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Ski Mom “Secrets” for New Ski Moms and Dads

November 4, 2015 by braveskimom

Park city mountain resort adventure alleys
Photo courtesy Park City Mountain Resort/Dan Campbell.

Don’t Skimp on Warmth

brave ski mom logoThe first time we took our son skiing, we dressed him in a cute coat. Unfortunately, it was not a warm coat.

He was cold and miserable and did not want to be outside. The next time we skied with him, he was snuggly zipped into a water-resistant down coat. SUCCESS!

Another tip? No cotton. Don’t even think about using pj’s as long underwear. Instead look for wool or polypropylene, both of which breathe and wick moisture away from hot little bodies.

stripes gear kids styles
Polypropylene base layers from Stripes Gear. Look cute, stay warm and dry.

And don’t feel you have to buy all this gear. Kids grow fast, so check in with friends for hand-me-downs, search Craig’s List or rent for a vacation or season.

One Pair of Thin Socks

Your kids (and you) will stay warmer, and be more comfortable, with just one pair of thin socks. Make sure their boots fit properly (ask for a fitting at the ski shop) and never wear cotton.

Mittens

We think mittens are warmer and easier to put on. It’s also easy to use hand warmers with mittens. No special pocket required.

Season Rentals

If you don’t want to commit to buying equipment, look for season long rentals at ski shops and resorts. You only go through the rental and fitting process once and you can trade in gear when your child suddenly outgrows it.

skis junior

One Person, One Bag

A place for everything and everything its place. It’s trite, but solid advice. Get a bag for each person in your family. I love ski boot backpacks because they hold everything from mittens and spare socks (another tip!) to helmets and jackets. Plus, they leave hands free to carry skis, poles or to help a little one across a slick parking lot.

kulkea and transpack ski boot bags
Great ski backpacks (and a ski bag) from Kulkea and Transpack.

Boots On

Here’s how you put ski boots on soft, small feet: Separate the front of the boot as wide as you can and then pull the tongue out of the way. This opens up a larger cavity in which to put your child’s foot.

fitting ski boot

School Age Passes

Most states with ski areas offer discount passes for kid in certain grades. In Colorado, you can get a 5th or 6th grade pass good for a set number of days at each of 21 resorts. It’s free for 5th graders and $99 for 6th graders. Deals vary by state (and country — yes Canada, we’re talking about you!).

colorado ski pass 5th grade
It’s good to be a 5th grader in Colorado, Canada and so many other places!

Pack Your Pockets

Pockets are your friend. Us them to carry spare hand warmers and snacks. Since kids get hungry quickly and at unexpected times, small, energy-packed snacks can stop whining and save your sanity.

ski snacks
Never miss a meal…or at least a solid ski snack!

Other items to pack in pockets are Chapstick, sunscreen, neck gaiters or buffs and lift tickets/pass.

Full Hydration

Staying hydrated is critical to enjoying skiing and snowboarding. Not only will everyone feel better and ski better, but everyone will also stay warmer.

Take breaks to visit the drinking fountain. Or, ski with an insulated Camelbak or refillable bottle.

Bring a Sharpie

Keep a sharpie in your ski bag. If you’ve got little ones in lessons, or skiing with someone other than mom and dad, write your name and cell number on your child’s lift ticket (or a wide piece of tape on her helmet, or a piece of paper in his pocket). Let the adult in charge know where to find the number and you can rest easier, knowing there won’t be any delay or confusion if you need to be found.

Getting in the Car

Pack the car, the cooler and the backseat the night before. Go ahead and pack your ski boots, IF you have a heated garage. If not, keep them nice and warm in the house overnight.

When our kids were small, we found it helpful to have special snacks, books and music/stories that were available only in the car.

With older kids and teens, the key is clear communication. One ski dad I know sets a fixed departure time, communicates it to the family and expects what he calls AIS  five minutes ahead of time. When the car rolls, if you’re not AIS, you’re staying home.

Boot Dryers

thermic air boot dryersI’ve never been a fan of boot warmers, but I love, love, love boot dryers. Why? Because even on the coldest days your kids’ feet can get sweaty. And, if they don’t dry out, they will be cold, damp and clammy the next time you ski (not to mention smelly).

We think the fan type dryers work the best. If you don’t have one, you can pullout the liners and drop in some hand warmers Or, dry the liners near a heater or fireplace.

You’re Awesome! 

Finally, I just want to reassure all ski moms and dads out there, whether you’re new to snowsports or not, if you are out there doing it, getting your little ones dressed, dealing with balky teens, improving your own skills, or whatever, you are far from failing.

Remember, you’re a brave ski mom or dad! And like all other moms and dads, you’re doing your best.

Enjoy every moment.

brave ski mom blandford mass
A Blandford, Massachusetts Ski Mom!

Do you have a question related to family or women’s skiing? Please ask!

If you’ve got any questions related to family or women’s skiing, I invite you to ask! 

You can also search over Braveskimom 800 posts (!) using key words.

Finally, if you want the world to know your status as a BSM, send me your address and I’ll send you some free stickers!


More Ski Mom Secrets:

  • How To Ski With Babies and Toddlers
  • Bravery 101: Chairlift Safety for Parents and Kids
  • Talk to Your Kids: Skiing Safely and Skiing Safety
  • Ski Safety: Know the Code From A to Z
  • What You Need to Know to Start Your Child Skiing or Snowboarding
  • What to Do With a Scared Skier
  • Do Kids Have to Ski Before They Ride?
  • Get Your Kids Ready for Ski and Ride School
  • Start Right: Eight Learn to Ski and Snowboard Tips
  • Tips for Your Best Family Ski Vacation Ever
  • Overcoming the Enemies of Fun Family Skiing
  • Fitting Kids Skis and Boots
  • How Do I Tell if My Kid’s Skis Fit? The Brave Ski Mom Gear Guide for Skis and Poles
  • Of Course You Should Put A Lid on Your Kid
  • Ski Helmet Safety Tips for Kids and Families
  • Ski Snacks
  • How Cold Is Too Cold For Skiing?

© 2015 – 2019, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.

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Filed Under: Equipment and Gear, Parenting, Skiing, Skiing With Kids Tagged With: Family Skiing, gear, ski, skiing

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Abc says

    November 4, 2015 at 9:46 am

    Thank you so much. I am actually looking forward to this season!

  2. Matt Warren says

    November 5, 2015 at 11:12 am

    Thanks for the helpful tips – the little ones are 3 and 5 this season. Here we go!

    • braveskimom says

      November 6, 2015 at 1:38 pm

      You’re off and running! Congratulations!

  3. Fahz says

    November 17, 2015 at 9:45 am

    Here’s tip #7: Look for school age passes! Often targeting 5/6th graders, they’ll save you a bundle!
    They may save a bundle. The school age passes require an adult purchasing a full price lift ticket and do not allow deals to be combined. Since the 5th/6th grader may be the cheapest ticket you save the least on their ticket. I advise keeping your eyes open and not settling on that unless you can’t find something better.

    • braveskimom says

      November 17, 2015 at 10:22 am

      Always good advice to shop around for deals!

      I can only speak to Colorado’s pass program (my first hand experience), but there is no requirement to purchase an adult ticket and the 5th grade pass offers a free first-time lesson for never-ever skiers and snowboarders.

      Requirements and deals vary in other states, I am sure!

      Thanks for your comment.

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I'm Kristen, a western Colorado mom, wife and trail boss in a busy outdoor family. Our family has a passion for skiing and my goal is to provide information to help other families enjoy their skiing adventures. Whether you have tiny toddlers just learning to slide or grown children with whom you're planning a reunion, you're in the right place. Cheers!

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