Child: At what age to start skiing?

As a parent, it's not always easy to know the right time to start teaching your child to ski. How do you familiarize them with the sensation of sliding? Should you enroll them in group lessons? Here are some tips for supporting your child in their first skiing sessions during the winter sports season.

5 Years Old, the Average Age to Learn Skiing

On average, a child can start winter sports and learn to ski from around 4-5 years old. At this age, they begin to have control over their bodies and develop their motor skills and balance. This allows them to ski independently, without being held by their parents. However, this is not a minimum age: many children, especially those who grow up in mountainous areas, are ready to put on skis as early as 2-3 years old. Everyone progresses at their own pace!

The most important thing is to make sure your little one is ready. Consider their energy level, their desire to learn, and their physical abilities: Are they the active type? Have they participated in other activities like swimming? If so, taking up skiing at a young age won't be a problem for them.

If your child feels apprehensive, it's important to respect their feelings and not force them. Try to get them used to the sensation of sliding through simple and fun activities like sledding. To introduce them to snow, build a snowman together or go for a walk to admire the beauty of nature in winter.

How to Teach Skiing to Your Child?

To introduce your child to skiing and give them the best possible first experience, two methods are available.

Self-Learning

It's possible to familiarize your child with the joys of skiing in a snow garden at a ski resort. This area dedicated to children from the age of 3 offers playful equipment to facilitate learning, such as small slopes, rope tows, or conveyor belts. Your little one can get accustomed to the equipment, observe, play, and slide on the snow without even thinking about it.

To ensure they fully enjoy the experience, respect their pace. In the cold and bundled up in thick layers, they can quickly get tired and lose concentration. Remember to take regular breaks and limit your introductory sessions to a maximum of one hour. Finally, don’t forget to keep a snack on hand to replenish their energy.

Many professionals advise against keeping your child standing between your legs to teach them how to ski. This practice is bad for your back and dangerous. In the event of a fall, you could fall on them. Moreover, by holding onto you, they might develop bad posture habits and not use their own muscles sufficiently. The right method? Stay beside them and extend a pole. They will learn to balance while being in control of their skis.

With a Ski Instructor

To ensure your child acquires solid skills, it can be wise to enroll them in ski lessons. At ski resorts, group lessons are organized by age and level:

• For ages 3-4: initiation sessions (Club Piou Piou) are short and revolve around playful games to help them move with skis and learn the snowplow technique. These sessions take place in an area dedicated to the youngest children.
• From age 5: lasting 2 hours or more, lessons include the initiation to technical gestures to enable them to be independent on skis. At this age, your child can join the "Flocon" stage.

Skiing is usually taught by a certified instructor within the ESF (French Ski School) or by an independent instructor. To find a lesson suitable for your child's level, reach out to the Tourist Office or your ski resort.

WHAT EQUIPMENT TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD WHILE SKIING?

Regardless of your young skier's age, it's essential to equip them properly. Good gear is key to ensuring their comfort and safety. Among the essentials:

• A helmet to prevent minor falls;
• A warm hat;
• Thermal underwear, warm and comfortable clothing: leggings, neck warmer, ski suit, fleece, and bodysuit;
• Gloves or mittens;
• Shoes in the right size and suitable skis.

The last protection not to overlook: goggles. At Julbo, we develop sun protection for both kids and adults. Because your children's eyes are particularly delicate, it's essential to protect them with a comfortable frame adapted to their head. For the little adventurers, we've expanded our range with durable, accessible ski goggles that don't lack style!

Also Read: Glasses: What to Choose to Properly Protect Your Baby?