How to Learn to Ski for Kids

People of all ages can learn to ski.

Skiing is a sport that takes concentration but can be learned quickly and become an extremely enjoyable pastime. Flying down the slopes can get the adrenaline pumping for people of all ages and skill levels and can help keep the body in shape. By teaching kids to ski at an early age, you are giving them the skills to continue with this activity for years to come.

Instructions

1. 

   Ski length is very important.

   Rent or purchase a pair of skis that fit the child correctly. Choosing the correct ski length is important, because if the skis are too long, your weight gravitates toward the tail of the skis, causing falls and possibly injury. The general rule is to choose skis that, when held vertically, land between the chin and top of the head.

2. 

   Ski bindings hold the boot in place on the skis.

   Purchase ski boots that fit the child's feet, and make sure the bindings fit. Ski bindings hold the boot in place on the skis. The heel plate should click when the boot is inserted. Consult your salesperson at your local ski shop to make sure the bindings fit because it is very important to the safety of your child's experience.

3. 

   Show your child how to walk in ski boots.

   Have your child practice walking around in ski boots. These boots can feel very awkward and be difficult to walk in, so it's important to learn this ahead of time.

4. 

   Make sure you start easy on a bunny hill.

   On a bunny hill, show your child the proper posture for skiing. Have him place his legs slightly wider than shoulder width apart, with knees bent. Tell him to lean slightly forward, showing him how to push forward with the tips of the ski poles.

5. 

   Turn skis by shifting your weight.

   Teach your child how to turn, but include that need to shift his weight to the side that he wishes to turn to. Shifting your skis and turning your body toward the right will help you turn right, and vice versa. To go down the hill at a good pace, have him practice turning down the hill in an elongated "S" shape.

6. 

   Brake with a "V" shape.

   Learning to stop is obviously very important. Teach your child to push the tips of his skis together (being sure not to overlap them), and form a "V" (or pizza), shape. This will stop the skis, and if used effectively, can help him slow down when moving too rapidly down a hill.

Tips & Warnings

• Balance on the skis, don't "waddle."

• Start off slow--skiing down difficult trails when your child is not ready can be dangerous and discouraging.

• There are ski leashes and harnesses available to help keep your child under control.

• Make sure your child knows to yield for people in front of him because those people have the right of way.

• Do not let your child stop in the middle of the slope--off to the side is much less dangerous.

• Be aware of trees and other obstacles such as ramps and rails.

References

• ABC of Skiing: Getting Started
• 1 to 101: Learn to Ski
• Teach your Kids How: Teach your Child How to Ski