BASICS: How To Teach Your Toddler To Ski

Teaching your little groms how to ski doesn't have to be daunting. Check out Allie Ace's tips below.

Teaching your toddler to ski doesn’t have to be a daunting, extravagant, or expensive task. That’s right—you can get started in just a few hours, without a lot of travel or financial burden. To toddlers, everything in the world is new, including all of the gear. I recommend getting your little one used to wearing it in the comfort of your own home. This includes a snowsuit, helmet, goggles, mittens/gloves, face protection (neck warmer or buff), and boots. Here are some gear recommendations:

• Outerwear: It should be waterproof, as little ones love laying and playing in the snow. One-piece suits are great to keep the snow out.

• Helmets and Eye Protection: Helmets are a must, as toddlers’ center of balance is higher and motor control is still developing. Always wear a helmet to protect their head.

• Pro tip: Put it on at the car. Even walking through a slippery parking lot can be challenging, and it’s one less thing to carry. Proper eye protection is equally important, as young children have sensitive eyes.

Kids often resist wearing mittens or gloves at first. Get them used to this before hitting the slopes. They don’t realize that snow is wet and cold, which can make them uncomfortable. Teach them to keep their hands protected. Pulling the sleeves of their jacket over their mittens or gloves can help keep them on. Attaching the mittens or gloves with a string can prevent them from being dropped or lost.

• Boots: Ski boots can be uncomfortable and hard to walk in for most adults, let alone kids. Get your toddler used to wearing and walking in their ski boots around the house or yard. Practicing putting on their gear and wearing it will go a long way toward a successful first day at the hill.

Once your toddler is comfortable in their gear, it’s time to take them outside into a winter environment. The cold temperature and wind on the mountain can affect a child more than an adult, as toddlers are still learning how to self-regulate. Get them used to being outside and playing in the snow. Keep exposure times short and make it fun.

I’m not a proponent of extrinsic rewards like candy or toys, but this article isn’t focused on parenting philosophy. I prefer to promote intrinsic motivation. Kids naturally aim to please their parents. Enthusiasm and encouragement can go a long way in helping your child love the sport.

How to teach your toddler to ski...

Pro Tip: Hot Coco and gummy bears are always helpful in making sure you keep their day special.

On to the Skis

Now that your little one is comfortable in their gear in an outdoor winter environment, it’s time to put on their skis. This doesn’t need to be done at a ski resort yet; it can be done in your yard or at a local park. For really young kids (under 2), plastic skis with regular snow boots work. As soon as they can walk, they can begin learning to slide. (You could even start indoors to teach them how to put the skis on and take them off if you have carpet and space.)

Begin with one ski on each foot and have them walk around on flat ground to get used to the sensation of sliding on snow. Teach them to balance and glide, like riding a scooter. Kids are visual learners, so it helps if you can demonstrate and participate with them. Teach them to turn their ski by pointing their foot in the direction they want to go (e.g., “Point your toes toward the trees”). Get them used to turning their legs by walking in a circle or making a figure eight. Repeat this on each leg.

Putting the Skis On and Taking Them Off

• To put the ski on: Balance on one foot, clean off the bottom of the boot, point the toe of the boot, and insert it into the toe piece. Line up the heel and stomp it down to secure it.

• To take the ski off: Press down on the heel piece with your other foot or hand and lift the boot out of the binding.

• To get up: Orient the skis across the hill, bring both feet together and below you, use your hands to push off the ground, press down under your toes and squat up to a standing position.

Ensuring that they have a good experience is a great way to ensure that they will want to ski again... aka more skiing for you!

Moving On to Two Skis

When your child is comfortable sliding around with one ski on each leg, they’re ready for two skis. Repeat all of the above steps with both skis on. Repetition is key. This may take a long time at first, but it will be worth the effort when you head to the resort. Once they’re comfortable, teach them how to skate, side-step, and make a wedge.

• Skating: Make a V-shape with the skis, bring the knees together to tip both skis on the inside edge, push off one ski to glide, and waddle like a duck or penguin.

• Side-step: To go uphill, point the skis across the hill in a parallel position, direct both knees up the hill to tip the skis on edge, and step off one foot and onto the other. Balance before lifting the other ski to match, and take small steps.

• Wedge: Internally rotate both legs simultaneously—point the toes together and heels outward. Bring the knees towards each other to tip both skis on their inside edge for grip. Push the shins into the front of the boots for balance. Make sure the skis don’t cross. Not all kids associate this with “making a pizza,” so ask your child what it looks or feels like to them.

Once they are comfortable with the basic moves, they can practice side-stepping up a small hill, gliding downhill, and making a wedge to stop. Kids need to learn how to stop on command to avoid obstacles and stay in control.

Pro Tip: If your child has trouble balancing while moving, tell them to put their hands on their knees. This directs their center of mass forward over their base of support. 

Patience and Practice

The steps outlined above may take days, weeks, or even months, depending on your child. However, all that effort will pay off when you head to the slopes. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!

At the Resort

At the resort, teach them the Skier’s Responsibility Code for safety. If you are on resort property, be sure to get a lift ticket and understand the risk. Edgie wedgies and leashes can be useful training tools, but they should not become crutches or used beyond beginner zones. For extra help, consider hiring an instructor who specializes in working with young children. Private lessons offer the best personalized attention for your child. Don’t expect perfection—there will be good days, and better ones.