Child on Skis and Snowboard – How to Prepare Them?
When to Start the Adventure?
The best time to start skiing or snowboarding, according to instructors, is between 2.5 and 4 years old. It all depends on the individual predispositions of the child – some kids catch the bug quickly and learn the basics, while others might feel a bit discouraged at first. If you notice that your child isn't ready to learn skiing or snowboarding, it's worth giving them time and postponing the adventure to the next year.
What Do the First Skiing and Snowboarding Lessons Look Like?
The beginnings of skiing combine elements of fun and getting accustomed to the equipment. The child learns to move in ski or snowboard boots, gradually discovering the secrets of winter sports. The duration of lessons is also individual – one child may want to cooperate for just 15 minutes, while another can endure an hour. It's important for the first sessions to encourage attendance at subsequent ones. The instructor must carefully observe the child's behavior and respond appropriately.
How to Prepare a Child for Skiing and Snowboarding Lessons?
Proper clothing is one thing, but it is also important to spark the child's interest in the sport and prepare them for what they will encounter during lessons with an instructor. Initially, all means are allowed. Coloring books, stories, audiobooks, or cartoons that introduce the child to the new activity can arouse curiosity and evoke positive emotions. It is also worth playing ski or snowboard games with the child, imitating characteristic movements. If the parents themselves enjoy skiing, they can start by showing the child the slope and its users.
How to Dress a Child for Skiing and Snowboarding?
Proper clothing is essential, as we don't want our child to be put off by discomfort right from the start.
- The first thing that may come to mind is dressing the child in a one-piece snowsuit. It will certainly protect against the cold, but if the child needs to use the restroom during the lesson, it will significantly hinder them from performing hygiene tasks efficiently, and the entire top will get dirty on the local restroom floor. A set of jacket and ski pants will work much better. And if you want to ensure that your child's kidneys are shielded from cold and wind, consider cotton body suits.
- However, we should not dress the child in too many layers – movement and equipment will surely warm them up quickly and just as quickly make them sweat.
- Single-finger gloves (a must!). The best ones have drawstrings or an elastic band at the wrist – they won't slip off and will be harder to lose.
- We strongly advise against putting a neck warmer on your child. It's easy to sweat in it and then get cold shortly after.
- Don't forget a protective cream with UV filter. The best option is one with a rich texture.
Equipment – Buy or Rent?
At first, it's definitely better to rent. We don't know if we'll be able to get the child interested in the activity this season, and next season the equipment might be too small. If we see that the child is doing quite well and wants to continue the adventure, then it's worth considering purchasing their own equipment (new or second-hand).
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