Winter Activities with Kids

If you're a snowsports enthusiast, chances are you want your kids to love the snow as much as you do. Here are some ideas to get your child fired up about snowsports.

Gearing Up to Go

Kids are especially susceptible to cold, and a cold kid is a cranky kid. To keep toddlers warm, dry, and happy, you can't go wrong with an insulated snowsuit. As kids get bigger, we recommend dressing them in layers.

• A base layer of non-cotton thermal underwear.
• An insulating mid-layer such as a wool sweater or fleece jacket and pants.
• An outer wind-proof, water-repellent shell. Waterproof-breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex® make the best outer layer.
• If kids are simply playing in the snow, a warm hat will do for headwear. If they are starting to ski at the local hill, a helmet is strongly recommended.
• Don't forget waterproof mittens (not gloves) and warm socks.

Getting Started

There's only one simple rule: make it fun. Your kids may be strapping on skis or snowshoes, but don't mistake this for skiing or snowshoeing with your friends. Readjust your expectations: it's simply an opportunity for you to play in the snow with your kids and have fun.

• Before heading out, have your children try on the gear inside. Let them get used to putting their skis on, feeling the weight on their feet and the effect it has on their balance. Most importantly, they can learn to stand up when they fall down.
• With very young children, consider purchasing a sled or pulk. Find a gentle slope and introduce the exciting mix of gravity and snow-covered slopes. Even as the kids get older, keep the sled around. If they flake out halfway through the trip, you can load them in with their gear and head home with minimal fuss.
• Once you get them out there, have an attainable goal or destination in mind.
• Bring lots of snacks, and a big Thermos full of hot chocolate.
• Bring an extra pair of gloves, and a change of clothes for the ride home.

Getting Bigger, Getting Better

The right age for kids to transition from playing to riding depends on the child. As a point of reference, many mountain resorts offer ski schools for kids three years and older. These programs will also rent the equipment your child needs to get started. Ski lessons are also a great way to build confidence. Schools have well-rehearsed classes and time-tested techniques for teaching kids and keeping them happy on the slopes. Your child learns with other kids who are at their level. Seeing other kids crashing and laughing ensures your little ones that they are not alone. And finally, while your tykes are in ski school, you can slip away and crank out some turns before heading back to the bunny hill.

• For secondhand gear check out MEC's Online Gear Swap, annual in-store Gear Swaps, or the store bulletin boards.
• Nordic skiing is a great way to get your kids on skis. It's less expensive than downhill skiing, and most kids who start out on cross-country skis pick up alpine techniques very quickly.
• Nordic ski boots look and feel like regular hiking boots and can be worn comfortably with or without skis. You can mount a three-pin binding to any old alpine ski and voilá, you have an inexpensive starter ski that's easy to walk with and stable enough to ski on.
• If you attach a small section of climbing skin to the middle of their skis it will prevent the ski from sliding backward on slight inclines. It also prevents the ski from accelerating too quickly if your child attempts a daring descent.
• Check out snowshoes. They are light, inexpensive, and easy to use. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.