What you need to know before sending your child to ski school: 8 tips for parents

1. Make sure your child wants to ski

Some parents dream that their child will one day win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, and therefore intend to send him to the slope as soon as he learns to walk. Others plan to grow up a like-minded person and a partner for joint exits on red (or even black) tracks. There are also those who want their son or daughter to learn how to ride correctly and safely and just have a good time on the slope. It is important that the child shares this desire and is interested in skiing.

2. Wait for the right age

You can start skiing from 3-4 years old, and snowboarding from 7 years old. It is worth choosing an instructor and a lesson program taking into account the educational goal and the age of the child. Future champions need sports sections that will help to perfect the basic technique and motivate to go only forward; for amateurs - children's instructors who know how to captivate the child.

3. Check the qualifications and experience of the instructor

For children to go to classes with pleasure and achieve their goals, it is not only sports that are important. the instructor's achievements, but also his knowledge in the field of child psychology and physiology and, of course, experience teaching. Not every athlete who has become a star knows how to convey information to the student.

Before starting classes, it is worth finding out how long the instructor has been teaching children. It is important to understand what courses he took, what qualifications he has, whether he can submit documents about this. It is also advisable to search the Internet for reviews of the instructor - this will help to understand whether you and your child will be able to establish contact with a specialist.

It is wiser and more profitable to go to official ski schools rather than private teachers. Schools value their reputation, therefore they carefully check the qualifications of specialists and their certificates, conduct trainings, and monitor safety measures.

For safe riding, it is better to work right away with the right instructor who will supply the technique. Attempts to save money can lead to the fact that later the child will have to relearn.

4. Search for information about the school

Large ski resorts often have several schools at once. Finding reviews about each of them is a must-have item in preparing for skiing.

Pay attention not only to what they write about the instructors, but also to information about the school as a whole: where it is located, what exactly is included in the cost of the lesson, is there a playroom. All this determines the level of education, comfort for children and parents.

It is very good when children learn on separate slopes, which are equipped with a "magic carpet", or a travelator - this is a conveyor belt that will help a young skier get to the top of the training slope. It is also convenient for parents when the equipment is included with the cost of the training program.

And here's how to figure out a not-too-good school:

• Instructors do not have IDs.
• The school does not have access to a specially equipped slope for classes with children.
• Pupils need to queue up for the cable cars.
• In group training, eight or more people are assigned to one instructor.
• Reviews of the school on the Internet are mostly negative, or none at all.
• Low prices are cited as a major advantage.

5. Choose a class-friendly format for your child

Many children find it more interesting to study in a group: there is a competitive element in such training. In addition, active team games for agility and coordination of movements make classes fun and easy.

But this format is not suitable for everyone. If the child does not go to kindergarten yet and it is difficult to part with his parents, it is better to sign up for individual lessons. So the instructor's attention will be directed only to him, and the load will be calculated more flexibly.

At the same time, you should not demand rapid progress from the child and the specialist, and even more so to distract them from their studies. When parents are not around, children are more collected and make new friends easier. Be understanding if the instructor asks you to watch the workout from a distance or even go skating separately.

6. Spend your holidays at the ski camp

Camp, or ski camp, is a regular activity over several days. They can be designed for a full day (morning workout, lunch, rest, evening workout) or half a day.

For children, a ski camp is a good opportunity not only to learn how to ski, but also to make friends, communicate with peers, and find common interests. A constant composition for several days helps to better integrate into the training process, feel more comfortable, and stop being shy. And the competitive element will accelerate progress. As a result, even complex elements and tricks can be subdued to the child, for which he will receive prizes and medals.

7. Set an example for your child

If parents prefer to spend their days on a lounger with mulled wine, they, of course, have every right to do so. In the end, everyone rests in their own format and pace.

But it will be easier to motivate the child if the parents also actively ride, study, fall and rise, and in the evening - share the achievements and highlights of the day. With this approach, everyone will surely benefit.

8. Get comfortable gear

Often children are wrapped in thick overalls and warm down jackets - and they get hot on the slopes. Moreover, such clothes hinder movement, so it will be more difficult to enjoy riding and master the correct technique.

Ideal for slopes - 3-layer clothing:

• The first layer is thermal underwear that wicks moisture away. A long-sleeved T-shirt and underpants should be made of synthetic materials: in cotton, drops of steam and sweat are retained, so such clothes cool the body.
• The second layer is warming. This is, for example, a fleece jacket that insulates, but at the same time "breathes". This will make it easier for moisture from the first layer to penetrate outside.
• The third layer is protective. Ski suits, overalls and jackets are made from membrane fabric. Through it, moisture is removed from the body, but at the same time the material does not get wet.

Many children love to wallow in the snow. So that it does not get stuffed under your clothes, you should choose either one-piece ski suits, or jackets with inner "skirts" with an elastic band. And on the sleeves and legs there should be cuffs that fit tightly to the body.

The helmet and mask are also important. The mask protects the eyes from bright sun and snow. And the helmet will save you from a sudden fall or collision. Finally, you need comfortable waterproof mittens or gloves with eyelets on your hands so as not to lose them while riding. The outfit should be in size, not oversized. So it's okay to rent it.