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7 TIPS FOR SKIING SUCCESS WITH CHILDREN
By: Aliyya Mattos | February 2, 2023
A core tenet of Montessori pedagogy is preparation – preparation of the environment, of the child, of the adult – and preparation is tantamount to successful skiing with your child.
Children are often eager to join in activities their parents are excited about, and in the case of skiing, you want to make sure to start off on the right foot. It can be all too easy to head up the hill with expensive gear and the best of intentions…only to end up frustrated and missing the opportunity for a positive family experience.
Here are some tips to support your success as you start skiing:
Prepare the night before – sounds so basic but get your gear in order and pack your bag the night before. It is super stressful frantically searching around for one missing glove and risking being late to a ski lesson, or worse, getting up to the slopes and realizing your children don’t have the right gear with them. Don’t forget sunscreen!
- Eat a healthy breakfast – well-rested and well-fed children will be well-prepared for the physicality of skiing. We like oatmeal (overnight oats or instant are both easy & quick options), protein waffles, avocado toast with “everything but the bagel” or over easy eggs with wholegrain toast are all nutritious favorites.
- Carry snacks and treats – granola bars, Annie’s gummies, peanut m&ms, animal crackers, mini candy bars, whatever works for your family (but avoid chewy candy that will freeze – it’s not fun for small mouths to crack teeth on frozen caramel). If your child is having a hard time going on the lift, getting back up from a fall, or waiting in line for their turn on the magic carpet, these little sweet pick-me-ups can work wonders!
- Good Gear - if your child is uncomfortable with ill-fitting or inappropriate gear, the amount of time they are willing to spend in the cold will be drastically reduced. If you can, the best plan is to get high tech gear that fits them properly. You may want to purchase a more affordable option, but if you end up needing to buy a cheaper version 3x versus the more expensive version the first time, you won’t end up saving any money in the long run.
- Go slow to go fast: there is plenty of time for your child to get off the bunny slope, get their poles, move onto the next hardest mountain or crush a black diamond run. It can be frustrating to ski the same green run over and over with children as they gain skill, but the foundation of fun family skiing starts with confidence building at a young age - you really can’t rush it. You will be surprised at how confident skiers seem to leapfrog to the next level in the blink of an eye once they’re ready.
- Celebrate: if your child had a fall, is cold and whiny, and/or wants to throw in the towel early, put all your energy into the positive. Don’t give any energy to the unfortunate or less desired event that you hope to avoid in the future. “Wow, today you did TWO whole runs! That’s incredible! I can’t wait to do more with you again soon!” “I’m so glad that you’re learning and getting stronger – all super skiers fall when they are learning, that’s how they get better! I’m so excited that you are continuing to learn and get better!” “Sometimes my body feels cold too, let’s get your body warmed up so you can feel comfortable and cozy.”
- Less is more: you may be tempted to get the full value of your pass or make the most of a sunny day. Don’t give in! Stopping one run too few, is way way better than stopping one run too many. Most accidents happen between 3:30 to 5:00pm when the light is waning and skiers are tired. Don’t push it - you always want to end with smiles and high fives.
Cloud Montessori is a parenting resource empowering parents to raise confident, independent, and successful children. Co-founded by two local moms and experts in their fields, Cloud Montessori uses the Montessori educational philosophy to provide support and guidance for families in their home and on adventures. Follow @cloudmontessori and learn more at cloudmontessori.com