January IS Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month

January IS Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month

Posted by WinterKids on Monday, January 19, 2015

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month--and it’s not too late for you to get your kids involved!

Now is the time when resorts all around the United States offer their best deals for beginner skiers and riders, as well as many incentives to help your family get started in this amazing winter sport. Visit the official Ski and Snowboard Month website to find a list of each resort participating, great deals on lift tickets, lesson packages, advice on preparing for an upcoming ski or snowboard trip, information on how to win prizes, and much MORE!

You will also find tips on how to save money such as 2-for-1 deals, lesson packs, traveling during “off-peak” times and obtaining a passport for your child, which offers FREE skiing and riding at select resorts. If you bring a newbie to the resorts and encourage them to sign up for a professional lesson, YOU will become an Ambassador of Snow Sports and could win great prizes from some awesome participating companies. Special lesson packages at select resorts even offer free breakfast and include accommodations.

Since ski and snowboard instructors know the latest and best techniques for teaching kids how to ski or ride, we highly encourage you to sign your kid up for a lesson.

Tips for Lessons

VailResorts_HVY0733_HighRes-620x3861. Remember to get your child situated and familiar with the resort before their first lesson. If they know where things are located and see what type of terrain they will be skiing, they will know what to expect going into the lesson and it will hopefully alleviate some of the uncertainties that they may have.

2. Talk to experts about gear and make sure the gear you buy or rent fits your child properly. There’s nothing worse than improper fitting gear. If your child’s boots are too big or small, it’s going to make for a rough day for the child. Have them try everything on at least two times before the lesson to make sure everything fits comfortably.

3. Discuss realistic expectations with your child about the lesson. Explain the role of the instructor and what they will be hoping to accomplish for the day. The more prepared the child is mentally, the more relaxed they will be going into the lesson.

4. Make sure your child is dressed properly for the weather and conditions of the mountain by ensuring they have a warm kids ski jacket to wear. It’s better to overdress them than under-dress them. You can always shed layers if the weather warms up; but, if they are wearing too little layers (as there is nothing worse than a cold kid), they probably won't have as much fun as they should.

5. Designate a meeting time and spot to pick them up when the lesson is over. This will be reassuring to them, knowing that you will be there at the end of the day if they take a bad tumble or to even just to tell you how great of an experience they had.

6. Go over what the child learned after their lesson. Take a run with them and let them set the pace and choose the terrain and chair lifts that are familiar to them. Let them show off their new found skills at the level that they are most comfortable with.

7. Keep in mind that every child progresses at their own level and multiple lessons may be necessary for further development. It may be discouraging if you or your child expects better results because a sibling or friend was able to excel more quickly at the sport than they were. Don’t push them too hard and don’t let them forget the most important lesson of them all--skiing and snowboarding are meant to be FUN!

How are you getting your kids involved in Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month? We'd love to hear in the comments below!



Categories: Skiing & Snowboarding

Tagged: Kids Ski Free, Kids Ski Clothing, kids, kids activities, skiing, learn to ski and snowboard, ski and snowboard month

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