×
×
SNOW CONDITIONS »
cm
cm
OVERNIGHT
48 HOURS
cm
cm
24 HOURS
7 DAY
WEATHER »
UPPER MOUNTAIN
° C
° C
HIGH
LOW
LOWER MOUNTAIN
° C
° C
HIGH
LOW
RUNS »
/
70
GROOMED
/
79
OPEN
LIFT STATUS »
/
6
OPEN
GOLD CHAIR:
SILVER CHAIR:
BUY LIFT TICKETS
WEATHER FORECAST »
FRI
HIGH 2 °C
LOW -6 °C
SAT
HIGH 0 °C
LOW -6 °C
SUN
HIGH -2 °C
LOW -8 °C

×
MOUNTAIN CAMS »
TOP OF GOLD CHAIR EXPRESS
TOP OF SILVER CHAIR
MID MOUNTAIN GOLD EXPRESS
MID MOUNTAIN LODGE
KIDS WORLD AND TUBE PARK
×
CM
in the last 24 hours
×
Notification Alert
RESERVATIONS: 1 (800) 258-7669
BLOG | JOBS | CONTACT US | HOURS
SAFETY & RISK AWARENESS
SNOW
cm
LAST 24 HR.
cm
THIS SEASON
WEB CAMS
GOLD CHAIR
 
MORE

Nakiska Ski Area

  • PLAN & PURCHASE
    • GETTING HERE
      By Car
      By Air
      Transportation
      International Travelers
      Hours of Operation
      PURCHASE
      Lift Tickets
      Season Passes
      Snow School Lessons
      Rentals & Repairs
      RCR Rockies Card
      Epic Pass
      Gift Cards
      LODGING
      View All Lodging
      Hot Deals & Packages
      Canmore & Kananaskis Lodging
      Package Booking Code
      Last Minute Deals Signup
      Resort Map
      GROUPS
      Large Groups
      Corporate
      School
    • Close
  • DISCOVER
    • DISCOVER NAKISKA
      Real Estate
      Resort Map
      Epic Pass Member
      NAKISKA SKI AREA
      Dining
      Shopping
      Lodging
      Repair Shop
      Hours of Operation
      MOUNTAIN INFO
      Snow Report
      Lift Status
      Trail Map
      Mountain Safety
    • Close
  • THE MOUNTAIN
    • CAMERAS & MAPS
      Mountain Cams
      Video Gallery
      Trail Map
      Resort Map
      TERRAIN REPORT
      Snow Report
      Weather
      Grooming Report
      Open Runs Report
      Lift Status
      Mountain Cams
      PURCHASE
      Lift Tickets
      Season Passes
      Hot Deals & Packages
      Rentals & Repairs
      Snow School Lessons
      RCR Rockies Card
    • Close
  • EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
    • EVENTS & ACTIVITES
      Events - Calendar View
      Events - List View
      ACTIVITIES
      Dining
      Shopping
      Sports School Lessons
      OTHER ACTIVITIES
      Tube Park
      Snowshoeing
      Pre-Season Training
    • Close
FREEQUOTE
  • Home
  • Blog
  • News
  • Less stress, more skiing! The First Time Skiing with Kids a How to Guide
March 30, 2023

Less stress, more skiing! The First Time Skiing with Kids a How to Guide

Less stress, more skiing! The First Time Skiing with Kids a How to Guide

by Karen Ung / Tuesday, 14 November 2017 / Published in News

If you want your kids to fall in love with skiing, a great first experience is critical! Here are our tried and tested tips for fun ski days the first time and every time:

  1. Pack the night before so you have time for a decent breakfast. Full tummies= happy kids! We use a 3-bag system as follows:
    • Ski bag: Skis (and ski poles for those who already know how to ski)
    • Duffle bag: ski boots, 1 midlayer (fleece or down sweater) per person, extra socks and mitts/gloves, snacks and/or lunch. Leave this one in the lodge!
    • Small backpack to carry when skiing: cell phone, wallet, keys (clip them in so you don’t lose them), hand and foot warmer packets, lip gloss, sunscreen, high calorie snacks that won’t freeze (chocolate is good), small water bottles (refill them throughout the day).
  2. Take a load off: Bring a large sled and a couple bungee cords to tow all your gear. Your shoulders will thank you.
  3. Set a meeting time and place: If everyone’s lessons are at different times or family members will be skiing in different parts of the resort, set a meeting time and place and talk about what to do if you become separated on the hill (e.g. wait at the next junction, or ski to the bottom and wait at the chair lift).
  4. Dress for Success: Layers are the key to staying comfy and warm. Wear synthetic/merino base layers, wool blend ski socks, snowpants, ski jacket, mittens/gloves, helmet, and goggles. You can always swap the jacket for a midlayer (you packed it, didn’t you?) if you get too warm; or double up if it’s super frosty. Avoid cotton clothes.
  5. Snack breaks for the win: We carry a mix of healthy snacks and treats to keep energy levels and spirits high. Call it what you will – bribe or incentive – but gummy bears and chocolates got our girls to do turns (1 gummy bear per 3 turns so they wouldn’t shoot straight down the hill). Be sure to wash that snack down with a drink!
  6. Wear snow boots: Change into your ski boots at the lodge. It’s faster and comfier, and you’ll be all set to play in the snow or go tubing when you’re done skiing!
  7. Rent or buy gear that is height/skill-level appropriate: A ski shop can outfit you accordingly. Do some research before buying used gear to ensure you get the right size of skis/boards and boots.
  8. Say no to poles: Beginners don’t need ski poles. In fact, the first thing your instructor will say if you have poles, is to leave them on the ground so you can focus on your balance.
  9. Always wear a helmet: This goes for you too, parents! And buckle that brain bucket so it stays on!
  10. Book a lesson: Some kids prefer private lessons, but most enjoy skiing with other kids their age. It is amazing how much kids progress in group lessons because they want to keep up with the best kid in the class! Learning from a professional also ensures they don’t pick up bad habits from you.
  11. Avoid naptime! Ski at your kids happy time of day. If your kids don’t nap, however, the runs are usually less busy in the afternoon.
  12. Keep it fun: Instead of drills, play games! Children learn best through play. If your child wants to play in the snow, go play in the snow (but find a safe place near the lodge to do so). When my kids were 2, we spent more time playing than skiing, but it paid off. They love snow and love being at the ski hill because they associate both with FUN!
  13. Be patient: Every child learns at a different pace.
  14. Celebrate wins – big and small! Reward efforts with something your child enjoys. Have pizza to celebrating mastering “the pizza” aka snowplow, or plan a movie night or games night.
  15. Quit while you’re ahead: Stop while your kids are still loving it to make them want to go skiing again soon!

  • Tweet
Tagged under: Blog, Calgary, Family, Fun Stuff, Nakiska, Tips, Winter, YYC

About Karen Ung

Karen Ung is a lover of maps, mountains, and mochas. With her Geography degree and experience leading hikes and backpacking trips in the Rockies, she is full of ideas on where to go and what to do. The mission of her blog, Play Outside Guide, is to provide “everything families need to know to get outside and have fun.” http://www.playoutsideguide.com/

Other related posts

Introducing New Canadians to Winter Sports
New season, new systems
Ski and stay in your ‘backyard’ this winter
March 2023
MTWTFSS
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031 
« Nov    

Recent Posts

  • Introducing New Canadians to Winter Sports

    We’re very proud to continue working with...
  • New season, new systems

    New season, new systems! How to smooth out your...
  • Ski and stay in your ‘backyard’ this winter

    Instead of skiing and riding in Banff, try Canm...
  • COVID-19 Precaution: Nakiska Ski Area Closed for the Season

    Dear Guests, Further to our March 15th decision...
  • Less Screen Time & More Family Time – Tubing at Nakiska Ski Area

    Have you ever wanted to head to the mountains f...

Archives

Error, no Ad ID set! Check your syntax!
PARTNERS
SIGNUP FOR THE LATEST NEWS & RESORT SPECIALS
From Nakiska Ski Area
SIGN UP


2 Mt Allan Dr,
Kananaskis, AB T0L 2H0

CONTACT US
Reservations:
1 (800) 258-7669

[email protected]

 
ABOUT RCR

About RCR
Media Inquiries
Job Postings
Donations
Partners
INFORMATION

Contact Us
Experience Survey
Winter Member Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Waivers
HOW TO ORDER

Online Store
By Phone
Installment Plan
LEGAL & POLICY INFORMATION

Accommodation Policy
Pass Upgrade Policy
Refund Policy
Privacy Policy
RCR is inclusive. Harassment and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
CONTACT US JOBS SAFETY TERMS AND CONDITIONS PRESS RELEASES
TOP