Today’s post is written by my husband — Brave Ski Dad #1!
As a professional, I think it imperative to involve other professionals when you want to get a job done correctly.
Ignoring this advice resulted in the best ski season of my life.
That season I skied thirteen days at Powderhorn Mountain Resort and never left the bunny slope.
Our youngest son was learning to ski, as a three-year old, and had taken one lesson.
Not Qualified, At All
As I said, there are numbers of things that require a professional to get the right result: architects, doctors, auto mechanics, ski instructors. These pros need to be hired to get the desired outcome.
Normally for a three-year old I would suggest multiple days of ski instruction so they can learn proper technique and have success.
Intellectually I knew this. I knew that I was not a ski instructor, nor did I have any skills to teach my son. I had skied 30 years and never attempted to teach anyone. However, my young son did not want to be taught by an instructor so after his lesson we skied together for 13 days over the rest of the season.
Here’s how it went. I put the edgy-wedgy on his skis. I had the hula-hoop. Away we went. Riding the lift. Watching the kids skiing beneath us. Having lunch with big brother and Mama. Back at it with a mid-day hot chocolate break.
These were great days hanging out, learning about my son and sharing the thrill of skiing.
Gaining Speed and Confidence
My thrills increased as he gained confidence, had more fun and his speed downhill got faster and faster. As his skills developed, my heart began to race when he asked to ditch the hula-hoop.
I’m a Risk Management professional, and removing the only real speed arresting device struck fear in me. Still, as I watched my son make turns, especially turns away from trees, I could see his confidence grow and feel my fear subside.
Our son is a strong-willed boy and he was clear in wanting ski with me and not another instructor. He used the lesson he took and put it to practice and took me for a ride I cherish to this day.
Who Needs Vert? You’ve Got Love.
I still believe your loved ones deserve to be taught by professionals to give them the skills to progress and enjoy a great sport.
But don’t pass up the bunny slope if your children ask to ski with you.
The vert you miss will pale in comparison to the joy you share with your child.
Thanks for sharing James!
Parents, what are your treasured memories of those early, learn-to-ski days?
Please share!
Also posted at Club Colorado, Colorado Ski Country USA.
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After several season of handing our girls to a ski instructor we have come to the point when we tell them it’s ski time w/ us instead of a class (which they always enjoy) the smile on their and our faces subsequently are that much bigger. Though not accumulating vert by staying on the kiddy slopes, leading or more often now being led by a 6 and 4.5 yo smiling done the hills is a good thing.
Such a good thing! Glad to hear you’re enjoying it and so are your kids! Ski on!