Ski Tips for Kids
"Don't lift the children into your own lap; they need to end up sitting on the chair, facing forward, all by themselves. And don't try this with poles!
"
"While riding on the chairlift, you'll have an awesome view of the brand new run you'll soon be skiing on. Point out the big features, like where the trails merge and turns in the run. This can be a time to preview what's coming up next on the slopes below."
"Sandwich the kids between two adults, or position the kids on the outside of the chair near the liftie. The attendants at any Green lift will be accustomed to boosting kids onto the chair. But they can only do this with the kids closest to them. Kids who are in the middle of the chair won't get a liftie boost.
"
"Be sure to keep everyone's skis straight, and let your little skier know as the chair approaches.
"
"It's normal to just pick up the smaller kids and set them on the chair. It's best if they do most of the work, but that might not happen until they are bigger or have more practice
"
"Chase the chair after it goes by, shuffle forward. Stay in your lane! You might need to do some pushing and pulling to get 'em moving fast enough. Then line your boots up at the next line.
"
"Talk to the lift attendant (lovingly known as the 'liftie'). Make sure to tell him that this is the child's first ever chairlift ride. Ask if he can slow the chair down.
"
"You can practice getting on the chairlift using a bench. Imagine turning around and watching the approaching chair. How much help you give them depends on their size and comfort. It's normal to just pick up the smaller kids and set them on the chair. It's best if they do most of the work, but that might not happen until they are bigger or have more practice.
"
"Next introduce turning (lots more on this to come). Basic turning means putting more pressure on one ski than the other. Start with turning to one side. Draw a big arcing C-shape in the snow. Start in a wedge; ask them to put most of their weight on one ski and keep it there while you all count to 'Three Mississippi' as your little skiers slide.
"
"The are other ways for your little skier to make their way up the hill besides the magic carpet. The key to side stepping is to keep your skis perpendicular to the hill, taking tiny little sideways steps up the slopes.
"
"If you can't ski backward, just pop your skis off and walk backward (or just alongside). This works wonderfully for the newest and youngest beginners because you can usually walk as fast as they ski. Without skis it is easy to get in close and help your children to get back up.
"
"The magic carpet is a very simple conveyor belt that brings skiers up to the top of the beginners' slope. These have replaced the tow-ropes from a bygone era. They don't require much instruction; you just give the person ahead the right amount of space then shuffle on the track. Then, you just stand there until you get to the top.
"
