That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, skiing season has started in New England! I am a skier and thought I should do an article to help start kids’ skiing.
Now, if you are a parent with kids who ski and you need a way to get them skiing, as you are too busy, I would suggest using school ski programs to get kids skiing. They are really helpful, as they take the kid skiing, let him/her hang out with friends, and teach them new things. When I started skiing, I started via my school’s ski program. My program bussed us to Pat’s Peak, a medium mountain (good for beginners), offered lessons, and took us home at 8 o’clock. Rentals had a reduced price though the program, and there was a similar meal program. Also, we got one free day there and two free days at other mountains. We were allowed to travel around the mountain without chaperons, but there were still strict rules preventing unruly behavior. Most ski programs are similar.
Now if your child does ski, he/she needs gear. If they belong to a program, it is easy to rent but having your own gear is nice. In the case of kids, buying used is best, as we tend to outgrow it (less so in the case of helmets, goggles, and coats). I have my own gear, and when I outgrow it, we can trade it into a swap program, where it is much less. Many ski stores have a way into the swaps. Do, remember, don’t go crazy expensive, we are kids.
Traveling in groups is very fun as kids. We like to roam mountains in herds. So, when your kids (teens!) want to go skiing, let a friend or two come, especially if you are a parent who doesn’t ski. That way, your kid can go off with a friend while you stay warm in the lodge, sipping hot chocolate. Also, going around in groups is safer, and you learn from each other.
Skiing is a fun sport, and there are many cost effective ways for kids to take part. Let them have fun, especially with friends!
[...] The slopes are not too great at the present moment due to the lack of snow, but from what we have experienced, Mont Tremblant is a great family mountain. There are a lot of beginners on the slopes, but once you learn which trails are infested with those beginners, they are pretty easy to avoid. To read more about the slopes, visit a recent post on Outdoors Eagle. [...]