Kid Trips Family Travel: Virginia, DC and Beyond
  • Our Blog
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Family Destinations >
      • California
      • Canada
      • Caribbean & Bahamas
      • Connecticut
      • Europe
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Japan
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • New Hampshire
      • New York
      • Pennsylvania
      • Vermont
      • Virginia
      • Washington DC
      • West Virginia
    • Family Travel Tips
    • Family Lifestyle
  • About Us
    • Connect
  • The Book
  • Press

Lazy Mom's Guide to Skiing With Kids

12/28/2014

4 Comments

 

By Amy Suski

Picture
Growing up and through my twenties I loved to ski. But the thought of lugging ski gear for a family of five was enough to deter me from skiing with my own kids until we hit a family milestone: the point at which all three kids could be counted on to carry their own stuff.  I realize there are plenty of families that manage preschoolers on skis, but I'm just well, LAZY.  And parental laziness does have its benefits: by the time we got our school-aged kids skis they were so ready for it that they didn't even need our help.  No leashes, harnesses, or other parental assistance was required...they were up and away within on their first run.  The rest of my admittedly slacker-like tips for skiing with kids follow:

1.  When Being Thrifty Doesn't Pay: Knowing that kids outgrow their equipment quickly, I resolved to scour yard sales and ski swaps for used skis and boots.  Being a procrastinator, however, I never got around to it and then suddenly the ski season was upon us.  I was bummed about missing the big local sales until I heard a friend complain that none of the used equipment she picked up at the local sale worked out.  For safety, the bindings need to be set by a professional according to size of the boot, weight of the child and child's skiing ability.  Proper settings ensure the bindings release appropriately during a fall.  So, even though my friend found seemingly appropriately sized gear for her kids, the gear still needed to be taken to a pro shop for the proper adjustments.  And, because new holes need to be drilled in the skis to accommodate different settings for the bindings (a service that cost her $40 per pair), the bargain gear wasn't such a bargain anymore.  If your kids are going to ski just a few times a season its easy enough to rent from the mountain, where the staff will ensure the proper fit and make any necessary adjustments.  Plus, the rental cost may be included along with a lift ticket and lesson package.  If your kids will be skiing for a week or more, you may be better off renting from a ski shop for the entire season, which saves money and avoids waiting in rental lines at the mountain.  Our approach has been to buy gear for the eldest, and rent seasonally for the younger kids, passing down the gear (and paying for professional readjustments each year) until everyone has their own.  

2.  Got sensory kids?  Less is more.  One day of skiing was almost ruined because I had foolishly layered my daughter with too much new stuff.  Ski shops are full of expensive skiwear that your kids may or not be willing to wear and will likely outgrow after a season.  As much as possible, use what you already have.  In most cases, the winter jacket and ski pants your child is already familiar with wearing have will be fine for the beginner skier.  If added warmth is needed, tread lightly.  My daughter was ok with a silky underlayer but was NOT ok with the neck gaitor or fleece vest I tried to get her to wear.  Items to insist upon (and splurge on): quality helmet with goggles, mittens and socks -- all of which should last a few seasons.  It's key that the helmet be comfortable and warm so pay attention to the straps and lining.  Cozy, soft, ear covering linings are best.  It's also helpful if the helmet has the option of attaching goggle straps.  Even if you child isn't expected to ski in the snow, goggles will protect eyes from the bright sun and keep their faces warm. Cold hands and feet can spoil a day of skiing, so getting the warmest water-resistent mittens you can find is worth the investment.  Thin wool socks are also a must for wicking away moisture and keeping feet warm and dry.  Double layers or anything too thick will  interfere with the fit of the boot and cotton won't do a good enough job at keeping feet warm and dry.  Hand and toe warmers can also be added to mittens and boots, but the extra bulk can be annoying to some kids or make hands and feet sweaty.    
Picture

3. A Little Effort in Advance Avoids A Lot of Lines:  What's worse than standing in a long line?  Standing in a long line, in the cold, with kids.  To avoid ticket and lift lines, as much as possible we (1) buy lift tickets online, (2) arrive early in the morning, and (3) ski on non-holidays, mid-week.  Planning a trip well in advance also means we can search for the best deals and packages.  

4.  Ski Instructors Rule.  Leaving your kids with their first ski instructor is a lot like leaving them at preschool for the first time.  Everyone is a little anxious but you have to make the break cleanly.  After fussing over their zippers and helmet straps for the thousandth time, you need to blow them a kiss, give a reassuring wave and SKI AWAY.  If your child is ready and willing to learn, a good instructor will have them engaged and up the hill in no time at all. Best of all, you will have a solid hour or two to get some real skiing in yourself.  Sometimes you may want to take a lesson yourself or just enjoy some fast runs down the mountain.  No matter how good your kids are, starting the day with a lesson helps to increase everyone's skills and enjoyment.   Just make sure you are back in time to watch the end of the lesson.  Kids will be proud to show you what they've learned and will be a lot less anxious if they know you are waiting for them at the end.  

Picture
5. Self-help.  As soon as possible, teach your kids to put on and take off their own gear.  Buckling the boots is tough at first, but once they get the hang of it life will be easier for everyone.  I also like to give each kid a sturdy shoulder bag to lug their gear in.  Nothing fancy: just something big enough so that they can carry their own stuff to and from the lodge.  We also taught them how to use their pole straps to carry their skis low in one hand, just like luggage (over the shoulder is a bad idea because they end up whacking each other in the face).  

6.  Pre-loaded pockets.  In an ongoing effort to carry as little as possible myself, I also make sure to pre-load the kids' (zippered) pockets with essentials: tissues, chapstick, card with emergency contact info and designated meeting place, granola bar, and $5 for hot cocoa.  The kids may never need any of these items, but if they do it is reassuring that they will neither be lost nor hungry for long.  

7.  The One Bag I'm Willing To Pack: After the cold air and vigorous exercise, kids will scarf down ANYTHING.  To take advantage of this rare phenomenon, I pack a simple bag lunch with sandwiches, water bottles (hydration is key), whole fruit, and cookies.  Having avoided lodge prices for lunch, when the kids beg for a slopeside waffle or a fireside hot cocoa, we are free to indulge.  

8. Keeping Expectations Real:  Mishaps are more likely when kids are tired, so its important to know when to take a break and when to quit.  I myself appreciate frequent breaks by the fire, so I expect the kids to need at least one break mid-morning, at lunch, and again during the afternoon, probably just before quitting altogether.  A half-day of skiing (about 4 hours) is enough for most beginning skiers.  If there are members of the family who are a little more intense about their skiing, it's nice to have alternative attractions nearby.  Many resorts also offer snow tubing or ice skating, which are nice activities to wind down the day.  On a trip to Okemo in Vermont there was even a snowy mountain coaster --- which is impossible to ride without smiling so wide that your smile freezes.

Picture
In spite of my initial wariness, as much as I loved skiing before kids, I love it even more now with the kids.  In an age of personal electronics, skiing is something that the whole family can do together.   It's also thrilling to watch the kids challenge themselves with bigger and bigger hills.  Soon enough I'll be challenging myself to keep up with them -- or maybe I'll just enjoy watching them from the lodge.  I am pretty lazy after all ; )

Pictured above: waffles and coaster at Okemo Mountain Resort (VT), mountain top skiing at Suicide Six (VT), and lessons at Wachusett Mountain (MA). All rights reserved. Kid Trips 2014.
4 Comments
Susan O'Brien
12/29/2014 11:57:41 am

Awesome article Amy. Lucy is so into snowboarding now. What I need to do is find a way to connect with other parents who don't ski or snow board but their kids do so I can get her a buddy. I cannot ski.


Reply
Uli link
9/30/2019 06:11:05 am

As a full time traveler , I completely 100% agree with this article!! One of the best tips to see impressive eye

Reply
Brett White link
10/27/2021 12:09:41 am

Great article! Thank you for sharing this informative post, and looking forward to the latest one.
If you are looking for coupon codes and deals just visit coupon plus deals dot

Reply
John Carston link
1/3/2023 12:29:12 am

It helped when you said that parental assistance is important for your children to enjoy the winter skiing. My best friend told me the other night that he was looking for an autumn cashmere kids' ski sweater that could provide warmth and comfort for my nephew. He asked if I had any suggestions on where to buy one. Thank you for the information. I'll tell him he can consult a trusted kid clothing shop as they can provide information about their products.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Sponsored Ads  
    Picture

    Visit Kid Trips 's profile on Pinterest.

    Our Book

    Kid Trips Northern Virginia Edition

    Buy New $12.59
    Picture
    Amazon Button

    About The Blog

    Kid Trips' blogs profile fun events and cool family-friendly venues. We focus on regional and national family travel articles. 


    Blogs Via Email

    Blogs Via Email:


    RSS Feed

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    December 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    July 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    August 2010
    June 2010
    August 2009


    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Links We Love

    Real Housewives of NoVA
    NoVA Outdoors
    Our-Kids DC
    Tiny Steps Mommy
    Kid Friendly DC
    Richmond Mom
    PWC Moms 

Contact Us | Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Press I Newsletter Archive

Kid Trips LLC © 2013-2020

Photos used under Creative Commons from Eddie Yip, schopie1, Mr.TinDC, bryansblog, NatalieMaynor, Aero Icarus, cam_rich345, cam_rich345, Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com, smilygrl, Jim, the Photographer, howcheng, cam_rich345, angela n., BarnImages.com, Numinosity (Gary J Wood), kirichkov, konradherrman, deek ay, gfpeck, Pink Sherbet Photography, USACE Europe District, 401(K) 2013, brownpau, dprevite, geopungo, Michael Bentley, thisgeekredes, Michael Bentley, jasonawhite, LizMarie_AK, C_osett, benagain_photos, freshtopia.net, Lars Plougmann, Aurimas Adomavicius, geopungo, Henning Grap, geopungo, karendotcom127, Adrian R. Tan, angela n., Alex1961, Ray Bouknight, PapaPiper (Travelling), patrickkuhl, epSos.de, edenpictures, karendotcom127, My Lil' Rotten, daniel.baker, Mr.TinDC, Pictures by Ann, bob194156, Rubbermaid Products, Rob Shenk, *_*, Mark Sadowski, mrpbps, ShardsOfBlue, pelican, TruffShuff, naql, karendotcom127, Bob P. B., TruffShuff, karendotcom127, archivesfoundation, Purple Sherbet Photography, Laurel_Kate, TownePost Network, gamene, hinebaugh.erin, bob194156, Michael Bentley, g-l-o-w, bengrey, D.L., Jim Larrison, jjandames, R'lyeh Imaging, Poetprince, HarshLight, Payton Chung, Sydney Treasures Photography, @cdharrison, Rictor Norton & David Allen, Tambako the Jaguar, campdarby, DBerry2006, brownpau, sidewalk flying, PetroleumJelliffe, Angelo González, wjarrettc, SPakhrin, Port of San Diego, Loren Javier, Trishhhh, sponselli, Steffy B., Vancouver Laser & Skincare Centre, D.B. Blas, jeri gloege, Last Hero, Los Amigos Del Fuego, jasonb42882
  • Our Blog
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Family Destinations >
      • California
      • Canada
      • Caribbean & Bahamas
      • Connecticut
      • Europe
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Japan
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • New Hampshire
      • New York
      • Pennsylvania
      • Vermont
      • Virginia
      • Washington DC
      • West Virginia
    • Family Travel Tips
    • Family Lifestyle
  • About Us
    • Connect
  • The Book
  • Press