About Skiing…
When can I start my kids on the snow? How do I
make it less stressful for me, the parent?
What are the top things to remember before you even attempt to get on
those damn mittens? Here they are,
answers from the parents of three-time Olympic alpine skier Erik Schlopy, my
husband, and NCAA champion Keri Schlopy Crockett (my sis-in-law).
Marny and Kent's tips:
1. SMALLER RESORTS/MOUNTAINS can lead to MORE
FUN for the whole family and keep more money in your wallet. We raised our kids
on amazing small hills in Buffalo, NY.
We would drop them off in the morning and pick them up at 4 p.m. This still a great option for families, and
there are several around the country.
For families just starting out, this is less expensive and much more
manageable.
2. Weather is by far the most important factor
with small children! Pick sunny and warm
days! If you have chosen a week vacation and the weather is cold and cloudy,
ski for short periods of time and take TONS of hot cocoa breaks.
3. Patience is KEY! Don't set your expectations
too high and don't think it is a failure if you have to cut the day short. Also, don't let your kids tell you what they
are going to wear with regards to helmet and gloves. Your policy should be no helmet/gloves, no
skiing. No exceptions. And be prepared to sit in the lodge until
they come around.
4. If this is your kids or your first time out,
GET LESSONS! For example, if your family
is planning on being on snow for a week, commit to three consecutive days of
lessons. (Note - during peak times you need to reserve lessons WELL in
advance!!) After the 3 days, you can play it by ear and give the family ski day
a try!
5. This one is from me, Summer. CANDY is MAGIC! The last thing you want to do
is make getting on all the gear super traumatic…so REWARD them with a little
candy. When the kids first started I
would put some in a baggy in my ski jacket.
Honestly, they only needed a couple and the tears were gone!
6. COMFORT is MOST IMPORTANT. When it comes to ski boots, make sure they
are comfortable and to make that happen, rent from someone who knows what they
are doing. If your kid says their foot
hurts…THEIR FOOT HURTS…trust them and try a different pair. When they get better, then you can worry
about performance! And whatever you do, DO NOT leave your boots in the car
over-night! Cold boots are almost impossible to get on!
7.CREATE A LIST! I have said this before. Make a list of everything you will need…and
check it several times. Also, pack each kid in a separate bag and check it before
and after a day of skiing. It is amazing
how many single gloves I have in my house.
8. PACK A LUNCH! Most resorts allow you to bring your own
food. Please take advantage of this if
you are on a budget. You can add to your
meal with a hot or cold beverage or desert but if your main meal is from home,
your wallet will thank you!
9. Dress in layers. Think about the difference in temperature
from the top of the hill compared to the bottom. You can always take layers off…but if you are
too cold, you are up a creek!
10. If you are heading to a major resort like
Park City or Deer Valley during a major holiday, reserve your skis ahead of
time. We didn't even know this until the
Peete family came to visit last year after Christmas. All the skis in the major shops were reserved
so we had to pull a favor to get them hooked up. Go online or call to get the family set up
with gear! And check to see if your resort will store them over-night for
you…makes your ski life much less stressful.
Most importantly, Kent says to have fun and not to worry if your
kids don't get it right away. When you
start them young, you are setting your family up for some amazing vacations and
adventures in the future!
