By Ken Mattson
As a parent of three children who have skied since they could walk, and the director of one of the best child ski schools in the Tahoe Basin, I would like to share some tips for
parents who love to ski and want their children to share the same passion.
Let them play!
Snow play is the first key to a child loving the snow. Snowball fights, sledding and snow angels are a great introduction to snow sports but proper attire is crucial. Your child needs to be warm and comfortable in the snow to ensure a good experience.
If you start your child on skis before the age of 3, try putting skis and boots on them and let them walk around indoors. Once they are comfortable wearing the equipment indoors, let them slide around on a flat snowy surface.
Try using a tool called an Edgie Wedgie. These types of tools tie the tips of the skis together and aid a child toward making their first wedge. It’s important that you don’t push them at this stage.
Let them ski for 15 minutes and let that be it. Keep it fun and let them beg you to do it again.
Once they are old enough for an organized lesson bring them to ski school. The Diamond Peak Child Ski Center accepts kids starting at age 3 for private lessons and age 4 for group lessons.
Whether it’s a private lesson for an hour or an all day group lesson, let your child do it without your influence or pressure.
Lastly, take advantage of deals to save money like season ski rentals from your local ski shop or midweek ski school programs.
Bottom line, keep it safe, keep it fun and your child will hopefully grow to love the sport.
Ken Mattson is director of the Diamond Peak Ski Resort Child Ski
Center. Visit www.DiamondPeak.com or call 775-832-1177 for information.
The story previously appeared in the Sierra Sun, a Lake Tahoe newspaper.
