18 kids snow skiing hacks to make your life easier
Skiing with kids can be amazing but sometimes it can be a challenge. That’s why these kids snow skiing hacks will be a lifesaver. Check out these 20 tips when you’re carving the slopes with your little ones.
I didn’t grow up skiing. So, I learned right along side my kids. Even as an adult, skiing can be terrifying and miserable if you don’t learn the right way. So, here’s some tips that we’ve learned along the way that will hopefully help you too.
#1: Kids snow skiing hacks – Start at the right age
We start our kids skiing when they are in kindergarten. You can start then earlier but five years old seems to be a great age. Less tantrums and they catch on quickly.
#2: Consider a ski instructor
My husband’s aunt is a ski instructor at Brighton Ski Resort. She is generous enough to teach our kids on their first day of skiing. It starts them off on the right foot with someone who actually knows what they are doing. Here’s some ski school options for kids of all ages.
#3: Don’t force them down a hill
Those hills are steep. Wait until your kids are ready, not when you think they should be ready.
#4: Carry snacks for the lift
You can build up a mighty appetite while skiing. And kids love snacks. So, pack some little treats in your coat pocket like trail mix, kids protein bars, dried mango slices and s’mores energy bites.
#5: Buy hand warmers
Once your kids get cold, the fun is over. They will just want to go home. These hand warmers last 10 hours and they are awesome. Put them in your kids’ glove and boots. They will be toasty warm.
#6: Make your kids carry their own skiis
Don’t even carry your kids’ skiis even once or you’ll be carrying them every time. It is hard enough carrying your own.
#7: Build a ski storage rack
It’s a lot easier to pick up and go skiing with your kids if you have an organized place for all of your equipment. We built this awesome ski rack in our garage and it has made our lives so much easier.
#8: Just go skiing for a couple hours
When your kids are just starting out, a lot of ski resorts offer tow ropes for free. Your beginning skier can try out the bunny hill for a couple hours without getting burned out.
#9: Divide and conquer
If you’re going with kids with varying skill levels, bring multiple adults. You can’t chase one kid down the hill while tutoring another behind you. Don’t stress your self out.
#10: Take advantage of ski programs for kids
Ski Utah offers 5th and 6th graders deeply discounted season passports to any resort in Utah. Brighton Ski Resort allows all kids 10 and under to ski FREE! Most ski resorts offer deals throughout the year. Other websites such as Liftopia offer discounts when you purchase tickets in advance.
#11: Save money; pack a lunch
Of all the kids snow skiing hacks, this one is a no-brainer. The food at ski resorts is outrageously priced. A slice of pizza and a drink will cost you about $20. Pack your own lunch.
#12: Bring a thermos of hot chocolate
After a long morning of skiing, nothing boosts the moral more than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Our kids count on it. Then it energizes them for the rest of the afternoon.
#13: Invest in a ski gear bag
You might have a place to store your kids’ skiis, but what about boots, gloves, helmet and other gear? Consider buying an everything boot bag. Then you’re not running around the house like a crazy person trying to find that lost glove.
#14: Bring friends or cousins along
My sons didn’t really stretch themselves until they went skiing with their cousins. All of a sudden, they wanted to be the first down the hill. It’s a great way to get out and take your kids out of their comfort zones.
#15: Don’t mess with ski poles
Little kids don’t need ski poles. It just gets them frustrated. Let them figure out how to ski first, then add the poles later.
#16: Buy a balaclava ski mask
You don’t usually forget gloves and boots. But sometimes we forget to protect our kids’ faces and necks. Investing in a balaclava ski mask is totally worth it.
#17: Make skiing a family affair
Skiing can be an amazing activity to do with your entire family. You get time to talk, exercise and enjoy the outdoor together. Then you actually get excited for the winter. And it’s something you can do your whole life!
#18: Buy second-hand skiis at the end of the season
I’ve found the best deals for skiis and gear is at the end of the ski season. There are a lot of second-hand ski stores that sell skiis at a big discount so they can get rid of their inventory before summer.
Hopefully these kids snow skiing hacks will help you this upcoming ski season. What ideas do you have when skiing with kids? Leave your comments below.
Related link: DIY ski rack
