Getting your kids into skiing and snowboarding can be a daunting task – even for parents who enjoy the sports themselves. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top tips to help you get started. We’ve also included all the must-haves (and nice-to-haves) that will help you get out there and enjoy your day to the fullest!
Tip # 1 – Stay Safe!
- Helmets are a must when skiing or riding, so we go with a bright color that helps us spot our kids out on the slopes. Whether they are on the hill with you, or you want to take a peak on them in their lessons, having a bright helmet helps to immediately identify them in the sea of skiers.
- Kid’s Goggles help to protect your littles’ eyes. They also help with visibility – it’s bright out there on the white snow!
- Wrist guards are a great idea for anyone learning to snowboard – falling is almost guaranteed! Strap these on and remind your kids – “make a fist, save a wrist”!
Tip # 2 – Stay Warm!
We like to say – “There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing” – meaning, if you wear the appropriate clothing, you can make the most of any type of weather condition! It’s all about layers out on the hill. If your kids get cold, the skiing (and time that you’re able to be out there) goes downhill fast!
- For someone who constantly has cold feet, socks are arguably the most important clothing item! A good pair of ski socks will help keep your kids toes warm!
- Long underwear are a staple and fit nicely as a base layer.
- Pullovers are another great layering piece. It can easily be removed if your kids get too hot.
- A ski mask is a great alternative to a neck warmer and hat. It’s one less piece to keep track of, but more importantly, it helps to avoid any spaces where cold can get in. It also fits better under their helmet than a regular ski hat!
- Snow bibs are the best option with kids, they really help to keep the warmth all throughout their legs, but also their chest.
- The pair of gloves I own are from our local favorite, Carhartt!
- Can’t ski without a jacket and just like having a bright helmet will help to spot your littles – so will a bright jacket!
- If you have smaller littles, these one piece snowsuits are great too.
- Hand warmers (and feet warmers) and helpful to keep your littles warm and happy…and out on the hill longer! We recently found these rechargeable warmers, which is far better than buying a ton of disposable ones.
Tip # 3 – Make Things Easy!
- Anything that helps you carry your skis and boots… along with your kids, is a win!
- When teaching your kids to ski, having some way to help control their speed (and lift them off the ground when they fall) is helpful. These leashes and ropes are meant to help for both of those aspects.
- Launch Pad Ski and Snowboard Training Harness
- QOGIR Ski and Snowboard Harness for Kids (This one is nice because it has a little backpack, which is great for a quick snack on the hill!)
- One of the first lessons your littles will learn is the “pizza pie” and to help keep those ski tips together are these ‘tip connectors’. They help keep the tips together to avoid the kids going too fast or doing the splits!
- Ski equipment can be expensive, so we always recommend looking into trade up ski programs, but here is a great beginner pair of skis.
Tip # 4 – Cut Costs Whenever Possible!
Skiing and Snowboarding are expensive sports but there are a few ways to reduce costs!
- Junior Trade In Programs: The specifics of the program varies by location but the goal is the same – don’t buy new skis and boards every year!
- The Cold is Cool Passport: a state-wide program that provides every 4th and 5th grader the opportunity to ski for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Students can obtain a Cold is Cool Ski & Ride Passport that gives them up to three free lift tickets or trail passes to approximately 30 participating ski areas, plus additional discounts at the mountain and in Michigan ski shops.
- It’s usual for a resort to offer lower rate tickets for kids. Some offer FREE bunny hill access! Check your local resort website for deals.
All geared up and ready to hit the slopes? Here’s a list of the top ski and snowboard destinations in Michigan.
- Northern Michigan
- Southwest Michigan
- Upper Peninsula
- Metro Detroit
Photo Credit: Facebook
