WHEN TO START SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
There never really is the perfect time to start your kids on either skis or a board. You may start them at seven years old and they absolutely shred the second they touch the snow. Or you might start them at three years old and they throw a tantrum for the next 10 years every time they’re at the snow. Kids are unpredictable, and the snow is the perfect environment for them to showcase this.
The snow can be a cold and uncomfortable place if you don’t have the right gear. The boots may be a little too tight and there could be a mystery hole in the jacket letting in all that chilling air. The skis are heavy and if you’re on a board you may find yourself on your bum all day. And yes, this all may sound like a disaster, but at the end of the day, when you’re at the snow all these worries kind of wash away when you manage to finally stick that hockey stop on skis or you eventually conquer a heel edge turn on the board.
From the age of three to about the age of twelve, I would cry every time my mum took me to the snow. I would find any excuse to make my way off the slopes and back on to the couch with a mug of hot milo. But, after my mum’s tenth attempt to get me on the skis successfully, I loved it. I finally understood that skiing was fun. The freedom, the speed, and most importantly, the cool ski instructor. The ski instructor makes all the difference. They can turn a bad day around so quickly. I was back to round one again when I started snowboarding at fourteen, but the tears weren’t so frequent as I knew that I’d eventually get it.
Perhaps that’s the hardest thing for kids and adults to tackle when they’re learning to ski or board. It’s so easy to think you’ll never get it. But, as the afternoon comes around you notice you’re not falling as much and your feet may hurt a little less.
For adults learning to ski or board for the first time, it can be daunting. There are four year olds whizzing past you and the bruises stick a little longer. But, after a lesson or two you come to learn how fun it can be. You’ve got to have a faith, and perhaps a little humility, to learn a completely new skill, and it is so rewarding when you do.
I’ve noticed that people’s moods can switch so quickly on the snow. One successful turn down the slope and it’s the best day ever. Still, this can go the other way as well, one small fall and it’s the worst day ever. The sport is truly unpredictable.
The more important advice I’d have for adults and parents starting their kids for the first time, is gear gear gear! Boots that fit right are going to be a true decider on how the day goes. And make sure your jacket, pants, gloves and socks are free of holes and are appropriate for the cold temperatures. Ski or snowboard lessons on those first few days are going make a world of difference. They’ll teach how to get up when you fall and make you get off the chairlift in one piece. I think the crucial part of making a great day is putting a chocolate bar in your pocket, trust me on this one. When you’re getting to the middle of your lesson and you’re feeling tired and defeated, that chocolate is going to really lift your spirits. It will make any kids day.
I can’t really speak on behalf of parents but I have seen kids at four loving the snow and I have seen kids at seven balling their eyes out, so you truly never know how your kid is going to react. You really won’t know until you give it a go.
There isn’t a perfect time or place for it to happen. But rest assured almost every kid loves the snow and will fall in love with the glide on top of it. Snow holidays will be something you can share for many years and make memories that will last a lifetime. Here is 10 good reasons to take the family on a ski trip to Nozawa Onsen; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/family-friendly-nozawa/
For any information on ski/snowboard rentals here in Nozawa check out; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/ski-gear-clothing-hire/
And if you’d like to book yourself or a kid in for a lesson head here; https://www.nozawaholidays.com/lesson-registration/