Ski Instructions for Kids

1). Dress your child in appropriately warm clothing and stay away from bulky gear. Many retailers for ski wear offer coats and sweaters that are exceptionally warm without the bulk of a snowsuit. Schedule skiing on sunny days with mild weather. Avoid days that are wet or extremely cold, which would cause the child to associate skiing with shivering and misery.
2). Take advantage of the bunny slope. Be patient with your child and spend time on a mild hill teaching them the basics. Do not rush them or show frustration with their fear or hesitancy. Take a break for hot cocoa if your child seems to be growing tired or disheartened.
3). Teach kids to use the wedge by putting the tips of their skis together and the backs of the skis wide apart. Ski Instructor Leonid Feldman suggests asking your child to show you what a piece of pizza looks like with her skis. Show your child the difference between a small wedge that would help her go down a hill slowly and a big wedge that would bring her to a complete stop.
4). Leave the poles at home, advises Billie Munro Audia, a ski instructor who has taught kids to ski in New Hampshire and Colorado. Encourage kids to use their arms to balance.
5). Take your child down real slopes after sufficient practice on the bunny slope. Hold your child and let her stand between your legs as you ski together. Show her how to turn from side to side and how to create a big wedge with her skis to slow down or stop.
6). Teach your child the correct way to ride a ski lift. Show your child how to bend slightly and get ready to sit on the chair lift as it swings around. Tell your child never to drop things off of the chair lift or play with their skis.