3 tips for skiing with kids

Make skiing fun
In my view, it’s ideal to learn to ski through play, and there are plenty of games that work well on skis. For getting used to the equipment, playing catch or ‘What’s the time, Mr Wolf?’ somewhere flat can work well. For improving snowploughing skills, I like the traffic light game, where an adult will call ‘Red’ or ‘Green’ to make the children stop or start when skiing. For teaching transferring weight from one ski to the other, skiing like a plane with arms as wings can be fun. For developing balance for more intermediate skiers, I would, for example, try jumping or skiing as a kangaroo; skiing and bending down to touch the snow every turn; lifting the inner ski or skiing on one ski; or skiing pirouettes by skiing backwards and spinning around.

Get organised before you go
It may be difficult to find some equipment in the right size for the youngest skiers, and if you plan on renting ski equipment I would call in advance to be on the safe side. In terms of ski gear, I would ensure everything is waterproof, as clothes can quickly get wet in the snow. Knitted gloves and fleece mittens, for example, are not ideal for skiing. We wear Hestra ski gloves, and I noticed Altimus on Kensington High Street stocks this brand. It is also ideal to wear a thin balaclava under the helmet, and in terms of helmets, I like POCito by POC, which features a turn-ring size adjustment system that has meant it’s lasted a number of seasons. To dress for cold weather, it can also be essential to layer up, and wool is quick-drying and great for regulating body temperature.

Find out what works for your family
Should children do group lessons, one-to-one lessons, or ski without an instructor? Should they ski the whole day, or is it enough with a couple of hours or less each day? I think the answer to these questions will depend not only on the weather forecast, but also on many other factors, such as your child’s age and ability and where you’re travelling. In the beginning, it might be a case of getting used to the equipment, and I think it’s important to remember that ski boots can be uncomfortable to wear even for adults. In terms of group lessons, I think they can be motivating for seeing other children at the same age trying hard and enjoying skiing.

Ski racing was a big part of my childhood and I’m also a certified ski instructor

Tags: Family travel, Half term, Learning to ski, Ski, Skiing