“It’s hard to have fun if anyone is feeling: too cold, too hot, too tired, too frustrated, too hungry, too thirsty, too much pressure, or too overwhelmed.
If you or your child is dealing with any of these feelings, back off and solve it. Skiing is fun! Never let this core concept stray from your mind.”
“Be silly, sing songs, play games, and smile! Your children will be reading your expression - if you’re nervous, they will be too. If you’re having fun, so will they.”
"Give plenty of encouragement and praise. If they fall in the snow make sure to say, 'You did great! Don't worry about falling, everybody falls! That was so awesome!' Celebrate any little accomplishment. When in doubt, heap on more praise."
Self explanatory (especially considering all of the layers outlined in the previous post!)
A warm kid is a happy kid. And the happier the kid, the more time you get on the slopes before the next hot chocolate break.
"There are a lot of items required for skiing. Role model that being a skier means taking care of your gear. This simple bit of awareness helps develop an overall sense of responsibility and respect for the mountain and other skiers. It's important that children learn to carry their own gear, how to set their skis out on level terrain, and how to put them on a rack or out of the way at a break so they don't get lost or cause a mess for other skiers. Run through a checklist with your child. This will remind both of you to stay organized."
"Parents can use a huge duffel bag to hold all the kids' gear; then they can more easily carry it from the car to the lodge. Some people like to put the bag and ski gear on a cheap plastic sled and pull it that way."
"If you can, drop off an adult and the kids right up close to the lodge. Unload only the gear they'll need while the driver parks the car. Kids should walk in their regular shoes, and then change into ski boots in the lodge."
"Don't get too focused on the actual skiing. Be aware that each step along the way has its own challenges. Proceed forward calmly.
1. Get from the car to the lodge.
2. Find a bench and cubby space.
3. Get the tickets and get them attached.
4. Get the boots on and get everyone ready for the day.
5. Walk outside and carry your skis to the snow.
6. Put the skis on."
"Set your skis aside and focus on the new feelings that come with stiff ski boots. Have the kids look down at their boots; they should be about as wide as their shoulders. This is a balanced stance, and they'll use this when they ski. Show the athletic pose, knees bent, leaning your shins into the tongue of the boot and hands out front."
"Tips for warm feet: Ski boots are like a thermos: They'll keep cold things cold and warm things warm.
Tucking the boots near a heater vent while driving to the ski area makes for toasty feet when the boots go on.
Make sure the boots and the feet are nice and warm before putting them on. Make sure the boots are dry! If you are on vacation and you are skiing day after day, it's crucial that the boots get dried out after each day of skiing."
"Wind, snow, and cold make it hard to see. Most kids do better with goggles than sunglasses. All ski helmets have some sort of clip on the back side to hold the goggle strap securely in place. It's easier for kids to put the goggles on the helmet first, and then put the helmet on their head. If the goggles are secure they should stay on the helmet all day. Most important, don't sit on them!"