Children's
Ski School
Putting
your kids into ski school is essential to get them on the right track.
Children's instructors know how to teach kids, it's their business.
Once your kids have mastered the basics you'll enjoy skiing with them
and they will be proud to show you their skiing abilities.
Generally,
you won't have a problem convincing your child to go to ski
school in the morning. Most teaching methods for children
involve
little explanation and a great deal of copying movements. This is all
disguised as fun, games and, for older children, races.
Children's
technique often develops very quickly from the snowplough to parallel
turns
simply through progressive increase in speed and narrowing of the skis,
much to the irritation and pride of the parents.
Before
You Go
If
you live within easy travelling distance of a dry slope or a snow dome
book your kids a couple of lessons before you travel. This is a useful
opportunity for them to get used to the equipment. They will also learn
a few of the basics giving them a great head start on holiday.
When deciding
where to take your ski trip research how each area's children ski
school programs are structured. Ask about the number of kids and age
ranges in the class? What if your child gets cold? What if your child
wants to stop skiing after one hour?
Very
Young Children
Most
family orientated resorts will have a “snow garden”
and children's club for very young
children to have structured play and activities in the snow.
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Young
Children
Ski Schools tend to accept
children from the age
of 3 – 4 years depending on the resort/country (check before
you book).
Younger children who are three or four to twelve years old are admitted
into Children’s Ski Schools. Instructors are well trained and
understand about the short attention span and the ability of children
in skiing. Various tactics such as themed terrain gardens, games on
snow, and follow-the-leader type of teaching are used to entertain
children and at the same time to teach the basics of skiing in a fun
way.
Teenagers
Teen
Classes are intended for older children who are 13-17 years old. Some
Ski lessons for teenagers are held only during the school holidays
– so check first if travelling during term time. More often
than
not, Teen Classes have instructors who are relatively young and strong
who focus on skiing moves rather than discussion on the more technical
aspects of skiing. They will make learning to ski fun
ensuring
your kids have a great hoiliday.
Private Lessons
If
you want your kids to have private lessons book them with one of the
local ski schools before you leave. If you would like to accompany your
child on their lesson, some schools offer a "Ski With Me" lesson. This
is a special private lesson for children where the parent receives tips
from the instructor on how to help the child's skills develop.
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