Skiing With Kids

With both my hubby and I growing up in the skiing areas of Northern Nevada (he in Reno and me in Lake Tahoe) we both love skiing, and we hoped that our kids would also love hitting the slopes.

But the reality of skiing with kids was far from the pleasure we had envisioned.  We spent hours carrying extra cumbersome equipment, including kids wearing dead-weight ski boots who were still rigid from crying, realizing that we had paid a fortune to endure this "treat". By 10 a.m., we’d all be exhausted.

Eventually, our persistence paid off , and we now have three devoted, dedicated skiers and one snowboarder who now voluntarily give up birthday parties and sleeping in to spend time with Mom and Dad on the slopes. That has made what really were just a couple of frustrating days so worth it.

Here are a few tips we learned along the way:

* Sign your kids up for lessons. It is much easier to have them in a class of their peers where they are able to learn at their own speed.  Be sure to spend some family ski time together after their lessons (and a break for lunch!).  Stick to the easier levels and marvel at their newfound skills.

* Dress the Part. It is important that your kids have the right clothing on for skiing.  Be sure to buy a pair of long ski socks instead of doubling up socks to reduce the possibility of blistering.  Dress in layers in case the weather warms up later in the day.  Young skiiers should also have gloves, goggles, and a helmet.

*Plan times for snacks and lunch. Skiing takes up a lot of energy!  You will have happier little ones if they are well fed.

* Shorter hours. Plan 1/2 day or 3/4 days instead of full days on the slopes when you are skiing with young ones.

* Lock it up. Rent a locker for all of your extra gear.  Being able to stow an extra coat or shoes in a locker is an essential convenience for parents.

* Bring your patience. Skiing with kids requires a great deal of patience, but the results are well worth it!