What year is best to start my son in ski school?

Question

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Answer 1

It really depends on the mountain. My mountain has a special program for little kids, so there can be a group of just 3-5 yr olds. If you take your son out at 3 years old, and he gets put in with a group of 10 year olds, that won't be good because 10 year olds have had much more time to develop muscles, and teaching 10 year olds is nothing like teaching 3 year olds.

Generally, the earlier the better, but don't do it until he will get something out of it.

Answer 2

I'd say three or four years old.  We started our daughter at three and she's nine now and can ski like crazy.

Answer 3

I honestly wish my dad had been able to aford starting me as soon as I could walk.  I would say as soon as he isnt too tipsy on his feet, and get him some of those straps that holds the tips together and a little leash and ski around with him!

Answer 4

To start them in ski school they should be able to walk and stand without falling all over themselves. Also be toilet trained and past the separation anxiety that children go through with strangers.  I do teach 4-5  YO but prefer a few years older to be in a real learning situation. I agree with Willie D that starting young helps and sliding around on the hill is great. The problem is this is not really a ski school experience, just on a hill with an experienced teacher.

  The racer chaser harness is not what I like to use, I prefer just being within reach at all times and letting them learn by doing themselves.

  Start them when the child wants and meets the criteria I listed earlier. A ski instructor is a very expensive babysitter, so be sure the student is worth it. Also the instructor gets about 10% of what you pay the school for the lesson.

Answer 5

i had my kids on snow at 15 months old. it was a nice warn afternoon, last day of the season that year (twins) now at 13 they rip. as far as the years inbetween, the 2nd year they watched more than participated, but they sure enjoyed everyone falling. the 3rd year they took off... had the muscle tone to actually get it done by themselves. so, i guess 3 -4 is the magical number.

Answer 6

if your child can throw and catch a ball (really, not half way) they are ready. this means they have developed enough hand/eye coordination and balance to start skiing. everyone develops these skills at a different age and some never do (bunny slopes for life,  rock on). i was 17 years old when i first learned to ski. i wish i had started much earlier.

Answer 7

Once he's good on his feet, I would say. That way he gets used to the feel of skiis.

Answer 8

When THEY feel comfortable with it.  The last thing you want to do is push them too early so they hate it.

If they have been around the snow since they were little takers, as mine was, they will have an idea of what is going on and will probably want to start.  But before they are 3 they probably don't have the coordination, comprehension or strength to do much except play.

Put them in lessons, ideally at a place with specialist teachers for young kids (the place where mine started had dual qualified instructors in child care and ski instructing).  The concepts are difficult and specialist instructors will have drills and tricks to teach those concepts.  You won't.

Answer 9

As a ski instructor, I would have to say 5.  Maybe 4 if they are mature for there age.  Cordination isnt that bad, and they can learn it.  But, when there too young, they get scared.  They want there mom.  I dont know how many lesson are usually a horrible 2 hours becuase they get scared becuase there mom left them with some stranger! (the instructor).

Answer 10

You'd be surprised on how well a young youth no matter what age can learn to ski , I have personally seen 3 year olds take to the slope like it was nothing I have just the place there are many videos to pick from and there you can watch  open the snowboarding free couching video their you will see others http://snowsportblog.blogspot.com/... Just browse around there are many pages with all kinds of great deals

Answer 11

Three years old is about the youngest most places will allow kids to start. It is a good age to begin skiing. Personally, I think most three year olds still don't have the coordination or comprehension skills necessary to really get the hang of it, but there is nothing wrong with putting them on a tether and letting them slide down the bunny hill.

No age is too old. I wish I started when I was younger. I was 12 the first time I went. Neither of my parents ski, so I didn't start until one of our scout leaders thought it would be fun for the troop to try it.

Answer 12

I started at 3, and I really think that helped me become a great skier. At that age, falling isn't so scary (or painful)!