Ski course for children: what you should consider

How children learn to ski: The best tips for the first ski course

The first ski course – what should you pay attention to?

The first ski course - an exciting moment for children and parents. The children are often out and about for the first time - outside of school or kindergarten - with ski instructors and children who are sometimes strangers to them. For the children, this often means taking the ski school bus to the ski area beforehand. Several weeks often pass between registration and the actual date - but what should you actually bear in mind when preparing for the first ski course?

When is my child ready for the ski slopes?

" When is my child ready for the ski slopes? " - this is a question that all parents who love winter sports ask at some point. While some have very good motor skills and can and want to start skiing at an early age, others may not be interested or motivated. In this case, parents should wait a little longer so as not to spoil their children's enjoyment of skiing.

In general, a minimum age of three to four years is recommended for a ski course . Children then have the necessary stamina , strength and coordination. For cross-country skiing in particular, children need a lot of body tension and coordination skills - these are well developed from the age of four to five . For snowboarding, the sense of balance is particularly important - this is fully developed from the age of six to seven.

Children’s ski course – from when?

What is the best age to learn to ski ? For the very young, it's all about getting in touch with the snow and having fun! The first ski courses are simply intended to lay the foundation for many wonderful hours together on the ski slopes.

• 2-3 years: First playful steps in the snow
• 3-5 years: Ready for the first ski course
• 5-6 years: Development of motor skills
• 7-12 years: Correct application of what has been learned so far
• 13-16 years: Fun and action on the ski slopes

What equipment does my child need for the ski course?

In addition to skis, well-fitting ski boots and poles (no poles in the beginner course), the child absolutely needs a helmet, ski goggles and gloves as well as waterproof, warm and breathable clothing and sunscreen with a high sun protection factor . As soon as the children are skiing on the groomed slopes, a back protector also makes sense.

One truth first: ski boots are uncomfortable at first. It definitely helps to try on several boots together with the ski socks and, if possible, to adopt the typical forward-leaning skiing position when trying them on.

The basic equipment for a ski course includes:

• Long, tight-fitting functional underwear
• Ski socks that keep your feet warm and protect against pressure points
• Thin fleece sweaters or shirts for the middle layer
• Comfortable, warm and water-repellent ski pants
• A breathable ski jacket
• Gloves that keep you warm and provide enough feeling
• Ski boots
• ski
• helmet
• Ski goggles
• Back protector if necessary

Rent or buy ski equipment for children?

If, for example, three children in a family can use the equipment, buying the skis is certainly sensible and sustainable . In fact, however, it is usually cheaper to rent skis and ski boots. Buying skis for children in the growth phase is hardly worth it, as the skis you buy quickly become too short. If in doubt, the skis of your sibling may not fit perfectly - or you may just not like the color. 😉

Many ski rental companies rent skis for children up to a certain age for free if the parents rent their skis from the ski rental company. If you prefer to buy, it is definitely worth visiting flea markets or sports fairs.

Can I watch my child during the ski lesson?

At most, you should observe the lesson from a distance . Experience shows that children concentrate better when their parents are not nearby . However, the ski instructor urgently needs information about any special needs your child may have, e.g. in terms of motor skills, illnesses, etc. It is also great to prepare the children well for the ski school in advance and explain to them what they will learn there.

Should I practice with my child after the ski course?

Children who have taken a ski course should of course stick with it afterwards. Short sessions that do not require a whole day on the slopes are also a good option. It is always great if the children can actually ski after the ski course and accompany their parents/grandparents on the day of skiing. Here too, the rule is: encourage but do not overwhelm so that the fun does not fall by the wayside.

Those who only had a few hours of lessons during their ski holiday can still train with their parents for the rest of the day. Here too, the rule is: stop when things are going well 😉

Will my child also learn to use the lifts during the ski course?

In short: yes! This is an integral part of the lesson. In most ski areas there is a conveyor belt, magic carpet or something similar and a children's lift before the children go to the drag lift, chair lift, etc.

How well can my child ski after the first course?

For young beginners, it's great if they can get on the conveyor belt by themselves at the end of a week and ski down the slope with support . Children aged 9 and over are usually able to accompany the ski instructor on a blue slope after just a few days.

How big are the groups in a children’s ski course?

The group size can vary depending on registrations, but is usually capped at around 8 children . Motivation is high in the group, and even shy or anxious children can easily get involved in the group.

Is private ski lessons the better choice?

There is also the option of one-to-one instruction , e.g. from a private ski instructor for individual hours or days. This is a great way to further develop existing skills and focus on specific interests, especially during a family ski holiday. You can simply ask at your hotel.