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Ski activity holidays for families provide the perfect the opportunity for parents to teach their own kids to ski, and witness the look of accomplishment on their children’s faces as they start to get the hang of it on their own. Of course there is always the option of signing a child up for ski lessons with a ski instructor, but parents who ski themselves may want to give the teaching a try – and spend some quality time while they’re at it! After all, parents will know how to motivate their children best and very young children will only require a few basic skills to get them started. Equipment For families who are regular skiers, purchasing equipment for their kids may be best. Ski rentals are available at ski resorts, but investing in used ski equipment will most likely cost the same or less than renting. There are a number of used sporting equipment stores where skis, boots etc. can be purchased at reasonable prices and some areas will hold regular swaps where parents can trade in whatever their children have outgrown. Location For the very young ones who haven’t skied before, a small hill may be good enough. In fact, a backyard hill or one at a local park may be perfect. Alternatively, going all out on the bunny hill during ski activity holidays for families is also a great option for parents to teach their children some basic ski skills and allow the kids to be a part of the fun. Tips and Tricks The very first thing parents will want to teach their tribe is simply being comfortable walking around in ski boots and then with skis attached. The more comfortable they are walking around, the more confident they will feel on the slope. Making ‘the Pizza’ During ski activity holidays for families, parents will want to teach their kids the important skill of leaning forward with their hands on their knees, ski tips pushed together in a wedge or “pizza” formation. This will aid them in slowing down on the hill when needed. Some may want to purchase a rubber strap that connects the tips of the child’s skis into a permanent wedge for little legs that may not be strong enough to do it on their own. The Ski Harness Some parents prefer to use a harness and leash combination when teaching their children to ski, but this can prevent the little harness wearer from becoming familiar with the feeling of skiing on their own. A better method is to ski alongside your child while holding a stick across their front (a ski pole works fine). Parents can teach their kids how to turn on skis by having them focus on turning from the feet, knees and hips, instead of putting their weight on one ski to turn. Once they get the hang of it, a game of follow the leader is a fun way to put what they’ve learned into practice. Fun and Fuel The most important thing to keep in mind during ski activity holidays for families is to keep things fun, ensuring a positive first experience. Lessons should be kept short, no more than an hour or so at a time. We recommend to pack a variety of healthy snacks to keep energy up and hunger at bay, and of course hot chocolate breaks will always be a hit! Richard Edwards is the Managing Director of Summit & Blue, an adventure holiday company offering independently crafted activity holidays for families to exciting destinations around the world, including France, Italy, Portugal, the USA and Canada. With unique itineraries and exciting activities like biking, hiking, white water rafting and canoeing, we create holidays for those looking for an experience a little more off the beaten track.
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