The saying “You get only one chance to make a first impression” is never truer than when introducing young children to the slopes.
If it’s too cold that first day, or if the slope is too steep or even if the tag on her snowsuit is rubbing her neck the wrong way, your child could swear off skiing for life.
“There’s a huge carryover from that first day of skiing,” said Jim Kercher, director of Beaver Creek Ski & Snowboard School. “The memory they take away is hard to turn around, so you want to make sure it’s a good one.”
Most children are physically ready to ski at 3 or 4, but being ready mentally is just as important to success on the slopes.
“A key piece of preparation is to get them excited about skiing,” Kercher said. “Show them other kids having fun, and tell them ahead of time what to expect. Keep it realistic so they know they may not enjoy it from the very first moment but that eventually they are going to have a great time.”
To be ready on the big day, make sure the little one is hydrated, well-rested, has had a good breakfast and is dressed for the weather.
“It’s not just about making sure they’re warm enough, but also that they aren’t too warm,” Kercher said. “You don’t want them sweltering in a snowsuit on a sunny day.”
A child’s first “day” of skiing might include only a half-hour actually out on the slopes, so it’s important to remain flexible.
Most Colorado resorts offer free tickets to children 5 and under so you don’t have to invest in a lift ticket for that first sampling of the snow.
And if you’re putting them in ski school, most resorts offer programs that are heavy on indoor playtime and take a low-pressure approach to getting kids on skis.
If you’re leaving it to the professionals:
Aspen‘s new $17 million Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center keeps young children entertained indoors with interactive, nature-themed rooms, an Aspen Leaf Climber and more. For kids 2 1/2 to 4 years old who are ready to strap on skis, there’s a small slope steps from the clubhouse for those first turns. The window rate is $239 for full-day and $189 for half day. Visit .
At Crested Butte, toddlers (under 3 years old) get their first experience on snow via the Camp CB Snowy Bear introduction to skiing program, which familiarizes kids with equipment and the sensation of sliding. The program gradually introduces 3-year-olds to the on-mountain experience through a “taste of skiing” program combining one-to-two hours of skiing with organized activities, games and quiet time. Cost for a day as a Snowy Bear is $145. Visit .
Steamboat Ski Resort has earned a reputation in the industry as a leader in family programs with the original Kids Ski Free and Kids Fly Free programs; dedicated children’s center and kids’ specific terrain and lifts. The Buckaroos, for ages 2 1/2 to 4 ($250- $265 a day) and the Mavericks for 3 1/2- to 4-year-olds ($123 to $130 a day), introduce children to skiing in a relaxed atmosphere at a gradual pace. More information at .
If you’re doing it yourself:
The Galloping Goose Chair at Winter Park Resort‘s Mary Jane is never crowded and services only a gentle beginner’s slope.
If you think your child would be most comfortable at a resort that caters to beginners, check out the gentle slopes of Loveland Valley.
Eldora Mountain Resort‘s beginner’s lifts offer a variety of starter terrain and are grouped together conveniently adjacent to the parking lot.
A little bit of both:
Keystone Resort‘s “Mom, Dad and Me” program offers an opportunity for parents, their child and their child’s class instructor to review the day’s activities. The pros not only review what your child is working on in Ski & Ride School, but also give you tips on how you can continue to develop your child’s skills on your own. The one-hour lesson for one to three people is $100 and is offered in River Run Village only. Visit .
For the 2009-10 season, Copper Mountain‘s Ski and Ride School is introducing new programs based on guest feedback. For those guests who indicated they want youth lessons to end earlier so that the family can take a few runs together at the end of the day, Copper stops its ski and ride school youth lessons at 3 p.m. instead of 3:30 p.m. Visit .
At Beaver Creek, put your 3- to 6-year-old in a half-day lesson ($95) and then check out his or her new skills in the resort’s legendary beginner areas. Kids get a big kick out of the little Buckaroo Express Gondola that services a wide variety of beginner terrain at the bottom of the mountain. Once they’re ready for the big chairlift, ride up to the Strawberry Park area at the top of the mountain and take in the view while enjoying beginner terrain. Visit .
