In theory children can start learning how to ski when they have muscle control and balance, which can be as young as 3 or 4 years old. A good way to prepare children for skiing at this age is to get them to play in the snow wearing ski boots and skis, this gets them used to the equipment. The main thing is that children are enjoying themselves and having fun, this will make them want to learn more and they are likely to pick things up more easily when having fun!
However the ideal age is 5 or 6, for a number of reasons, most importantly this is when kids are mature enough to take in information and listen to their ski instructor. By this age they will have had a couple of years in school and are already used to following teacher’s instructions, they can manage a 2 hour lesson without getting too tired.
Very importantly they can wait for the toilet before ‘going’ and have surpassed the tantrum stage. In addition they are independent enough to put on their own goggles, gloves and skis by themselves as well as having the physical strength to be able to carry the weight of their skis and boots on their feet.
Kids at this age are more likely to cope with cold weather and falling over, as they are able to get themselves back on their feet again. Their awareness has developed and therefore they have the sense to avoid collisions with other skiers, this being said they are aware of danger.
If skiing is your passion and you want your children to have the same experience as you these are good intentions, however some children just don’t naturally take to the slopes. A mixture of cold, heavy ski equipment and being in lessons among strangers without mum and dad can sometimes prove too much for a young child. If this is the case there is no harm in waiting a couple of years, don’t be disappointed if you are not raising a budding professional, the main thing is for your child to enjoy the snow and who knows what the future holds for them!
