Whether teaching your kid to ski or snowboard, it’s important to plan ahead. Check out these important tips to ensure your day on the mountain is fun, smooth, and safe.
Prepare your child for what is ahead:
Often kids are super excited to try new things until it comes time to physically do the activity. Ask your child what they are most excited for, tell them about your experiences snowboarding, and show them videos of snowboarding information, while allowing them to ask you questions that arise during the videos.
Purchase lift tickets ahead of time:
This will save you time, and save your child from getting anxious or distracted. If you’re able to, purchasing lift tickets in advance can often save you money as well. While you’re purchasing your lift tickets online, do not forget to print out waivers, so all you have to do is turn them in when the day comes to hit the slopes.
Pack plenty of snacks:
If you’re like me, you have snacks coming out of every pocket when you’re with the kids. On the mountain or at the hill this should be no different when you’re bringing your little one along. In my experience, everyone gets a little more aggravated when they are hungry so prevent that by being prepared. Pack a bag before you leave home filled with snacks! This will also save you from spending money in pricey chalet restaurants.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Whether you run warm or are always freezing, plan on your child always being cold. It is a million times easier to remove layers that are already on than it is to dig for layers you probably didn’t pack. Dress your child appropriately or pack these clothes to bring along on your snowboarding adventure.
Base Layers:
Make sure your child has a good base layer, most will help repel moisture and retain heat. I recommend a synthetic or merino wool fabric that fits a little loose, this will provide your child with mobility and warmth. Try to avoid cotton because when it gets wet, it stays wet, and causes your little one to lose body heat quickly.
Layers:
Have a sweatshirt packed in a bag that your son or daughter can put on right before heading outside for the first laps. When I was a child I would wear a base layer on my top and bottom, then layer with a sweatshirt or fleece and sweatpants or pajama pants, I would outlast my friends for hours. Now my niece does the same, and I almost never hear a peep out of her for being too cold.
Socks:
Stay away from cotton, short socks, and thin ones. My advice?..purchase a ski or snowboard specific sock. These types of socks are designed to keep the rider as comfortable and dry as possible in their boots, providing your child with one less thing to worry about.
Snow Pants:
I know what you’re thinking, “duh Ashley, we obviously wouldn’t forget snow pants”, but there’s an important point to be made here. Many parents purchase their child a lesser quality pair of snow pants because their kid is constantly growing. That may work for recess, but spending a few extra bucks on a nice pair of snow pants will keep your child warm, dry, and out having fun all day long or at least longer than they would if they were in a poor quality pair of snow pants. Try finding your grom a pair of snow pants that has a jacket-to-pant interface to keep the snow out or the popular bibs style.
Jacket:
This is an important layer that your child will want a say in. When you put your child in a youth snowboarding jacket (or really any article of clothing) that they don’t like, they’re going to be much more difficult to be around, meaning teaching them to snowboard could be a real pain in the “you know what”. Find a jacket your little shredder loves, with all the features you as a parent want your child to have in a jacket. A jacket with a jacket-to-pant interface can connect your child’s pants and jacket together, which will help prevent snow in unwanted places as well as breezes.
Mittens / Gloves:
I personally have always loved wearing mittens when I’m snowboarding because it keeps my fingers warm for long periods of time. My niece, on the other hand, loves gloves. She likes being able to use her hands as if she wasn’t wearing any hand protection while learning to snowboard, like strapping into and out of her snowboard bindings.
SNOWBOARDING GEAR
Snowboard:
Finding the right sized board for your grom is very important in the way they’ll handle on the mountain. Find a snowboard that fits them based on their weight. When I was little, we would figure out what snowboard I needed based on how tall I was. Nowadays, we measure boards to fit a person by weight and ability level. A smaller board typically give you more ability to maneuver. See The House’s snowboard size guide to see what size snowboard your child should be riding.
Boots:
Finding the right kids snowboard boots can be a pain in the rear-end. Your child should almost always try on the boot to see if the size works for them. Do not put your child in a boot that is too big for them. A boot that is too large can create difficulty maneuvering the snowboard as well as potential sprained or broken bones.
Bindings:
Youth bindings are much easier to purchase than boots and a board. Find a pair that fits the snowboard you’re looking at. Once you’ve found some pairs of bindings that fit the board and boot size your child wears, have your child pick their favorite pair. This is for them so they should love what they’re going to be sporting. (HINT: if you’re choosing a Burton snowboard, Burton bindings) will make your life a lot easier)
ON THE SLOPES
When you and your kiddo are finally on the slopes be sure to reassure them throughout the day. When I took my niece to Trollhaugen, I made sure to continue recognizing the achievements she has made, big and small, and that made a huge difference in her stamina throughout the day. The more you point out their accomplishments in learning, the more energy they will have to keep trying. For kids that are a bit older, like Brooke who was 10 when this picture was taken, let them figure out some of their own ways of doing things with pointers and suggestions along the way. Remember most importantly to have fun and be safe on and off the slopes when teaching your kiddo how to snowboard.
(Friendly reminder: I am not an instructor. Teaching my niece to snowboard became easier because she is a quick learner and very dedicated to being great at everything she tries. I am not a great snowboarder and suggest if you are not great yourself to purchase lessons from your local ski area.)
