Taking the Kids 

Snow sports schools across the country are making it easier for kids to learn how to ski or snowboard. They are set up to teach a one or two-hour lesson or they can provide resources for the entire day. For information on helmuts see Lids on Kids..

Professional instructors will teach kids as young as three although most snow sports schools start at age four when children can go longer without a bathroom break. Day care facilities will take children as young as three outside for an hour or so to acquaint them with the surroundings. Some parents hire private instructors to get their kids started at age three Many resorts have day care facilities for babies, with some taking them as young as six weeks

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Photo Credit/Mountain Creek (Vernon, NJ)

 All day sessions are good options for younger children. They can be dropped off first thing in the morning and stay all day.  Lunch, snacks, and all-day babysitting are usually included and kids learn how to make their first turns.  Rental equipment and helmets may also be included.

Some children’s ski and snowboard schools provide rental equipment in the same facility. Others may have rental shops located a short walk away. Local specialty stores near where you live are recommended if you prefer to rent before going to the mountains. If your kids will be skiing or snowboarding multiple times during the winter, then seasonal leases should be considered. These generally include boots and skis/snowboards for the entire winter and are offered at most snow sports specialty shops.

Dressing properly is a key element for comfort. Many items of clothing may be in your child’s closet. If not, ski or snowboard shops – located both in cities and at the mountains - are good places to buy winter clothing. Be sure to provide your children with the essentials they need to stay warm and dry throughout the day. Children need waterproof, warm mittens or gloves.  Mittens work well for younger children.  Make sure that you or your child can put the mittens or gloves on and that they fit properly.

A neck gaiter protects skin from the wind and cold. Some styles feature a hood and neck gaiter combo. There are also versions that come with face masks for to protect more sensitive skin in colder weather. These items have breathing holes and are made of stretchy fleece or wool for warmth, comfort and extra wind resistance.

While not required in most states, helmets not only offer protection for a child’s head, they also are warm.

Goggles offer protection for the eyes and warmth as well. They can slip easily over a helmet. Goggles shield the eyes and face from wind and provide a shield from the snow or sun.

Children more sensitive to colder weather can benefit from hand and toe warmers that can be inserted into the glove or on top of socks in the boots for extra warmth. These are inexpensive, disposable inserts sold in resort shops around the country. Shop sales people can provide tips on how to use them.