At what age can a child start skiing?
Your toddler is already roaming and you are about to introduce him to the joys of the mountains for the first time. On the programme, snowmen and sledging, and why not skiing? But at what age can a child start skiing to make his first tracks? Find our advice for a good start in skiing.
At what age can a child start skiing?
While there is no specific age for beginning to ski, it is generally agreed that children should be initiated from the age of 2. Some would say 3 years old. In reality, it is often the acquisition of cleanliness that is the prerequisite, especially if you wish to enrol your little one in group lessons. At 3 years old, it is also the age when the child enters school and is therefore already used to learning in a group and to socialising.
Finally, it also depends greatly on the child. If he talks to you about skiing weeks before the holiday, steals your ski poles to imitate you in the living room or multiplies drawings of "me, dad and mum in the snow", then he is clearly asking to begin with skiing.
On the other hand, if he seems to have little interest in skiing, it is up to you to stimulate and motivate him. First of all, for a child to enjoy skiing, he or she has to like snow. Snowmen, snowball fights or even sledging, accumulate outdoor outings where your little darling can safely become comfortable with this new cold and light material.
Instructors, psychologists, teachers, all will tell you: you must not force the child at the risk of rushing him or generating a blockage. It is important that skiing, like everything else, is a game and that the activity remains a playful pleasure.
Hydration and snacking
At altitude, the air is drier. So we are more easily dehydrated. Even if your child is not thirsty, give them something to drink and put a small water bottle in their pocket. Similarly, you can slip in a cereal bar to boost their energy reserves at four o'clock.
How to equip a child for skiing
When being active outdoors in winter temperatures, children get cold faster than adults. It is therefore essential to properly cover your toddlers for skiing, especially the extremities. Here's what to pack in your suitcase:
- Special breathable ski socks ;
- Some mittens (which are warmer than gloves);
- New generation of first layer long sleeves t-shirts known as "thermal";
- A children's beanie as it is through the head that the majority of body heat is evacuated and sometimes lost.
Learning to ski for your kids: with the family or via ski classes?
It's an eternal dilemma that only parents will be able to resolve. For some, the trust and relationship within the family creates the ideal environment to develop, progress, try and sometimes fail, before trying again.
Others will argue that skiing in a group lesson stimulates the child, encourages them to emulate their peers and at the same time socialises them. Not to mention that the teacher will show more pedagogy and patience than an inexperienced parent.
The learning to ski in kindergarten relies on play. You learn certain techniques while having fun, slaloming between the figures, hopping or crouching under a tunnel. In addition, the pace adapts to the level of the little skiers with snack and rest breaks between exercises.
When you're a winter sports fan, it's hard to resist introducing your offspring to the joys of skiing. However, be patient and don't rush them. You can start to introduce the game of learning to ski to your child from the age of 2 and enjoy unique moments as a family.
The three key points to remember about what age a child can start skiing at:
- Age is not the most important thing, what counts is his/her desire to learn and cleanliness;
- Equip your child with equipment that is easy to use and that he/she will be able to handle easily;
- Limit ski outings to 30 min for a beginner, up to 2 h for a junior.