What to know before you ski with kids

Skiing has been a favorite sport of both my husband and mine since we were kids. We knew that we would want to introduce our kids to this sport from a young age, and we’ve been fortunate enough to make that happen. But skiing with kids isn’t always as glorious and adorable as you may think. It’s an effort to even get to the bottom of the mountain with the kids, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

Skiing is such a wonderful sport, both as an individual and for a family to do together, and I love encouraging other families to start skiing together. It’s a fantastic way to get outside with a purpose in the winter months. So here are a few tips for families to keep in mind before they take the kiddos skiing for the first time.

#1: Make a budget.

I won’t lie to you. Skiing can be an incredibly expensive sport. No matter where you ski, whether it’s out west where the prices are the highest, or back in the midwest (where we live), you’ll need to create a ski fund, because everything adds up.

Especially if you have new skiers, you don’t need to (and shouldn’t) run out to your local ski shop to buy the top of line skis, ski boots and winter gear. I’d first recommend trying a second-hand sport gear store. In the Chicago area, we have Play it Again sports. You can get really great quality skis, ski boots and poles there for a fraction of the price of new. **Tip: Go to a Play it Again Sports that’s in a more affluent area. The gear is typically nicer there. My husband and I even got some gear there last year.

Now, you may be asking me, “Why not rent?”. If you plan to only go once a season, then it makes sense to rent. But if you live within a couple of hours of a ski resort, and you plan to ski several weekends this winter, then renting will save you both money and time at the mountain.

You also don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on your ski jacket, snow pants, goggles, helmet, etc. Amazon has plenty of great ski gear, at much more affordable prices than you’ll find at a local ski shop or a big box sports gear store.

#2: Prep your mindset.

Depending on the age of your children, this will NOT be easy. I’ve always been told that the younger the kids are, the easier it will for them to learn how to ski. But you’ve got to be prepared for some serious whining because ski gear is heaving and walking in snow boots, especially in snow, is harder than walking in regular shoes. You may end up carrying more gear than just your own.

Skiing is SO MUCH FUN, but it’s a lot of work to get to the fun and easy part. So it’s just important to be prepared for that.

Get your kids in the mindset too. We watched youtube videos of professional skiers, bloggers and their families on ski trips, etc leading up to going skiing. We also talked about how much fun it would be. Build the hype.

#3: Some practical tips:

Get dressed in the car. Gear up in your car before you go to the slopes. If one adult can drop everyone off at the front and then go park the car, that will cut the walking in half for the littles. AND GO TO THE BATHROOM FIRST. This is why we have a potty in our car, lol.
Bring snacks and water/sports drinks on the mountain. Have one adult ski with a fanny pack or backpack that has snacks, water and any medical gear you may need. We use a camelback style backpack so our whole family just drinks out of the backpack straw. We love to bring Smucker’s Uncrustables as well. They’re super easy to carry and can be a full meal for the littles and adults.
Ski school is worth every cent. Even if you just get your kids a 1-2 hour private lesson, it is worth it. Oftentimes, kids will learn something better from someone they don’t know vs. their parents (echem that’s why I send my kids to school). My kids had 3 hours total of lessons, and it was the best decision. They were up the chairlift and skiing down the mountain independently afterward. It’s a kickstart to the skiing you want to do as a family, and way less frustrating. Kids will not whine or complain nearly as much if their parents aren’t their teacher.
Take a break. Make a time to come off the mountain and sit down for lunch and/or a break. Hydrate, go to the bathroom, catch your breath and warm up if it’s freezing outside. Make it enjoyable. Get hot chocolate or some candy — sugar is necessary for ski trip days.
Check the mental and physical “temperatures” of the family. If they’re ready to go at 3 pm, don’t push it until 5 when they’ll be screaming, crying and unhappy. It’s so much better to end on a good note.
Change out of your ski boots before you all head back to the car. And go to the bathroom again. It feels good to get out of those boots, and it will make walking to the car much easier and happier.
DON’T FORGET TO TAKE PICTURES AND VIDEOS! You will be looking at them and smiling all year long. And the kids LOVE to watch themselves ski.
Enjoy the passed out kids in the back seat on the way home!