Photo by Fredrik Solli Wandem on Unsplash

Wintertime in Colorado Springs is for Snow Sports!

January through March are typically the snowiest months in Colorado. At best, it conjures images of nights in, with snuggles, books and games and cocoa; at worst, traffic delays, and shoveling. But for those adventurous parents and snow-loving families, a suitable powder means a superior skiing experience! Is it time for you and your family to hit the slopes this winter?

As we imagine a trip to Breckenridge or the more affordable Monarch Mountain with your children, we think only about the perfect scenario: the sparkling snow, the giggles echoing through the crisp air, and your little ones gliding down the mountainside with joyful abandon. But that’s a fantasy. Let’s talk about the reality and how you can introduce skiing to your children in a low stress way. 

The First Time is Not a Time for D.I.Y.

When planning a trip to the ski slopes, remember that you are not there just for your children– you’re there for your own exhilarating thrills. You deserve to have a good experience. Your kids deserve to learn skiing from someone who can be patient with their mistakes and firm with their behavior without spoiling the trip for the family. Let’s dive into why choosing a ski instructor is often the way to go for preschool-age children. 

The secret ingredient to make a skiing trip an absolute blast is to invest in a ski instructor or a learning program offered by the resorts in our area. As parents, we have enough on our plates without adding the stress of teaching skiing to our children. Choosing a ski instructor means you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the joy of skiing on your own while your child is with new little buddies and by a very patient professional.  Then later that day, you can ski alongside your child when they can say, “Look at meeeeee!”  

 Leave the instructions to the pros so you can enjoy those precious moments together. Plus, who doesn’t love bonding over hot cocoa breaks and cheering on your little one’s progress with other skiing families?

Some parents have the patience to teach their child to ski—and we sincerely applaud them.  The key to a D.I.Y. approach is to be very sure the child is as comfortable, well rested and well fed as possible.  Those WONDERFUL hand and toe warmers are lifesavers and as parents, ourselves, we learned to proactively put them in boots and gloves (after they were pre-warmed for about 30 minutes).  You can always pull them out if the child is too warm but icy toes hurt and ruin a ski experience.

Find out if your child even needs a ski pass to work on the basics on the first day–they may not even make it on a lift the first few times.  Sometimes just cruising 50 feet or more on the base of the bunny slope is all a child needs to become confident and then willing to try the slopes or a lesson.  One GREAT tip is to keep videoing your child and then play the videos for them over the summer and fall to psych them up for the next season.  It significantly improves confidence!

Don’t forget that different harnesses provide different levels of support and an edgie-wedgie is incredibly helpful to keep skis tips from crossing.  Some people harness the skis for improved balance rather than use a chest harness on the child.  Consult your local ski shop for tips!

It Doesn’t Have To Be Skis

You and the kids are there to have fun. Balance issues, fear of falling, anxiety over failures, or a general aversion to skis are all possible reasons your child may decide that skiing is not the sport for them. But why demand they learn skiing when snowboarding, cross country skiing, and sledding are readily available? Or, just playing in the snow? If a child doesn’t want to embrace skiing, instead of trying to overcome their fears, try understanding their fears and giving them the room they need to grow beyond those fears.  This is a time for a trained instructor.

Safety First, Always

As much as we want to be there for every milestone of our little ones, skiing requires specialized skills to ensure safety on the slopes, and you want the most experienced guides possible to take a hand when it comes to educating your child. Ski instructors are trained professionals and experienced in guiding children through the basics of skiing. From helmet fittings to emphasizing the importance of proper equipment, they go the extra mile to create a safe and secure environment for our kiddos. With a ski instructor by their side, we can rest easy knowing that our child’s safety is their top priority.

Expertise Tailored for Younger Kids

Teaching a child to ski is quite a different ballgame than training an adult. Ski instructors have a deep understanding of early childhood development and know how to engage and motivate little skiers without pressuring them to comply because of the financial commitment of the course. Instructors use engaging games, playful techniques, and a sprinkle of charm to make learning to ski an exciting adventure. With their expertise in child-friendly techniques, ski instructors ensure your child’s skiing journey is filled with fun, progress, and a sense of achievement.

Skiing is not just about gliding down the mountain; it’s also about building confidence and forming lasting friendships. By learning and exploring with peers, your child will forge friendships that will make their skiing journey even more magical.

Many of the resorts in our area have ski programs. Breckenridge and Keystone have programs for ages 3 to 14. Monarch has a wonderful program meant exclusively for children ages 3 to 6. As you plan your child’s first skiing adventure, remember that a ski program is great for an unforgettable and safe experience. Let’s celebrate the joy of skiing and cherish these magical family memories together in the most fun and stress-free way possible.

At Creekside Kids, we believe in playful learning, safety, and community. Share your skiing adventure stories with us in the comments below – we can’t wait to hear about your little one’s first skiing triumphs! If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.