Skiing with young children... Where to go? How young to start?
We're heading to North Tahoe this weekend and I'm toying with the idea of taking my almost 3 year old downhill skiing. He did reasonably well and had a good time x-country skiing over Christmas.
Any suggestions of ski resorts that have great kid's lessons (I've read that private is a better idea than ski school for young kids, but I'm not sure exactly why) and/or good child care? Looks like ones nearby are: Northstar, Squaw Valley, Heavenly. I tend to think smaller is better for small kids, less likely to attract teenage daredevils and performance skiiers, maybe the whole mountain will move at a slower pace, but I have no idea if my gut is right on this one.
(Also, how bad is it to think about wearing a 1-year-old in an Ergo while skiing easy green slopes? My husband simply laughed when I mentioned this, but I'm still thinking about it ;)
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Great answers, thanks! Just a quick update on our experience after-the-fact:
- 2, almost 3, is a great age to start skiing. Our son had no trouble with the idea of being in motion, wasn't worried about stopping, and was able to stay upright and get down the kiddie slope with my husband or I skiing next to, behind, or actually holding him up when he got tired (I put my poles horizontally in front of him and snow plowed around his skis, while he hitched himself on to the poles draping his arms over them). Verbal instructions ("hands on knees" "make a triangle"), though, not such a hit. He just needed to try it his own way. It was a blast!
- You're right, it was a very bad idea to think about carrying our 1-year-old in an Ergo while skiing. We didn't try it. Thanks all for the sanity check, the baby appreciates it :)
2 Answers
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I think I stepped on skis at that age (between 2 and 3). My parents say that on my first day I only lasted about 30 seconds on the skis (which is exactly what my almost 3 yo daughter did last weekend...). But I did better the second time around and I've loved skiing ever since.
Same as the previous comment: I would recommend against taking your baby on your back... You could fall, you could be hit by a runaway skier, your baby could get cold or be exposed to too much sun...
Maybe you can find a resort that offers child care while you enjoy a few hours of skiing with your older one?
