Whether you are a worrier by nature and feel apprehensive about what could go wrong with your little ones on the ski hill or whether you have a carefree approach and don’t think twice about a spontaneous ski trip with kids in tow – this short list is for you.
Keeping our youngest skiers and boarders safe is not only paramount to their well-being, but it helps ensure that they have a great time and enjoy the sport as well. Let’s go over a few simple tips to help keep your crew safe.
Make Sure Your Kids Wear a Helmet
This is our #1 safety tip for every skier or snowboarder regardless of age, ability or style – yep, that means you should be wearing a helmet too! Helmets help prevent head injuries most effectively in lower-speed crashes which makes them particularly effective in protecting kids.
The use of helmets for snow sports has risen significantly over the past 10 years until the point that protecting your brain – and your childrens’ – is the norm.
Before You Leave Home
Most of the simple preparations that help keep your kids safe are just as relevant for Mom and Dad, so here are a few quick tips for the whole family:
- Make sure you and your kiddos are dressed in layers to help you avoid getting cold or overheating. Check the forecast and be prepared for precipitation. If you aren’t sure what kind of layers are best then check out: What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding. **TIP: If your little ones are spending a lot of time with their hands in the snow be sure to pack an extra pair of mittens – cold, wet hands are painful and really put a damper on what should be a great experience!
- Protecting that young skin with sunscreen is essential as snow and ice reflect ultra-violet rays. Don’t let a winter sunburn tarnish the memories you and your family will be making: The Importance Of Sunscreen In The Winter: Northstar Dermatology: Dermatology
- Pack a small backpack and make sure you have water, snacks and maybe that extra pair of mittens we mentioned. Staying hydrated is important for everyone and a few snacks can do wonders for a tired kid or a bad mood. Check out our recommendations for the best ski and snowboarding backpacks!
Have a Plan in Case of Separation
It can happen so much faster than you think – a child disappears from view in a crowded lift line or accidentally turns down the wrong run. It sounds like every parent’s worst nightmare, to be searching for their child in a massive ski resort. So what can you do?
- If your kids are old enough, set a meeting place. Look at the resort map together and decide where you will meet should you become separated
- If your kids are younger, then the best rule of thumb is always for them to stay put as soon as they realize they are alone – basically, the ‘if you are lost hug a tree’ concept. That way you can retrace your last movements and be sure that your youngster is waiting nearby for you as opposed to you searching for a moving target.
- Make sure your kids have a note in their pocket with their name as well as the name and cell number of the responsible adult. Should anything happen, your child will always have your number – or in the unlikely event of an accident, the ski patrol will know who the child is and how to contact you. We recommend slipping the note in a plastic bag or covering it in clear tape.
Be Aware of Others
Even though it is the responsibility of more advanced skiers to watch out for leaners, it can be challenging, frustrating and dangerous if you have children randomly cutting across runs or unpredictably splitting off from the group’s direction. Help your kids learn to be aware of other skiers, and stick together.
Know Your Little One’s Limits
Today’s resorts offer an incredible range of terrain, but that doesn’t mean that you and your kids need to try all of it – at least not on day one. Use common sense, stay in control and don’t push your kids beyond their abilities. Skiing in too-difficult terrain increases the likelihood of an injury and is not the positive experience you want to be offering your young skier.
It isn’t only about the terrain. More accidents tend to happen when people get tired so be sure to plan enough breaks for your kids. For really young skiers and snowboarders you may find 3 hours at the hill to be much more fun and rewarding than trying to go all day long.
Safe Places to Learn
Nearly every ski hill has a designated area for learners. Usually, it is a short gradual run with a small T-lift or magic carpet to help children and first-time skiers get up and down without needing to use the chairlift. If you are learning how to ski yourself, or perhaps teaching a kid how to snowboard or ski then this is definitely the right place to start out.
Before you and your little rippers head out onto other runs, make sure your child(ren) have had a chance to practice and are good at steering, stopping and controlling their speed. If your little one isn’t quite there yet, then take it easy and stick to the learner hill for now.
The Ski Harness
If you have kids under 6 then a ski harness can be a great tool to help everyone stay safe, together and under control. The leash function is ideal for your first few longer descents and most harness backpacks also have a handle that helps with everything from keeping your little one close in crowded lineups to helping pull them up onto their feet after a tumble. Check out this video to see how useful a ski harness can be: KIDS HARNESS REVIEW // LEARNING KIDS TO SKI // LAUNC PAD HARNESS
A little bit of awareness and planning can make all the difference. Snow sports have a lot to offer the whole family and are wonderful activities for kids of all ages and abilities!