Do you love the snow sports, like skiing and snowboarding, and hope to pass that love down to your kids? If so, there are several things you need to know if you are ready to introduce your kids to skiing or snowboarding. Primarily, as a parent, you’ll want the entire skiing experience to be a fun-filled learning experience and not a stressful training program.
Skiing Lessons for the Kids
You could teach them the how-to’s yourself, or you could have a professional teach them. There are several factors to be considered before you put your child into a ski school. Usually, kids start their first skiing lessons at a minimum age of seven or higher. Choose a skiing program that suits your child’s age and needs. If he or she has prior experience playing in snow and using skis, then that would be an added advantage.
Compare and consider the duration of the training and the cost for different training programs. Most of the best skiing centers provide all the necessary skiing equipment and accessories, but sometimes it is an extra fee in addition to the training fee. You’ll want to discuss the terms of equipment rentals with the training authorities before making any payments.
Some Tips for Choosing a Training Program
Look for reputable ski training centers or ski schools. You can shortlist your choices by concentrating on end-of-the-season training classes. This would be around March or April or generally the beginning of spring time. Also, check the training strategies followed at each of the centers.
Age-appropriate grouping of students is essential for consistent coaching. Try to avoid a school where children belonging to wider age brackets are trained together. This could lead to undue comparison and unfair skill assessment. There should be one trainer for each group of no more than 7 to 10 students.
Before finalizing the training program enrollment, make sure that every trainer working in that training center is PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) certified. Only centers approved for PSIA training are granted adequate skiing insurance coverage. Be sure that your choice of skiing schools have insurance.
Compare the skiing strategies and skiing conditions offered for the kids in various schools. The training program should educate the kids regarding various types of skiing techniques and help them in choosing the most suitable technique. Primary lessons regarding safety rules and regulations should be included in their regimen. Training regarding various types, functions, and usage of necessary skiing equipment should be offered. Also, be sure that the skiing ground used for training is perfect for beginners.
Last But Not Least
Finally, be sure that your child actually wants to learn the sport. Skiing is quite different from other sports, and it takes lot of self-control and confidence to master the process. Under such circumstances, if your kids show any hesitance, waiting for a few months, or even a few years, may be the best option.
Now, while the kids are with their ski instructor, you can go get in a couple of good runs yourself!
