski instructors are available in most ski resorts. If you are not fluent in the local language, you may have the option to request instruction by a ski instructor that speaks your native language.