Photo courtesy Park City Mountain Resort/Dan Campbell.
Don’t Skimp on Warmth
The 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!).
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.
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
I’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.
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?
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Thank you so much. I am actually looking forward to this season!
Thanks for the helpful tips – the little ones are 3 and 5 this season. Here we go!
You’re off and running! Congratulations!
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.
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.