Guide to Taking Kids Skiing

Guide to Taking Kids Skiing

Posted by Matt Gahman on Friday, May 19, 2023

Ski vacations let you enjoy nature and stay active while making priceless memories with your family. However, as a parent, you know better than anyone that trips with kids can quickly end in tears or tantrums. To maximize your getaway, we've created a list of tips and tricks to help you prepare for a day on the slopes with your kids. With the appropriate preparation, you can enjoy an exciting trip your family will never forget.

Tips to Take Your Kids Skiing

While you want to share your love for skiing or snowboarding with your children, the task can seem daunting — but it doesn't have to be. Set your ski vacation up for success by following our top tips for skiing or snowboarding with children.

Keep Them Warm and Dry

All parents know that a cold kid is an unhappy kid. If your child gets wet, they will get cold, ending your day on the slopes sooner than you intended. Your best defense against this is to ensure you have the proper gear for your little one. It is always better to have more layers than you need, as you can always shed some layers and store them at the lodge.

A proper ski outfit consists of:

• A ski jacket
• Insulated, waterproof and breathable ski pants
• Base layers
• Ski socks
• An insulating layer such as a fleece
• A neck gaiter
• Mittens or gloves
• A pair of goggles

On frigid days, you'll want to have some hand and feet warmers available. We also recommend everyone in your family should wear a helmet when skiing or snowboarding.

When your kids are warm and comfortable, they can focus on the fun at hand. So, before you hit the slopes, shop Buckman's full selection of ski apparel for kids of all ages and sizes.

Rent or Buy Kids Proper Ski Equipment

While we always recommend adults buy quality ski equipment, we understand it may make more sense to rent equipment for your children. If it's your child's first time skiing, you may want to wait to invest in gear after seeing how well they take to the slopes. However, if you have a ski-loving child, buying equipment can save you money in the long run, especially if you have other children who can inherit the gear.

At Buckman's, we have ski equipment available to rent or buy, so either way, you can save time at the mountain by coming with your gear already in tow. Our team of experts will properly fit your child to their rental, so all they have to do is hit the slopes.

Take Lessons at a Resort to Get Kids Started

Professional ski lessons can equip your kids with the fundamentals of skiing. Ski instructors specialize in identifying problem areas for kids and helping them work through them with the proper techniques. Even a few short lessons can help build your child's confidence and skills. Once they've mastered the basics, you can keep your child in ski school or take them on a few runs yourself to continue building their skills.

Choose a Family-Friendly Resort

Your kids will feel more comfortable on the mountain when they see other children there too. Meanwhile, you can have peace of mind knowing other skiers will be alert and looking out for kids. Plus, some family-friendly resorts may offer discounted rates for children or fun activities for your kids to enjoy when they're not on the mountain. Keep the magic of a ski vacation going even when the ski day is over.

Practice Wearing Ski Clothes at Home

As you know, ski clothes are very different from your typical cold-weather gear. For kids, this can seem awkward or overwhelming. Have your child practice wearing their full ski gear to get familiar and comfortable with the feeling. Once you're ready to hit the slopes, your child can focus on their skiing skills instead of how their clothes feel.

Monitor Their Time on the Slopes

While kids tend to have a lot of energy, skiing can still take a lot out of them — and if your little ones are tired, that's a recipe for a meltdown. A full day on the slopes may be too much when skiing with toddlers, especially when they're starting out. Begin with shorter sessions and slowly increase the length as your child builds endurance and skills.

Bring Snacks and Take Breaks for Meals

Since your child will be using a lot of energy, they're going to be extra hungry. Bring plenty of quick snacks to keep kids satisfied and energized until lunchtime. An expert tip is to offer food before your kids tell you they're hungry. Preventing hunger will let you avoid moodiness due to an empty stomach.

Have Fun!

From indulging in an afternoon hot chocolate treat to mastering new slopes, the bottom line is that your kids should have as much fun as you are! Skiing lets you reconnect with your family in the great outdoors and build lifelong memories together. Take a deep breath and enjoy the experience as you share something you love with your kids.

Prepare for Ski Season With New Equipment and Apparel for the While Family From Buckman's

Get the whole family ready for ski season with ski apparel and equipment from Buckman's Ski Shops. When kids feel their best, they can perform their best. Shop our ski apparel, from ski jackets and base layers to footwear and accessories, so your child can safely, comfortably and stylishly hit the slopes. Our convenient ski equipment rental also allows you to avoid the long lines at resort rental shops, giving you more time to make lasting memories. Get ready for your next ski adventure and shop Buckman's online today!

Categories: Ski & Snowboarding Tips  |  Ski & Snowboard Apparel