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Home | Are Your Kids Ready for Ski Lessons?

Are Your Kids Ready for Ski Lessons?

We recently spent the weekend on the slopes at Northstar California, where our kids took ski lessons with one of their experienced instructors. We were amazed at how much progress they made in just a few hours!

When should you get your own kids started on skis? Mike Hafer, assistant director of the Northstar's Ski and Snowboard School, was kind enough to answer this and a few other questions about ski lessons for children. Mike is also a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Demo Team and father of two young daughters.

What's the best age to get your kids started on the slopes? Is it ever too late?

When the child is ready. The mountain environment can be very intimidating to a young child. I would recommend that the child experiences snow play prior to learning how to ski or snowboard. Most 2-year-olds will only last about 20–30 minutes at most on the snow with equipment. 3-year-olds will typically go anywhere from a half day to a full day depending on their normal routines. If they are in need of nap time, I would recommend sticking with a half day program.

Most 4-year-olds will be able to adapt into the mountain environment relatively easy, however be prepared to stick to the easy trails. It takes young kids four to five times longer to learn how to ski then their older counter parts.

It is never too late to start!

What are the differences between private and group lessons?

The material which is delivered will be the same information that is covered in group lessons however, the learning process is accelerated during a private lesson due to the lower ratios.

A group lesson is made up of people who may or may not know each other. The class sizes are typically larger in size. The goals and objectives of the participants may greatly vary. The structure of the lesson is very regimented to keep the group on track.

A private lesson is typically a one-to-one ratio. A private party will purchase the instructor’s time (I recommend a minimum of three hours) for the lesson. The lesson is meant to cater to the needs of the person(s) purchasing the lesson, i.e. someone who would like to learn how to ski bumps would focus on this particular goal all day versus multiple goals and objectives.

What's the average day at ski school like?

Most lessons for our 4–12 year olds begin at 10am and finish between 3:30 and 3:45pm. The times will be slightly different with the 3 year old program. With that said, there is a check in process with the children’s group lessons. We need to collect pertinent information in order to provide the best experience possible for your child.

We recommend that you pre register your child for lessons at least a week in advance. This in turn will expedite the registration process. We do recommend that you drop your child off between 8:30 and 9 am. The Northstar Kid’s Ski and Board School programs include ski/snowboard equipment, boots, and helmets.

Between the time your child is dropped off until they are sliding on the snow, the children will be fitted with equipment and separated into groups depending on age and ability. Once the children have been grouped and outfitted, they will then make their way to the learning area.

The children will ski or ride in their groups until lunch time. The kids will take a lunch break for approximately 45 minutes. After lunch they will continue sliding on the hill until parent pick up at 3:30 pm. This is the opportunity for the parent(s) to speak with the instructor regarding the child’s day.

How long does it usually take before kids are ready to start hitting the slopes without an instructor?

This is a very difficult question to answer as all kids develop differently. In most cases, 3-year-olds will take much longer to develop the skills necessary to control their skis or snowboards than a 5-year-old.

In an effort to help guide some expectations, it could take a minimum of four days for a 3-year-old to develop enough skills to make a turn on our teaching slope (very gentle pitch). Whereas a 5-year-old who has been involved in other sports or physical activities may begin turning within a few hours on the same terrain.

When should kids think about starting snowboard lessons?

The equipment today is so good that any age is appropriate to begin snowboarding. I recommend that you let your child decide which sport to partake in. We try to encourage a safe and fun learning environment in hopes that the children we work with will enjoy the mountain environment as we do.