Seeking Advice About When to Introduce Son to Downhill Skiing

Call the ski place you would take him and sign him up for a lesson. They have these straps that they can put on him and them and control his speed. You (if you feel comfortable) may be able to use them too. The sooner the better though! A.

It's not too soon to introduce him to the skiing environment, but don't expect him to join you on the slopes quite yet. Check out the toddler programs at a number of placed you'd like to go and see what they offer. Be sure he will get some quality time, not just be jammed in with a crowd of kids for babysitting. Many places try to get even the youngest kids out on the snow for some fun. We had a great experience with our older daughter at Sugerbush, but our younger daughter didn't fare as well -- her boots were too tight and no one would listen to her complaints -- she was 2 at the time. Go somewhere that bills itself as family friendly, like Sugarbush, Sunday River, Stratton, etc. Try to avoid peak times, especially in places that cater more to singles and the NYC crowd. Your son will go at his own pace with this, and every other activity you'll want to try. At his age, it should be about a fun time, not making him a downhill racer. Have fun!!!

Hi- I know that you are done with this post, but wanted to jump in anyway! I was a ski instructor and our policy was children 3 and over, however I think a 2 year old would be fine! We would start with the child between our legs or pulling them- these things you can do in your yard! The important part at this age is to have fun with it and just get them on the skis! No poles for awhile- enjoy!

check with the ski resort to find out what age they start teaching toddlers.
he should go into a class.
also, i believe the rule is that he would have to able to stand on one leg...and being able to do it on both sides.

Most ski instructors (including some in my family) suggest waiting until 4. That said, my sister-in-law lives in Jackson Wyoming and she used to teach kids to ski. Her husband bought her 2 yo (turned 2 October) skis last winter and started her skiing (against my sis in laws wishes). It was difficult and met with resistance, which can lead to trouble later on. She did have a few decent days though. The three month difference between October and January is significant at 2. I think you would be much better off waiting at least one more year. I have 4 kids. The oldest started at 4 and is 8 now and an excellent skiier. He absolutely loves it, skis almost anything on an east coast mountain, and has very natural form etc. My second was 4 last winter, took a couple of lessons, but resisted. This year she says she is excited to skii. We will start our 3 last august twins this year a little bit to keep them on par with their sister and make it easier in the future. They are very big and strong and eager because they see their siblings. I think the key is starting young enough to make it a natural movement - yet waiting long enough to not freak them out. Ski boots and all that equip is not comfortable and is awkward. When my twins were 2 last winter they did not want to even deal with warm mittens, and then they would take them off and freak out because their hands would get frozen in the snow. You don't need that at a ski mountain!
Good luck!

B. -- We started our son when he was 2 (August birthday) by accident. I had an extra rental pass and decided to put him in a set of skis so it was easier for me to "pull" him around and he couldn't run off on me :)
Well, as you can imagine, that was worse than him walking as he would just fall down -- depending on me to do all the work.
So, I decided to take him on the beginners slope and see what would happen. He kept his balance when I let go and he slid down the slope!! So, i kept taking him higher (as far as i could walk) up the slope. It was so funny, he would actully steer himself out a fall.
Anyway, we purchased a harness and had him ski in front of me on the bunny slopes. He loved it!! My husband had a hard time because he couldn't "snow plow" to keep the pace slow. The harness became difficult by the time he was 4 and bigger. That was when we started him in lessons.
SO, my recommendation is to start him whenever he can balance on skis.
My daughter was different -- too much work for her. We will try again this year (she is 4).
Good luck!! The younger they start, the better.

Hi, B. - my brother and sister-in-law are a ski family (they live in Park CIty) and they started their son when he was 2 years, 8 months and it worked out well. They used one of those leash things (sorry I don't know the lingo!) to start and once he got the hang of it they stopped using it. He loved it and was pretty fearless! Good luck!

M.

We tried our 3 year old last season without success - between the ski pants, jacket, helmet, ski gloves and boots she could barely stand - never mind ski. My husband took her down a few times between his legs (going way too fast for my liking!) which she loved but that was more like a ride... ski school was a bust and we didn't push it because we want her to think it is fun, not miserable! She was red faced, runny nose, tears streaming down her face - it was pathetic. But we are hoping for a much better experience this year now that she is 4. She just seems so much older and capable. I think the "gear" before you even get to the skiing part may be too much for a 2 year old to manage.

I started at 7, and my sisters started at about 4 or 5 but several of my younger cousins started at 2 and they are now much better skiers than I am. My uncle had a harness device around my cousin's waist and he would keep him between his legs while they skied on the bunny slope. Although, my uncle used to be a ski school director at a small ski area in the Catskills so he knew what he was doing. As long as your son is really steady on his feet- able to run around without falling and able to stand on one leg for a few seconds, he should have enough balance to try. He should also be able to communicate well enough to tell you if his boots fit well and are comfortable and that his gear is not hurting. He also has to have enough attention span to follow directions. Otherwise, I would suggest waiting until next year. Before you do though I would suggest taking him sledding and make sure he likes that. I would also suggest a helmet and make sure that you get someone who works with children often in fitting ski boots and skis. This is very important. You may be able to find a ski instructor at some slopes that is willing to teach him if you do not feel confident doing it yourself. Even if you do, it is still a good idea to send him to a few lessons each season every year. Everyone (adults included) should take lessons periodically to help improve and brush up on rusty skills.

My husband is an avid skiier...and he said he thought it was 4, but you should get as many people's advice.
Good Luck!

Hi B.,

You must have a ski resort in mind. I'm thinking of planning a winter vacation at a ski resort, keeping in mind my 6 & 4 year olds. Got any good suggestions in the CT, NJ, NY area?
Thanks,
P.

Downhill skiing is too dangerous for 2 years old. Try baby slope with an instructor and you keep very close proximity to your little one.

Hi B.,

If you and your husband enjoy skiing and want to take your son with you there are great kids programs at most ski resorts that start at the toddler ages. This is what we did with our kids and they loved it. The instructors are trained to teach the little ones so they have fun in the snow and get the basics. Best to contact the ski resort you want to go to.

C.
Mother to 19 year old son and 16 year old daughter who were going skiing and now snowboarding since they could walk.

I don't think that a not yet 2 year old is going to be able to follow directions well enough to ski or do any sport. However, I would suggest calling where ever you usually ski and ask what the earliest age is that they offer lessons. Good luck!~